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Porsche took the wraps off the new 911 R at the Geneva Motor Show, unveiling the most hotly anticipated variant in a generation. On paper, the 911 R sounds like a mishmash of parts from the rest of the range. But crucially, these are the best bits. Porsche have taken the 4.0 naturally aspirated flat-six from the hardcore GT3 RS, added a trick, manual gearbox (no flappy paddles here) and somehow made it the lightest model in the line-up. This really is a 911 for the purist.

The race-inspired engine produces 493bhp at 8250rpm, whilst 339lb ft of torque is produced at a relatively high 6250rpm. From a standing start, the car clatters through the 100 km/h barrier in 3.8 seconds, running out of puff at 201mph. To put that power down, the 911 R gets a mechanical limited-slip differential, real-wheel steering sharpens the handling, and carbon-ceramic brakes are standard.

Porsche 911 R

Bonnet and wings are made of carbon and the roof is magnesium. Rear windscreen and rear side windows consist of lightweight plastic. Sound deadening material has been removed from the interior and the rear seat has been junked. The air con and audio system have also fell victim to the R’s intense diet.

Porsche 911 R

The driver gets a carbon full bucket seat with fabric centre panels in tartan design, a homage to the original 911 R from the 1960s. The lucky driver gets to grips with a unique R-specific, steering wheel. Whilsy in the the remainder of the cabin, the spartan theme continues, with carbon trim strips throughout the cabin. An embedded aluminium badge on the front passenger’s side identifies the serial number of the limited edition.

Porsche is planning to make a run of just 991 cars. It is priced at £136,901, but rumours abound that they have all been snapped up already.

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Chris, known as Cess on the forums, is a long time RMS member. He is a fervent motorsports enthusiast and lover of all things automotive. He can be found on the ditches of most Irish rallies, at Mondello watching drifting or in front of the TV watching motorbike racing.