2018 Porsche 911 (991) RSR #92 Pilots: M. Christensen, K. Estre, L. Vanthoor Team: Porsche GT Team Race: 15th overall (1st in LMGTE-Pro class) at Le Mans in 2018 Spark - 43LM93 (resin)
Published 07/09/19
As always, race car design is based on race regulations. And since now GTE cars can use massive rear diffusers, the engine slightly forward allows one. In fact, the need of a diffuser was one of the justifying reasons for the 911 RSR. A rear diffuser greatly impacts aerodynamics, so to not have one would be a big disadvantage. Therefor, the new car had to be “mid-engined”. Also, the new placement of the engine permits a huge top mounted rear wing, improving rear down-force. And due to the massive changes in the rear, the front aero package had to be totally new. All in all, the aerodynamics in general are much better than what the GT3 RSR offered. To the point that the 911 RSR will be faster on straights and more fuel-efficient.
The engine is a 24 valves boxer-6 with direct fuel injection and water-cooling. Displacing 4000 cm³ and naturally aspirated, (with restrictors) it delivers 510 hp. All those horses land on the tarmac via a six-speed sequential gearbox. The chassis and safety cage are completely unique, and the racing seat is rigidly fixed to the chassis. Body panels, an all-carbon-fiber affair of course, can be easily swapped if necessary because of a quick release system. It also got a radar-supported collision warning system (“Collision Avoid System”) that warns the pilot if another car is getting close. So if a faster LMP car is about to overtake, the pilot will know beforehand. All that with a curb weight of just 1243 kg. Here you can see a nice video where Porsche shows the highlights of the 911 RSR.
After a not-stellar debut at La Sarthe in 2017, for 2018 Porsche got serious. The works team had four cars, plus six more privateers in the LMGTE-Am class. In fact, these 10 are ALL the 911 RSR that Porsche produced for 2018. And the all-out attack payed off: first and second place in Pro and first place in Am class. However, car #92 is special for another reason. Not just because it was first in the LMGTE-Pro class, but because of the livery. Before the race Porsche held a ballot and RSR #92 earned the Pink Pig livery. So 47 years later the Pink Pig finally won Le Mans.
I watched the race, and I was praying that somebody would make this car in scale. In the end of the year news reached collectors that Spark would make it. I was totally ecstatic, and suffered with anticipation until I got mine. However, the release was a bit tumultuous. The model was even available at La Sarthe on race weekend, but without the complete livery. These ones went for absurd prices on eBay afterwards, but fortunately early this year a regular edition came out. Took a few months but I finally got my RSR #92. Just as good as my Rothmans #91, making a beautiful pair.