Though Porsche’s factory team has transitioned to the mid-engined 911 RSR, customers will continue to race an altogether more traditional 911. The new GT3 R shares not only its 4.0-liter water cooled flat-six with the road going GT3 RS, it also retains the rear engine layout common to all road going 911s except for the GT1. With improved aerodynamics, ergonomics and power, the new GT3 R promises to be a formidable competitor on racing circuits the world over.
Power and Control of the 911 GT3 R
The 4.0-liter water-cooled flat-six is largely carried over from the road car. Rated at 550 horsepower in the GT3 R, the new engine carries over many features from the RS. Direct fuel injection provides up to 200 bar of fuel pressure, and variable valve timing is equipped on both the intake and exhaust. Compared to the outgoing engine, the new powerplant promises a broader torque curve and easier driving characteristics. Six individual throttle bodies afford improved throttle response.
Rather than a 6-speed manual or PDK transmission, the GT3 R uses a 6-speed sequential transaxle. The constant-mesh transmission features an electronic actuator for fast, accurate shifting. The clutch is controlled electro-hydraulically, and starts and stops are handled automatically.
The brakes have also been updated in the latest GT3 R. The front six-piston aluminum monobloc calipers clamp down on ventilated and grooved steel brake discs measuring 390mm in diameter. The rear four piston calipers grip 370mm discs. The ABS system has been revised for more precise control under heavy braking conditions.
The front suspension has been substantially updated with a new double-wishbone system. The new front suspension includes forged aluminum control arms and spherical bearings for optimal control. Setup changes can be handled via a new shim system, which permits a greater range of changes without the need for a new alignment. Front tire diameter has also been increased, aiding control and braking performance.
Body and Aerodynamics of the new 911 GT3 R
Based on the GT3 RS road car, the GT3 R’s body features aluminum-steel composite construction. The roof, front hood, faring, wheel arches, doors, side, tail and rear decklid are all made of carbon-fiber composite material. All windows are made of polycarbonate, and are designed to be removed easily in the event of an accident.
Updated aerodynamics follow the trends established by the road car. The distinctive wheel arch vents are carried over, and increase downforce on the front axle. The rear wing now measures 1,900mm in width and 400mm in depth.
Safety and Ease of Use of the 911 GT3 R
The vehicle layout is better optimized for both the driver and the pit crew. Major cockpit controls are re-positioned for easier use by the driver. The 991.2 GT3 R is the first GT3 R to feature air conditioning, which is directly tied in to the driver’s seat and helmet. These updates are expected to help the driver to maintain peak performance during lengthy endurance races. For improved safety the doors and side windows can be easily removed, and an impact element has been added to the driver’s door. The seats are now secured at six points, optimizing safety and weight balance. All adjustments are now made via the adjustable steering wheel and pedal box.
The 120 liter FT3 fuel cell is now equipped with two fillers, and can be refilled from the left or right side. This update simplifies pit stops for crews in all circuit layouts.
New 911 GT3 R Pricing
The new GT3 R will cost 459,000 Euro (~$549k US at press time), and country-specific VAT will be calculated separately.
New 911 GT3 R Technical Specifications
All technical details and data are provisional until the final approval is received through FIA.
Concept
Single-seater customer race car based on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Engine
– Water-cooled six-cylinder boxer engine (rear mounted)
– 4,000 cm3; stroke 81.5 mm; bore 102 mm
– Output: over 404 kW (550 hp) without restrictors, actual output dependent on FIA BoP (restrictor)
– Single mass flywheel
– Four-valve technology
– Direct fuel injection
– Fuel supply: Super Plus lead free, to E20 (min. 98 Octane)
– Dry sump lubrication
– Electronic engine management BOSCH MS 6.4 with integrated data acquisition (basic memory 1 GB, max. 100 freely selectable channels)
– Race exhaust system (motorsport catalyst and country-specific pre-silencer available)
– Six electronically operated throttle valves
Transmission
– Porsche sequential six-speed constant-mesh gearbox
– Mechanical slip differential with external pre-load adjustment
– Racing clutch
– Paddle-shift with electronic shift drum actuator
Bodyshell
– Lightweight body featuring intelligent aluminium-steel composite design
– Welded-in roll cage according to FIA regulations
– Removable escape hatch in roof in accordance with the latest FIA regulations
– Vehicle recovery system tow points
– Lightweight exterior: CFRP doors with racing mirrors, CFRP rear lid with quick release fasteners, CFRP rear wing, adjustable, CFRP extended front fenders and wheel arch louvers, CFRP front fairing and cooling air ducting, CFRP rear fairing, Polycarbonate glazing, Removable polycarbonate door windows
– Modified 911 cockpit: CFRP interior trim, Ergonomic centre console aligned to driver with digital multi-touch panel, Multi-function racing steering wheel with quick release coupling and shift paddles
– Racing bucket seat in accordance with FIA standard 8862/2009: Six-point fixed bolting, Integrated air conditioning
– Six-point safety harness
– Ca. 120-litre FT3 safety fuel cell with fuel cut off safety valve in accordance with FIA regulations and changeable left and right refuelling
– Air jack system (four jacks)
Suspension
Front axle
– Double wishbone front axle
– Forged aluminium control arms: Stiffness-optimised, High performance spherical bearings
– Wheel hubs with centre-lock wheel nuts
– Motorsport vibration damper, 4-way adjustable
– Anti-roll bar, adjustable by blade position
– Power-assisted steering with electro-hydraulic pressure feed
– Setup changes without new alignment via shim system
Rear axle
– Multi-link rear axle
– Machined aluminium control arms, stiffness optimised with high performance spherical bearings
– Wheel hubs with centre-lock wheel nuts
– Motorsport vibration damper, 4-way adjustable
– Machined aluminium mounts
– Anti-roll bar, adjustable by blade position
– Setup changes without new alignment via shim system
Brake system
Two separate brake circuits for front and rear axles, adjustable by driver via balance bar system
Front axle
– Six-piston aluminium monobloc racing brake calliper
– Steel brake discs, multi-piece, ventilated, D = 390 mm
– Racing brake pads
– Twin-flow brake cooling ducts
Rear axle
– Four-piston aluminium monobloc racing brake calliper
– Steel brake discs, multi-piece, ventilated, D = 370 mm
– Racing brake pads
– Twin-flow brake cooling ducts
Rims/Tyres
Front axle
– One-piece BBS alloy wheels according to Porsche specification, 12.5 J x 18
– Michelin transport tyres; tyre dimension: 300/680-18
Rear axle
– One-piece BBS alloy wheels according to Porsche specification, 13J x 18
– Michelin transport tyres; tyre dimension: 310/710-18
Electrics
– COSWORTH colour display CDU
– COSWORTH Logger CLU (6 GB memory)
– COSWORTH power management system IPS48 MK2
– Porsche Motorsport traction control PMTC
– Fire extinguisher system (agent: gas)
– Battery 12 V, 60 Ah (LiFePo lithium ion), leak-proof, mounted in passenger footwell
– Multifunctional CFRP motorsport steering wheel with quick release coupling
– Digital multi-touch panel
– BOSCH LIN 175A alternator regulator
– BOSCH racing-ABS, generation 5
– Single-blade wiper with direct drive
– Optional BOSCH CAS Integration (race ready)
– LED main headlights
– Rear and rain lights with LED technology
Optional (factory installation)
– IMSA kit: Windshield braces, Rear window braces
– Sensor package
– FIA endurance kit: 2 LED extra lights in front fairing, Clutch fan, Telemetry GSM Low-Band (R+)
– Motorsport catalyst (depending on regulations)
– Heated windshield
After-sales options
– Option 1: Channel extension for detailed engine data recording, fastest recording rate 1,000 Hz
– Option 2: Data copy from internal memory of the engine data recording to an external USB stick
– More options: Front silencer, Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), Cockpit lighting, Start number illumination, 2 LED auxiliary headlights
Weight/dimensions
– Total weight: tbd (BoP dependent)
– Overall length: 4,629 mm
– Overall width front axle: 1,975 mm
– Overall width rear axle: 2,002 mm
– Wheelbase: 2,459 mm
Color
– Body painted with water-soluble paint: white C9A
– Interior: white primer with clear-coat finish
– Body parts in plain carbon (front and rear fairings, front lid, rear lid, doors, wheel arches, rear wing)
911 GT3 R Picture Gallery
