11 Photos That Prove Porsche Has Come to its Senses

We live in the midst of a turbocharged engine, dual-clutch transmission, all-wheel-drive era. Yet, Porsche has just built a car eschewing those technologies. Could that mean they’re back to making engaging cars? Not so fast.

A naturally aspirated, 500-horsepower, 4.0-liter flat-six engine; power to the rear wheels, and a do-it-yourself manual gearbox makes the Porsche 911 R a driver’s Porsche, but also a collector’s Porsche. And not only does it go like hell, but it stops like it, too, with massive (and optional) carbon-ceramic brakes.

Even the interior is tantalizing, and a bit of a throwback as well, with carbon fiber seat buckets wrapped in old-school plaid cloth and supple brown cow-hide. There’s also a hand-stitched, all-leather steering wheel (no alcantara). And how could we forget? No rear seat—sorry kids!

If you haven’t snatched one by now, you’re most likely out of luck, as Porsche claims all 911 Rs were sold out before its debut. So does this car, with its natural aspiration and manual-box, demonstrate that Porsche has come to its senses? Yes and no. Yes because they built the thing, but no because virtually no one will be able to buy it. Let’s call this a glimmer of sense, then, rather than full lucid level-headedness.

Enough of all that, though. Just enjoy the photos we snapped at the New York International Auto Show already.

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