SPIED: Porsche 911 R goes testing sans camouflage

Earlier this month, automotive portals around the world started whispering rumours about a back-to-basics, no-nonsense variant of the 991-generation Porsche 911 that’s slated for introduction in 2016. Now, our European spy photographers have captured solid evidence of said car’s existence – enter the Porsche 911 R.

On the surface, the prototype appears to have been layered with the barest of camouflage – which would be an unnecessary move in the first place considering how recognisable the 911’s shape is. As a result, not much has changed with the prototype sporting the familiar wheels seen on its 911 GT3 stablemate.

Previous reports surrounding the Porsche 911 R’s looks described it as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” kind of car – expect the GT3’s massive rear wing to go missing, then. So while the car may end up looking like a mildly spiced up base Carrera, the 911 R should pack one heck of a punch thanks to strong reports of it utilising the 911 GT3’s high-revving, naturally-aspirated 3.8 litre flat-six engine.

Power figures remained unconfirmed but said mill in the GT3 puts out a total of 475 hp at 8,250 rpm and 440 Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm. Also, the Porsche 911 R is heavily rumoured to arrive with a seven-speed manual transmission and nothing else. Yes, you read that right – in a nutshell, the Porsche 911 R will arrive with a naturally-aspirated engine and a good ol’ stick shift.

The Porsche 911 R is also expected to feature skinnier tyres which should result in a car that’s more likely to indulge the driver in plenty of oversteering antics due to the inherent lack of grip. Echoing the original 911 R from the 60s, expect the modern reboot to weigh significantly less than its Carrera counterparts – a closer peak at some of the spyshots reveal a roll cage in place of the rear seats.

As mentioned, the Porsche 911 R is expected to make its debut early next year with the 2016 Geneva Motor Show pegged as the ideal venue. Prices for the car remain a mystery along with its production count – several sources are claiming that it will be limited to around 600 units while others are adamant that it will be placed into full scale production for as long as Porsche sees fit.

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