2017 Porsche 911 RSR racer adopts mid-engined layout

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While it may look familiar from the outside, Porsche has given its new 911 RSR an overhaul, with the model now adopting a mid-engined layout, superseding its predecessor’s rear-engined configuration.

Porsche Motorsport head, Frank-Steffen Walliser said the new car’s re-engineering is the biggest in the history of the GT racer. Everything from the suspension, body structure, aerodynamic concept, engine and transmission has been redesigned from scratch.

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The decision to change to a mid-engined configuration was taken to improve the car’s competitiveness on the circuit. While the traditional rear-engined layout was very effective in putting power down to the road or track surface, the car’s rear weight bias created pendulum effects on the chassis and was harsh on its rear tyres.

With the revised weight distribution, the new layout is also said to offer packaging advantages for a new, larger and more aggressive rear diffuser. Together with a top-mounted rear wing borrowed from the 919 Hybrid LMP1 racer, the 2017 911 RSR has more downforce for improved stability while cornering and braking.

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The 911 RSR uses a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six, direct-injected engine producing 375kW directed to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox with a three-disc clutch, housed in a magnesium gearbox casing.

Inside, the driver’s seat is now rigidly mounted to the chassis, with an adjustable pedal box to compensate for differing driver’s height.

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Porsche says the car’s serviceability has also been considerably improved, with entire elements of the carbon fibre body completely exchangeable in a very short time, courtesy of clever quick-release fasteners. Same goes with the suspension.

Porsche will be fielding the 911 RSR in the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship.

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