Porsches fans have lots of “new” to look forward to in 2017 – a new car, new drivers and new livery are all in action this weekend at the Roar before the 24.

The biggest changes is of course the new Porsche 911 RSR with the engine now placed in front of, instead of behind the rear axle.

The successor follows the previous version of the 911 which scored 22 victories and eight championship titles between 2013 and 2016.

The new 911 is a completely new development: suspension, body structure, aerodynamics, engine and transmission have all been designed from scratch. The change to the engine location has enabled the designers to install a particularly large rear diffuser.

Combined with a top-mounted rear wing adopted from the LMP1 919 Hybrid race car, the level of downforce and the aerodynamic efficiency were significantly improved.

On the driver front this weekend new Porsche aces Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium) and Dirk Werner (Germany) are making their debut – having moved across from fellow German brands Audi and BMW during the off season.

“This test is very important. It’s the starting signal for the new racing season. Following the short Christmas break, these three days are about re-examining and perfectly synchronising all the routines and procedures within the team,” says Marco Ujhasi, Overall Project Manager for GT Works Motorsport.

“Of course, there is still a lot to learn with the new 911 RSR and we need to try out various parameters. That’s exactly what we’re doing from session to session. We have a precise plan that we’re working through point by point.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to put a tick next to each one on Sunday and know how we’ll tackle the race in three weeks. With time so short, the set-up work we do now will be of benefit for the race weekend.”

In addition to the IMSA SportsCar Championship, the 911 RSR will also be campaigned as a works entry in the WEC Sports Car World Endurance Championship.

Depending on the size of the restrictor, the power plant puts out around 510 horsepower (375 kW). Shift paddles control the sequential six-speed gearbox with a magnesium housing, which delivers power to the 31-centimetre-wide rear wheels.

The serviceability has also been significantly improved. Entire elements of the carbon-fibre body can be exchanged completely in a very short time thanks to clever quick-release fasteners. Moreover, changes to the suspension setup can be performed much more quickly and easily.