Nurburgring Opens for 2016 with New Layout, Porsche Already Testing 911 GT3 R

As most of you know, the Nurburgring management decided to change the track's layout after a deadly VLN racing crash that took place last year.

Those changes, which include smoothing out the Flugplatz and Brunnchen areas, as well as the introduction of multiple extra protection fences, have now been completed. Since there's been no official announcement so far, we don't have the exact details.

As we mentioned, Porsche didn't have time for such aspects, deciding to let the track-confined GT3 R speak to the new Nordschleife instead. The choice does raise a few questions, since the temperatures at the 'Ring are far from optimal these days.

Then again, when you have the racing incarnation of the GT3 RS to manage, a racecar that was launched back in May 2015, time is extremely precious.

Among others, this means the rear-engined beast you'll see lapping the Nurburgring in the video below has at least 500 hp, and thanks to the dry-sump lubrication system, it won't have any issue with being flogged through the Carousel over and over again.

Those who pointed their finger at the PDK in the street car shouldn't rush to enjoy the departure of the double-clutch unit. As the motorsport world has accustomed us, we're dealing with a sequential six-speed transmission here.

The racing driver behind the wheel also finds allies in the mechanical limited-slip differential at the rear, offering a linear response, as well as in the circuit-specific ABS and traction control.

The price of enjoying such thrills? Well, if we are to talk about the car alone, your bank account will become €429,000 ($475,000) lighter.