Tuthill Porsche announces 911 R-GT production run
After successful outings in the German and French rounds of this year’s World Rally Championship, Tuthill Porsche have announced that they will put their fan-favourite Porsche 997 R-GT car into limited production ahead of next year’s season opener: the Rallye Monte-Carlo.
Last month, the FIA announced its plans to cater for GT-type cars from the 2015 rally season, unveiling the five-round FIA R-GT Cup ahead of this year’s Rallye de France-Alsace where WRC legend François Delecour took the helm of Tuthill’s 997 R-GT.
With Tuthill Porsche working closely with the governing body to form the regulations for the emerging class, the British 911 specialist has now revealed it will supply cars to customers, with the earliest orders to be completed by January.
The new venture has generated substantial interest from fans and competitors alike since Tuthill gave the car its debut on Rallye Deutschland, where company MD, Richard Tuthill finished 27th overall, giving Porsche its first WRC finish since 1984.
To help cope with the demand, Tuthill have hired ex-Prodrive Senior Sales Manager, Graham Prew. “The opportunity to get involved in the Porsche 911 R-GT concept from the outset is too good to miss,” explained Prew, who will oversee Tuthill’s sales programme of the new car.
“I am absolutely confident that rally drivers around the world will love this car. It has been very well put together and its record to date speaks for itself. I can’t wait to see them all out rallying next year,” Prew continued.
Prew’s excitement is echoed by Richard Tuthill who believes the new platform will provide “a cost-effective and extremely reliable rally car that both drivers and teams can enjoy rallying for years to come.”
The 2015 FIA R-GT cup will kick off at January’s Rallye Monte Carlo (which a Porsche 911 last won in 1978 courtesy of Jean-Pierre Nicholas and Vincent Laverne) before heading to further tarmac events, the Ypres Rally, Rallye Deutschland, Rallye International du Valais and the famous Tour de Corse.
Tuthill’s next outing with the Porsche 911 R-GT car will be next month’s season-closing Wales Rally GB, the car’s first competitive outing on gravel. No driver has been confirmed however, rumours on the grapevine have suggested 2003 WRC champion, Petter Solberg is a potential candidate for the seat.
For all the latest Porsche 911 race and rally news, make sure to check out our comprehensive motorsport coverage here on Total911.com.
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