Porsche 911 GT3 R Rennsport Debuts With 612 HP And $1 Million Price Tag

Porsche has revealed a new limited edition track weapon based on the Porsche 911 GT3 R. It's called the 911 GT3 R Rennsport and is aimed at enthusiasts who desire a razor-sharp driving tool.

As you would expect from something based on a race car, the Rennsport has a remarkably powerful engine. However, this limited model doesn't have to adhere to the stringent motorsport homologation rules. A 4.2-liter flat-six engine produces a healthy 612 horsepower, translating to 145 hp per liter. Porsche notes the GT3 R Rennsport is more potent than the regular 911 GT 3 R, which is subject to "Balance of Performance" rules.

The motor revs all the way up to 9,400 rpm and has been designed to run on E25 fuels. This allows the Porsche to operate on bio-ethanol fuels, reFuel, and regeneratively produced e-fuels. We assume Porsche's eFuel will work with the flat-six motor. Interestingly, the pistons and camshafts have been designed to deliver improved performance when running on E25 fuels. Porsche notes the engine can run on regular fuels, too.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via the sequential six-speed constant-mesh transmission, which has been lifted from the 911 GT3 R, albeit with some alterations. The driver runs through the gears via steering wheel paddles that operate an electronic gearshift actuator. The ratios of the fourth, fifth, and sixth gears are the same as the Daytona setup of the racing car.

In sixth gear, at 9,000 rpm, the GT3 R Rennsport's top speed is 12.4 mph faster than the vehicle on which it's based. The Porsche is offered with three racing exhaust systems. An unsilenced version comprises centrally located twin tailpipes that provide an "authentic and extremely emotional" sound. However, if your local racetrack has noise restrictions, two quieter versions are equipped with catalytic converters and silencers.

The engine is only part of the story. As a track car, well-chosen chassis and suspension tuning is essential. Porsche fans will be pleased to know the chassis is near-identical to the GT3 race car.

The front axle utilizes a double-wishbone suspension layout, while the rear employs a multi-link suspension setup. Adjustable racing shock absorbers from KW are part of the package and boast a blow-off function.

As for the braking system, the 911 GT3 R Rennsport uses an aluminum monobloc system from AP with brake pads. The pads are equipped with titanium backing plates, reducing unsprung weight by approximately 2.2 lbs. Porsche has gone to great lengths to trim the fat off the Rennsport. The new FT3.5 safety tank is 2.2 lbs lighter than the outgoing version, while the air conditioning system has been removed.

The driver is kept cool with the seat cooling function first seen in the 911 GT3 R. All in all, Porsche is aiming for a curb weight of 2,733 lbs. Michelin Pilot Sport M S9 tires provide the 911 GT3 R Rennsport with plenty of grip. Interestingly, these tires are offered exclusively for the new model.

Regarding design, only the roof and hood have been borrowed from the GT3 R. The front end, for example, has been designed to be as aerodynamic as possible, with revised cooling air intakes and ducts. The side fins and flics now have a side cowl border, which protects the vehicle from damage.

Porsche has removed the side mirrors and replaced them with cameras. The result is a more aerodynamic shape, with the cameras integrated into the bodywork. The rear wing is the most essential part of the Porsche's aerodynamic arsenal. Designers looked to the iconic Brumos Porsche 935/77 for inspiration, resulting in a handsome rear-end that's both retro and modern.

A lightbar spans the width of the rear fascia. Just lower down, the rear bumper does without paneling or grille covers, reducing weight even further. Lastly, BBS center-locking 18-inch wheels lend the GT3 R Rennsport extra flair and look great in their standard Dark Silver Metallic.

Porsche will offer the limited edition 911 GT3 R Rennsport with an Agate Grey Metallic body shell and pure carbon bodywork. Seven colors and three exclusive paintwork designs will be offered for those who want a custom look.

A Rennsport Reunion Design uses traditional Porsche motorsport hues. Laguna Seca's Corkscrew corner has inspired the graphics. The Flacht Design uses the red and white colors favored by Porsche Motorsport and highlights the flared fenders. Lastly, there's the Speed Icon Design, which uses different shades of blue. This design accents the width of the 911 GT3 R Rennsport.

The stripped-out interior has zero traces of luxury or comfort. The FIA-certified roll cage means there's only space for a driver's seat, but there is ambient lighting that matches the color-adjustable headlights. With a price tag of $1,046,000, the Rennsport is for incredibly wealthy gearheads.

Even if you have that sort of money lying around, there's no guarantee you'll get one, as Porsche is limiting production to just 77 units.