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1974 Porsche 911 RSR Turbo 2.1

In September of 1973, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Porsche introduced a 911 concept that had muscular and imposing features that were both intimidating and eccentric - yet functional and for a purpose. Except for the word 'Turbo', the new features helped the car improve. The wide fender flares gave the Porsche a muscular stance as if it were a bull preparing to charge. The reason was to allow wide wheels with greater grip. The large rear wing was - depending on the age of the driver - where they were driving to - and the speeds at which the car was being driven - comical. Yet it served a purpose, when driven at speed, it provided downforce that helped keep the car planted to the road, especially during cornering.

A month after debuting the concept, Porsche announced it would be contesting the FIA Group 5 category for the 1974 World Championship for Makes. Their champion was the all-new turbocharged Carrera RSR entered exclusively by the Porsche factory team and sponsored by the Martini & Rossi beverage company.

Porsche's technical experience with turbocharged models included the final years of the 917 program. Although the turbocharged racing 911 was a new arena, it was also a strategic move towards a 911 Turbo production model. Starting with the previous year's RSR model, the Porsche factory racing team worked on the latest racing 911 over the winter of 1973-1974. With racing regulations dictating a maximum displacement capacity of three liters, a 2.14-liter, turbocharged flat-six engine was developed. It was given a magnesium crankcase, polished-titanium connecting rods, large-capacity oil pumps, a twin-plug ignition, Bosch mechanical fuel injection, and sodium-cooled valves. Attached to the rear of the engine was a single KKK turbocharger. The 500 horsepower engine was mated to a five-speed transaxle modified with an oil cooler, an 80% locking differential, and 917-type half-shafts for increased durability.

Using its prototype racing cars, Porsche created a chassis that was vastly different from the production 911. Instead of the torsion-bar suspension setup, it was given boxed-aluminum trailing arms, progressive-rate titanium coil springs, Bilstein shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars. This setup reduced weight by 66 pounds over the production RSR. Center-lock 917-type wheels and massive rear tires were fitted for increased traction. Fiberglas were used to form the deck lids, fenders, and doors. Inside, all the non-essential items and components were removed. It was given a lightweight aluminum roll cage, adjustable boost knob, and turbo pressure gauges. Behind the seat was a 120-liter fuel tank. In regards to weight distribution, the oil tank was relocated to the front of the car.

The large rear wing provided a functional inlet for the intercooler and increased downforce.

For the 1974 season, Porsche built four examples of the RSR 2.1 Turbo, and all were built in Werk I, Porsche's dedicated raced shop, and given special internal numbers: R5, R8, R12, and R13.


by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2019

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