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Porsche builds a mid-engined 911 RSR for endurance racing

Porsche breaks with decades of tradition and builds a racing 911 that doesn't hang its engine out behind the rear axle.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
Porsche 911 RSR endurance racer
1 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET

Porsche pulled the wraps off of the new 911 RSR endurance race car.

Porsche 911 RSR endurance racer
2 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET

However, there's more than meets the eye here. The new RSR breaks from 911 tradition and moves the engine amidships.

Porsche 911 RSR endurance racer
3 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET

This may not seem like a lot, but it's a wild departure from the 911's longstanding rear-engine layout.

Porsche 911 RSR endurance racer
4 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET

By moving the engine inboard, the RSR gains better weight distribution and room is freed up for a massive rear diffuser.

Porsche 911 RSR endurance racer
5 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET

Behind the wheels are aluminum monoblock brakes that are fed cool air by dedicated vents.

Porsche 911 RSR endurance racer
6 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET

In addition to the diffuser, a new rear spoiler has been added that is inspired by the 919 LMP1 prototype racer.

Porsche 911 RSR endurance racer
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The 911 RSR's 4.0-liter flat-six engine makes up to 510 horsepower depending on the restrictor required by the racing series.

Porsche 911 RSR endurance racer
8 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET

Two examples are being built to compete in endurance racing, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Daytona 24 Hours.

Porsche 911 RSR endurance racer
9 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET

Porsche 911 RSR endurance racer
10 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET

Porsche 911 RSR endurance racer
11 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET

Porsche 911 RSR endurance racer
12 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET

Porsche 911 RSR endurance racer
13 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET

Porsche 911 RSR endurance racer
14 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET

Porsche 911 RSR endurance racer
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Porsche 911 RSR endurance racer
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Porsche 911 RSR endurance racer
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Porsche 911 RSR endurance racer
18 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET

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