Month: November 2023

Acknowledging the rich history of hidden headlamps, we delve into the nostalgic era that birthed this iconic feature. The Cord 810 of 1935 pioneered hidden headlamps, followed by Alfa Romeo’s custom 8C example in 1936 and the unforgettable Buick Y-Job in 1938. Pop-up headlamps, the most popular concealing mechanism in their history, graced automobiles until 2004, when safety concerns led to their extinction. The Lotus Esprit V8 and the fifth-gen Corvette were the last series-production cars to feature this unique lighting system.

Venturing into German automotive history, the 930-series 911 Slantnose, known as Flachbau in Germany, emerges as a notable figure. Initially available through the Special Order Program and later directly from the factory starting in 1987, the Flachbau styling package officially debuted in 1981. With a total of 948 finished units, including 160 in the United States, the 930-series Flachbau has become highly collectible. Pixel artist Glen Cordle pays homage to this classic with renderings of a red 992-series Turbo S adorned with the beloved pop-up headlamps, showcasing a seamless fusion of heritage and contemporary design.

The visual drama is accentuated by louvers on the front fenders, a retro wing at the rear, and classic side air intakes. The Exclusive Manufaktur 20-inch and 21-inch wheels, priced at $2,490, complete the distinctive look. However, enthusiasts longing for the return of pop-up headlamps face disappointment, as safety regulations outlawed them over two decades ago. The complexity they add to already intricate vehicles, coupled with potential nighttime failures, led to their demise.

Comparing the 992 Neunelfer in Turbo S attire to its 930 predecessor reveals stark differences beneath the surface. The 992 boasts a more potent flat-six engine, an advanced all-wheel-drive system, and a dual-clutch transmission, marking a significant evolution from the original. While special editions like the 911 S/T and 911 GT3 RS may command higher prices, the 911 Turbo S stands as the pinnacle of road-going Neunelfer, retailing at $230,400 in the US. With a remarkable 2.6 seconds for the 0-60 mph sprint and a top speed of 205 mph, it reigns supreme.

Anticipating even greater speed, the upcoming mid-cycle refresh of the 992 will introduce hybrid assistance. The 992.2 Turbo S is poised to unleash between 700 and 800 metric horsepower, entering the realm of supercars like the McLaren Artura and Ferrari 296. The legacy of the 911 Turbo S continues to evolve, blending the allure of pop-up headlamps with cutting-edge performance in a celebration of Porsche’s iconic heritage.

Porsche’s 911 GT3 RS, often regarded as the spiritual successor to the iconic Widowmaker, is poised to make history with the assistance of Manthey Racing. As the 992 series lacks a new GT2 RS version, the collaboration between Porsche and Manthey aims to set a new benchmark at the Nurburgring (Nordschleife) with the 911 GT3 RS MR.

Striking Aerodynamics

The latest iteration of the 911 GT3 RS MR exhibits notable upgrades, including a redesigned apron, the absence of flaps on the front bumper, and a triple-wing element at the rear connected to the roof by a substantial fin. These aerodynamic enhancements not only contribute to a racer-inspired appearance but also aim to optimize performance on the track.

Innovative Wheel Design

The model features new wheels, possibly crafted from magnesium. While it remains uncertain whether these are Porsche factory options or Manthey’s custom work, the distinctive design suggests a touch of the latter. The lightweight and performance-oriented wheels align with the pursuit of enhanced track capabilities.

Performance-Focused Upgrades

Under the surface, the 911 GT3 RS MR incorporates upgraded suspension components and robust brakes to handle the demands of high-performance driving. The previous model benefited from adjustable KW coilovers, braided brake lines, and advanced brake pads. Although specific details about the latest mechanical upgrades remain undisclosed, they are geared towards making the supercar faster on the track while retaining its street-legal homologation.

Aiming for Supremacy

Manthey Racing and Porsche aim to surpass their previous achievements, with the 911 GT3 RS MR seeking to complete a Nurburgring lap quicker than the formidable Mercedes-AMG One. The stock Porsche 911 GT3 RS, with a lap time of 6:44.848, provides a solid foundation, leaving the team with a significant challenge to shave off 14 seconds for a new record.

Anticipated Debut

As the testing and fine-tuning phase nears completion, enthusiasts eagerly await the debut of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS MR on the Nurburgring. The collaboration between Porsche and Manthey Racing promises not only a potential record-breaking lap time but also a technological achievement that challenges even hypercars with double the power.

The quest for Nurburgring glory continues, with the Porsche 911 GT3 RS MR poised to make a resounding statement as the new king in the making.

Photo: Baldauf