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The 2017 Porsche 911 RSR goes mid-engine, purists be damned

Porsche unveiled its World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech Championship competitor with the 2017 911 RSR. And this 911 is different from the rest, as the 4.0-liter flat-six engine powering this beast is in front of the rear axle, not behind it. That's right, this 24 Hours of Le Mans competitor ditches the iconic rear-engine layout. Porsche isn't talking specifics on how exactly things are arranged back there. The engine is new, now based on the 991 911's block instead of the previous Mezger motor that's been used for years. The transmission design is new as well – it would have to be to accommodate the new location relative to the engine. The racecar has been engineered to meet the LM-GTE class, where it will go up against other mid-engine cars like the Ford GT and Ferrari 488 GTE. Moving the engine to the middle has given Porsche the ability to fit the 911 RSR with massive bits of aero, like the humongous rear diffuser that looks like it would be more at home on a machine of war. The only thing that can compete with the diffuser for size is the top-mounted rear wing, which shares a similar design to the one found on the 919 Hybrid. Going back to the engine, the direct-injected boxer motor, depending on the size of the restrictor, generates as much as 510 horsepower and sends all of its fury to the rear wheels. The engine is paired to a six-speed sequential gearbox, which drivers can employ through paddles on the steering wheel. The new engine doesn't have a lot of weight to push around as the 911 RSR, as required by regulations, weighs 2,740 pounds. Speaking of weight, the engine layout isn't the only change for the 911 RSR. For 2017, the car ditches its steel body for one that's made out of carbon fiber. The body attaches to the chassis via quick-release fasteners, making the vehicle easier to service as exterior elements can be removed with minimal effort. The racecar also gets a radar-based collision system – aptly named the "Collision Avoid System" – which is meant to limit the 911 RSR's encounters with faster LMP prototypes. Only time will tell if the new layout and aerodynamic components help the 911 RSR beat its competition. But there will be plenty of opportunities to see the racecar in action as Porsche plans to run the 911 RSR in 19 races during the 2017 season, the first of which will take place at the IMSA opener on January 28th at Daytona, where the racecar will make its track day debut.

Porsche spotted testing next-gen Panamera in the snow

It's winter testing season in northern Sweden, and the latest spy shots our paparazzi on the ground have brought us is the upcoming Porsche Panamera testing in the cold and snow. The upcoming new four-door Porsche, spied wearing only minimal camouflage, appears to have a more elegant and sloping roofline than the existing model. Other details like the lights, mirrors and grille openings look fairly consistent with what we've been seeing on Porsche's other models as they've trickled out. Based on the new MSB platform, the new Panamera is set to share its underpinnings with the next Bentley Continental and possibly an Audi variant as well – though the prospect of a Lamborghini version to follow the Estoque concept seems to be off the table. The new platform will, however, make the new Panamera lighter than the current model. A new range of V6 and V8 engines are expected to provide motivation, driving the rear wheels or all four, along with the available e-hybrid system. Porsche's first four-door sedan was introduced in 2009 and underwent a facelift in 2013, so the all-new second-generation model should arrive sometime later this year or next as a 2017 model. This new model could provide the impetus for Porsche to put the Sport Turismo shooting brake version into production as well, and maybe – just maybe – a two-door coupe and possible convertible versions to follow in the footsteps of the 928.

Autoblog Unplugged: 2015 Porsche 911 Targa 4S

The day began cold and clear. It felt like a perfect late autumn afternoon to flog the 2015 Porsche 911 Targa 4S on the backroads west of Detroit. So it seemed, anyway. An impromptu snow squall came out of nowhere, dampening the roads and our spirits, though the latter quickly were lifted as we began putting our German sports car through its paces. Quite simply, the 911 Targa 4S is up for almost everything. The all-wheel-drive system kept us poised and secure – it takes a bit to unsettle this 911 when all four wheels are clawing at the pavement. We still had 400 horsepower on tap, which is a riot to channel via the seamless PDK gearbox in any condition. Yes, this is a Targa, so even in the snow we dropped the top, cranked the seat heaters and had a heck of a good time. It's hard not to when you're motoring in something that starts at more than $120,000. Still, weather in Michigan can throw anyone a curve. We dealt with it, and luckily, you don't have to. In this Autoblog Unplugged you get all the good stuff. The purr and whine of the engine. Up-close shots of the Targa as it tackles the road – and best of all – no talking. Unplugs are all about driving. Thus, we'll shut up. Please enjoy.