2013 Porsche 911 RSR revealed

The 2013 World Endurance Championship kicks off in two weeks time with the 6 Hours of Silverstone. It’s timely then that Porsche has revealed its brand new 911 RSR which will compete in the series.

Based on the 991 911, the extra 100mm in its wheelbase has given the new RSR has a lower centre of gravity and better weight distribution than its predecessor. Although, this new model re-uses the 460hp 4.0 litre flat six from the 2012 car, with Porsche saying its performance has since been “optimised in detail”.

To aid quick repairs many of the body panels feature a quick release system which, in theory, allows for shorter pit stop times if repairs are needed.

Porsche, through its association with Manthey Racing, will be racing a pair of 911 RSRs throughout the WEC season, including Le Mans. In the 24 hour classic the #91 car will be driven by Marc Lieb (Germany), Richard Lietz (Austria) and Romain Dumas (France). Its sister #92 car will be crewed by Joerg Bergmeister (Germany), Patrick Pilet (France) and Timo Bernhard (Germany).

Next year, of course, Porsche will be hoping to end Audi’s recent dominance of endurance racing by chasing outright victory at Le Mans. We’ll have a little more on that later.

Porsche 911 RSR

Consequent lightweight design for 50th anniversary

Stuttgart. Porsche has developed a new GT race car for the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the Le Mans 24 Hours. The new 911 RSR is characterised by consequent lightweight design and sophisticated aerodynamics. The exceptional vehicle styling honours a very special anniversary: From a bird’s eye perspective, the numbers 50 and 911 are visible. These stand for 50 years of the Porsche 911. The Porsche AG Team Manthey works squad exclusively fields two Porsche 911 RSR in the 2013 season.

The new 911 RSR, which is based on the seventh generation of the iconic 911 sports car, follows in the footsteps of its successful predecessor, the 911 GT3 RSR. As with the production vehicle, the wheelbase grew by about ten centimetres. A new wishbone front suspension replaces the previously used McPherson struts. Another new development from Porsche Motorsport is the particularly lightweight racing gearbox. The six gears are selected via paddles on the steering wheel. The 460 hp, 4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine was taken from the predecessor and optimised in detail.

One of the priorities in the development of the new 911 RSR was the more evenly balanced weight distribution. The centre of gravity is also significantly lower than that of its predecessor. Carbon fibre played a crucial role in the new design. The front and rear mudguards, front and rear lids, doors, underbody, wheel arches, rear wing, dashboard and centre console are constructed from the very light and strong material. Moreover, all windows are made of particularly thin and light polycarbonate. Also contributing to the weight reduction is the lithium-ion battery known from the GT road-legal models.

The look of the new 911 RSR is dominated by the flared mudguards and the deep cooling air intakes at the front. With the new air ducting, the radiator is now centrally-located in the front and even more effective than in the previous model. At the same time, the cockpit air conditioning became more efficient. The quick-change concept of the body parts was specially adapted for endurance racing, allowing for easier maintenance and shorter repair times. The front end, front lid and rear panel are fitted with quick release systems and can be replaced within seconds.

Competing in the Porsche 911 RSR with starting number 92 are Porsche works drivers Marc Lieb (Germany) and Richard Lietz (Austria), who already shared a cockpit in the 2012 WEC. At the first two races of the season in Silverstone (14.4) and Spa (4.5) as well as at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (22.6), they receive support from their works driver colleague Romain Dumas (France). Factory pilots also drive the #91 sister car, with Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) and Patrick Pilet (France) making up a team. In Silverstone, Spa and Le Mans, the duo is joined by Timo Bernhard (Germany).