RSR – AUSmotive.com

Detroit 2011: Porsche 918 RSR

The Porsche 918 RSR has just been revealed at the Detroit Auto Show. Its body is based on the 918 Spyder, its power inspired by the 911 GT3 R Hybrid.

Here’s some headline stats for the 918 RSR. It has a petrol powered V8 engine, which produces 560hp at a massive 10,300rpm. This is joined by a pair of electric motors powering the front wheels. Each engine offers 102hp each. Those quick with their sums will have already worked out that’s a combined total of 767hp.

In addition to the beautiful shape and profile of this car, we can probably expect it to be earning its stripes at the NÃ¼rburgring 24 hour race in June this year. It will no doubt compete in other events, too, as more categories welcome hybrid powered entries. Perhaps, more excitingly, though, is the expectation that a road going 918 CoupÃ© will be produced in the near future, as well.

The official press release is now available after the break, along with a selection of screen grabs captured during the live webcast. Also now available are 12 wallpaper-friendly 2000px super images and a couple of official promo clips.

2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

If you had the cash, a 911 GT3 RSR would have to be right up there as the track-day weapon of choice. Of course, the cost, at around AU$750K, is pretty high, so only captains of industry need apply. Anyway…

This new RSR has a fully revised 4.0 litre engine. It seems a bit odd seeing a 911 with an engine capacity that isnâ€™t 3.x litres, but who am I to argue. I certainly wouldnâ€™t be complaining about the 331kW on offer, although peak torque is not especially high at 430Nm (7250rpm). All the same, with a 9400rpm redline and an approximate weight of 1245kg (FIA-spec) youâ€™ll be sure to progress rapidly enough.

Porsche says peak revs are down from the previous RSR and this has improved the torque curve which has, in turn, improved driveability. Great news if you need to pop down to the shops in your RSR to pick up a litre of milk.

Apart from the excessivly flared rear guards, the most striking feature of the latest RSR iteration are the louvres on the bonnet. Apart from aiding the RSRâ€™s aerodynamic and cooling capabilities there is the added bonus of keeping your briefcase at optimum temperature. The car just looks the business, and I can only imagine the joy one would experience if you were to be let loose in one of these on an empty racetrack.

Porsche is getting into the spirit of Australia Day by giving the 911 GT3 RSR its world debut at Sebring International Raceway on Monday, 26 January, as part of the three-day American Le Mans Series Winter test.

Around 20 new RSRs are already on their way to some of Porscheâ€™s dearest customers, although it looks like AUSmotive may have to wait some time yet for our order to be fulfilled. And tonightâ€™s lotto numbers are…