Porsche 911 R

The new six-speed ‘box, a Porsche design manufactured by ZF, was also lighter than its PDK alternative. The lightened gearbox with a single-mass flywheel, coupled with a titanium exhaust, carbon fibre front fenders, decklids, and magnesium roof, all borrowed from the GT3 RS, allowed Porsche to shave the 911 R’s kerb weight down to 1,370 kilograms, around 50 kilograms lighter than the GT3 RS. If that wasn’t slim enough, the air conditioning and stereo systems could also be deleted.

Other special features borrowed from the GT3 RS include standard carbon ceramic brakes, electronically boosted, rack-and-pinion all-wheel steering, and fully adjustable anti-roll suspension fitted with dampers better suited for road use. The tall GT3 wing spoiler had been replaced with an underbody rear diffuser for high-speed stability and a purer appearance.

Produced in November 2016, the Porsche 911 R offered here is presented as a well-preserved example. Numbered 709 of just 991 units produced globally, the car shows a mere 199 kilometres on its odometer at the time of cataloguing. A French-market example, it is presented in code “0Q” white with red 911 R stripes and a black leather interior, with GT Silver stitching and houndstooth fabric inserts. All 911 Rs were equipped with sport bucket seats borrowed from the 918 Spyder that were framed in leather with retro-inspired houndstooth fabric inserts.

Specified with performance in mind, serial number 709 is an “air-conditioning delete” model with a lightweight lithium-ion battery, Sport Chrono package, front-axle lift system, extended-range 90-litre fuel tank, and the all-important, single-mass lightened flywheel with reinforced clutch. Passenger comforts have not been forgotten, however, as this well-appointed example includes automatically dimming, rain-sensing mirrors, Porsche Communication Management with navigational capability, cruise control, and a Bose Surround Sound Stereo System with Bluetooth capability.

Designed to be the ultimate driver’s car, while still maintaining Porsche’s signature soul, the 911 R excels on the open road at speed, providing its fortunate driver and passenger with the performance one has come to expect from Porsche’s best cars. With coveted options and less than 200 kilometres on its odometer, serial number 709 provides an excellent avenue into experiencing the thrills of owning what is already an iconic 911.