SPY PICS: Porsche's 'pure' 911 R

Reports of an all-new 'pure' version of Porsche's facelifted 911 first surfaced back in June, and now the real-deal has been caught in action for the first time.

Our sources say the all-new high-performance 911 variant will in effect be a back-to-basics version of Porsche's top-shelf naturally aspirated 911, the GT3 RS, which is currently powered by a 368kW/460Nm 4.0-litre flat six.

That will make it one of the few non-turbocharged members of the newly upgraded 991.2-series 911 model range, which arrives Down Under from March powered exclusively by downsized 3.0-litre twin-turbo boxer engines.

Instead of the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic transmission currently fitted as standard to the GT3 and GT3 RS, however, the 911 R will come exclusively with a beefed-up six-speed manual gearbox, eschewing the seven-speed manual seen in lesser 911s.

In a classic case of less being more, Porsche's new bare-bones 911 that will undercut even the race-ready GT3 with a dearth of equipment that will be offset with a surfeit of performance via reduced weight and power to match the GT3 RS, which at $387,300 is Porsche's most expensive 911 this side of the Turbo (from $396,000).

Word is that the 911 R is intended not as a racer, but as a pure road car that will deliver its performance without frills, but with plenty of delicious fuss.

It’s rumoured the 911 R will use skinnier tyres than the GT3 and, as these images show, there will be centre-locking wheels as per the GT3, at least the option of carbon-ceramic brakes, no rear wing and significant under-body aero elements.

The result should be GT3 RS-style power but lower levels of grip and aerodynamics, and therefore more accessible performance -- the makings of a future 911 legend.

Previously expected to wear the GT or GT5 names – both of which have been registered by Porsche – the 911 R will recall its original namesake of 1967, when Porsche began planning an ultra-light-weight version of the 911 intended purely for the racetrack.

Based on a light-gauge steel version of the monocoque body, the first 911 R incorporated extensive use of fibreglass, a stripped-out interior and an aluminium bonnet, doors and engine cover to cut weight by up to 200kg.

The 50-year-old 911 R was powered by a 155kW 2.0-litre boxer six and based on standard 911 chassis but with bigger wheels, tyres and brakes.

Although Porsche's new bare-bones 911 is expected to make its debut at next year’s Geneva motor show in March, where it will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original 911 R, there remains no clear picture of production plans.

Some sources are suggesting a limited production run of 600 vehicles – all of which are reportedly sold -- while others reckon it will become a part of Porsche’s regular line-up.

Right-hand drive will undoubtedly be part of the plan, as with all 911 models, and given the popularity of high-performance 911 variants in Australia the R is certain to become available here.

Two things are for sure: The 911 R will be basic, and it won’t be cheap.