Small but crucial changes could be on the way for Porsche‘s next GTE-class race car.
A new report from SportsCar365 suggests Porsche is developing its next-generation race car, which is currently based on the 911. Set to debut in 2017, we’ll see some significant changes – most notably the relocation of the engine.
Now, this doesn’t mean the 911 will become a front-engined sports car. Quite the opposite, in fact – Porsche reportedly proposed to the FIA a mid-rear engine concept in the name of better balance. Whether or not this comes into fruition remains to be seen, since Porsche would need a technical waiver due to the 911 RSR’s layout differing from the road car.
“You always have to discuss your concept with the FIA and get the feedback from them to see if it fits,” Dr. Frank-Steffen Wallister, the head of Porsche’s motorsports division, said. “New ideas and innovative ideas get feedback if it can be homologated or not. This is the process.”
Wallister said Porsche did plan on introducing a unique mid-engine GTE-class car, but ultimately decided to stick with the 911. There’s no word yet on what will be under the hood, though on-track testing will kick off in the middle of 2016.
