Welcome to Porsche’s ‘Greatest Hits’ 911, and just like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones or Elton John, it has quite a catalogue to choose from.

The 911 R cherry picks the juiciest bits from the entire 911 line-up as a last hurrah for the 991-series model before production switches completely to the new 991.2 range.

Just 991 will be built, with Australia guaranteed “an extremely limited number” starting at $404,700. The nameplate is a nod to the 1967 road racer of which just 18 were built to compete in events like the Targa Florio.

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There is no rear seat, sound insulation has been reduced and air-con and even a radio have moved to the no-cost option list.

Combined with lightweight mechanical componentry like a titanium exhaust and standard-fit PCCB carbon-ceramic rotors (410mm front; 390mm rear) kerb weight is reduced to just 1370kg.

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The GT3 also donates its suspension, rear-wheel steering system, 20-inch forged wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres measuring 245/35 ZR20 front and 305/30 ZR20 rear.

At the back is where the real story is, however. Tucked in the tail of the 911 R is the searing 4.0-litre flat six from the GT3 RS producing 368kW at 8250rpm and 460Nm at 6250rpm.

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Having to shift your own gears lifts the 0-100km/h time to 3.8sec (the GT3 RS claims 3.3sec) however top speed also increases to 323km/h thanks to the removal of those drag-inducing wings.

Three colours will be available (white, red and black) while the Porsche logos on the side and colour stripes (available in red or green) are a nod to its illustrious 1960s predecessor.

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Australian deliveries of the 911 R are expected by the end of 2016, but you’d better get in quick as we expect the queue of potential buyers to be long for what promises to be a pretty spectacular car.