If you think Porsche 911, you think rear-engined, right? Well, the German automaker has just revealed the Porsche 911 RSR, which features a (gasp) mid-engine layout.
The new FIA World Endurance Championship racer – revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show – will make its debut at the Daytona 24-hour race in January 2017, one of 19 expected outings that would total more than 140 hours of racing.
Shifting the 375 kW 4,0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six ahead of the rear axle has allowed the designers to install a particularly large rear diffuser. Combined with a top-mounted rear wing nabbed from the LMP1-spec 919 Hybrid, the level of downforce and the aerodynamic efficiency have apparently been “significantly improved”.
Of course, the change in engine layout has compelled Porsche to redevelop countless other components, including the suspension, powertrain and body.
Interestingly, the Le Mans-spec 911 RSR also features a radar-supported collision warning system, which the Germans call a “Collision Avoid System”. This detects faster LMP prototypes nice and early so that “misunderstandings can be avoided” out on the track.
Overall, an interesting move from Porsche considering Audi recently announced its withdrawal from FIA WEC racing…
