New Porsche 911 GT3 R race car revealed

Porsche has revealed the GT3 racing version of its latest-generation 911, with a larger 4.2-litre engine and improved aerodynamics.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R has been revealed, ahead of its competition debut in the GT3 racing category next year.

Based on Porsche’s latest ‘992’ generation 911, the new 911 GT3 R will see action with customer teams in the GT3 categories starting next year, as part of the American IMSA series and FIA World Endurance Championship.

Powering the 911 GT3 R is a larger 4.2-litre (4194cc) version of the road-going 911 GT3’s naturally-aspirated flat-six engine, now developing 412kW, with a 9250rpm redline – 37kW more and 250rpm higher than the road car on which the racer is based.

Porsche says the engine has been tuned for an “optimised torque and power curve across the entire rev range” – said to make it “better suited to gentleman drivers” without an extensive racing background.

Mated with a six-speed sequential racing gearbox with paddle shifters, the 4.2-litre engine has been rotated 5.5 degrees forward to allow for a larger rear diffuser – and the alternator and air-conditioning compressor moved a metre forward for better weight distribution.

The car measures 4619mm long and 2039-2050mm wide, with a base weight of 1250kg – pending ‘balance of performance’ rules, which may increase or decrease the car’s weight to ensure all GT3 cars of different shapes and sizes are matched in terms of performance.

Under the skin, double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension feature, with five-way adjustable shock absorbers, adjustable anti-roll bars, and forged aluminium control arms, plus a mechanical limited-slip rear differential.

Filling the arches are 18-inch centre-locking wheels with Michelin racing tyres, hiding 390mm front and 370mm rear steel brakes with six-piston front and four-piston rear aluminium calipers, and an racing anti-lock braking system (ABS) designed by Germany’s Bosch.

The 911 GT3 R’s aerodynamics package is even more extreme than the road car it’s based on, with more aggressive bumpers and skirts, wider wheel arches, additional vents for increased cooling, and a taller rear wing akin to the upcoming, road-going GT3 RS.

The GT3 R’s wheelbase is 48mm longer than the road-going GT3 (2507mm vs 2459mm) to “reduce the load on the rear tyres and improve the consistency of the tyres’ performance over longer stints,” while a revised front axle geometry allows for more efficient under-body aerodynamics.

The body is made from an “intelligent aluminium-steel composite”, clad in carbon fibre for the front and rear decklids, doors, side panels, ‘swan-neck’ rear wing and roof, and aramid fibres for the wheel arches.

Inside, there’s a carbon-fibre ventilated racing seat with a six-point harnesses, adjustable steering and pedal assemblies, heated windscreen, a carbon-fibre steering wheel, 10.3-inch digital control screen, two safety nets, and a fire extinguisher.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R will make its racing debut next year. It’s available for customer teams to order, from €511,000 ($AU755,000) before taxes.

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