Skip advert
Advertisement

Porsche 911 RSR races at Le Mans

A Porsche factory team is back in world endurance racing and the Le Mans 24 hours with new 911 RSR racing car

Porsche will race at Le Mans this year for the first time since 1998 with its new 2013 911 RSR. It’s based on the company’s seventh-generation 911 model, the 991. The GT racer will be joined in 2014 by the company’s attempt to seal overall victory in the Prototype class. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Two cars will be entered as a part of official factory outfit Team in the World Endurance Championship’s LM-GTE class. The number 50 will decorate both cars to celebrate the Porsche 911's 50th birthday

The RSR carries over an optimised version of the 4-litre flat-six engine used in the previous 997-generation 911 RSR, now producing 454bhp, up from 449bhp. Power will be channeled through a lightweight six-speed gearbox supplied by Porsche Motorsport and operated via steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. 

Besides improvements to the powertrain, development focused on improving weight distribution and lowering the centre of gravity, while the wheelbase is nearly 100mm longer. One of #92 car’s drivers, Austrian Richard Lietz, has commented that the weight bias has shifted further towards the front, making the car more predictable especially over difficult undulating sections of track like that of Sebring. Lietz will be paired with German Marc Lieb, as they were when competing in the 2012 WEC.

Filling out the works team’s lineup are Joerg Bergmeister of Germany and Patrick Pilet of France who will drive the #91 sister car.

The first race on the 2013 WEC calendar is Silverstone on April 14, with the 2013 Le Mans 24 hours taking place on June 22 to 23.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Porsche 911 (992.2) 2025 review – the 911 for the digital age
Porsche 911 Carrera (992.2) – front
In-depth reviews

Porsche 911 (992.2) 2025 review – the 911 for the digital age

The 992-generation 911 has taken time to reveal its character, but it’s evolved into a sports car with enormous breadth and ability
6 May 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Used Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk5, 2004 - 2009) review – one of the best VWs of the last 30 years
VW Golf GTI Mk5 front
In-depth reviews

Used Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk5, 2004 - 2009) review – one of the best VWs of the last 30 years

Volkswagen's quintessential hot hatch saw a stunning return to form in Mk5 guise. It’s aged like a fine wine and is an appreciating modern classic tod…
2 Sep 2025
Boxster and Cayman are dead – Porsche’s sweet-spot sports cars axed
Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4
News

Boxster and Cayman are dead – Porsche’s sweet-spot sports cars axed

The ultimate goldilocks sports cars of our time finally bow out. The segment has lost its all-time great benchmarks
2 Sep 2025
Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI – VW’s small hot hatch will keep the name you know
Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI
News

Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI – VW’s small hot hatch will keep the name you know

The ID. Polo GTI represents a new strategy from Volkswagen, of bringing back names we know and love for future electric models
3 Sep 2025