Page 1 of 2 Next >> For many years Porsche 911 derivatives dominated what is today the GTE class. Cars from other manufacturers did score the odd victory but those were clearly exceptions to the rule. With the introduction of the Ferrari F430 in 2006 the balance gradually started to shift and with the arrival of more manufacturers, the Porsche gradually lost its leading position. Especially thanks to the cars' rock solid reliability, the 911s did continue to score good results in the long distance events.
Among the reasons why the '997' model was losing competitiveness was the relatively short wheelbase. Another weakness was the radiator configuration of the road car with two small radiators mounted on the front corners ahead of the wheels. Although easily damaged in case of even a small accident, the rules dictated these should be retained and used. This resulted in many early retirements for the 997 with what looked like only superficial damage. These issues were addressed while developing the seventh generation, or '991', of the 911, which was launched in 2012.
Compared to the outgoing model, the all-new 911 featured a 10 cm longer wheelbase and just a single radiator, mounted centrally in the nose. Needless to say, these features were incorporated in the new 911 RSR developed for the 2013 season. A distinct difference compared to the road going 911 was the use of double-wishbone suspension at the front instead of the McPherson struts fitted on the standard car. In order to reduce weight the car was completely stripped and many of the separate body panels like the doors were replaced with carbon-fibre pieces. A full-width rear wing was also part of the package.
The only major component carried over from the outgoing 911 GT3 RSR was the tried and trusted engine. This was partly due to save resources but also because the new GT3 road car engine, with direct injection, was not yet homologated. The all-aluminium unit displaced just under four litres and breathing through 29.3 mm restrictors, it produced around 460 bhp. The flat six engine was bolted to a newly developed six-speed sequential gearbox. This was actuated by paddles behind the steering wheel. Fully assembled, the car tipped the scales at the mandatory minimum weight of 1245 kg. Page 1 of 2 Next >>
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For many years Porsche 911 derivatives dominated what is today the GTE class. Cars from other manufacturers did score the odd victory but those were clearly exceptions to the rule. With the introduction of the Ferrari F430 in 2006 the balance gradually started to shift and with the arrival of more manufacturers, the Porsche gradually lost its leading position. Especially thanks to the cars' rock solid reliability, the 911s did continue to score good results in the long distance events.