All-new GTE regulations and all-new cars from manufacturers like Ford and Ferrari are on the horizon for 2016, but Porsche is opting to simply update its existing 911 RSR to be legal under the forthcoming regulation update.

Updates ahead

The main ingredients of the 2016 GTE regulations will see changes in the safety standards of the cars but will also make room for aero modifications, with the number of upgrades narrowed down to one in combination with the cars' respective perfomance window to assure close competition between the various GTE cars.

Porsche will enter 2016 with a new driver escape roof hatch and detachable seat mandated by the the new safety regulations.

In regards to aero modifications, Porsche will transfer their GTLM-spec, IMSA-approved front splitter and components of the larger rear wing to the updated 911 RSR.

However, everything else should stay as it is, per Porsche Motorsport CEO Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser to Sportscar365.

“We’re keeping the engine and the drivetrain and the suspension in general. This is all the same,” Walliser admitted.

All-new car for 2017?

The 2016 car will make its race debut at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January and will compete in the full WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, whereas their collaborative FIA World Endurance Championship GTE-Pro effort with Porshe Team Manthey is still under uncertain skies for 2016.

It seems that updating the 911 RSR is a move to hold the German manufacturer over until 2017, when reports are suggesting an all-new, mid-engined Porsche GTE car could arrive.

Although Walliser opted to not comment on the subject of an all-new GTE challenger in the future, he feels the pressure of Porsche feeling obliged to make a decision on its future endavours in the GTE classes sooner rather than later.

The LMP1 project is not affected by these developments, with Porsche confirming last week that they will fully commit to the P1 class until 2018, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The FIA World Endurance Championship and TUDOR United SportsCar Championship continues September 17-19 with the Six Hours of COTA. Follow @VAVELSportsCar on Twitter for comprehensive coverage leading up to and during the weekend at Circuit of The Americas.

David van den Boom is a writer for the VAVEL USA Racing section. Follow him on Twitter at @David__VDB.