Porsche unveils its 911 GT3 R in detail

Porsche had published the first images of its 911 GT3 R at the end of June, the world premiere of which was expected this summer. It is logically on the sidelines of the 24 Hours of Spa, the unmissable event of the Grand Touring season, that the German manufacturer unveiled its new car in detail. It will enter competition in 2023 with the 24 Hours of Daytona (January 26-29) as its first major event, at the end of January. 

This new challenger for the GT3 series is based on the latest 911 generation 992. This 911 GT3 R has a larger engine producing up to 416 kW (565 hp). Its development began in 2019. “We hit the nail on the head with its predecessor who was enormously successful. As a result, the bar for his successor is high, underlines Sebastian Golz, 911 GT3 R project manager at Porsche Motorsport. Our task was less about making the new 911 GT3 R even faster since the performance windows set by the BoP quickly nullify this advantage. For us, it was above all about our customers being able to drive the racing car faster and for longer. This requires durability and that's why we mainly focused on improving handling. This is reflected in the new 4,2-liter engine's wider usable rev range, more stable and consistent aerodynamics and lower loads on the rear tires, allowing them to last longer. »

The 911 GT3 R at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024

As with the previous model, the engine is a flat-six, water-cooled, four-valve technology and direct fuel injection. The main novelty is the cylinder capacity, increasing from 3 to 997 cm ³. The German manufacturer has also optimized the torque and power curve across the entire rev range, to better suit gentlemen drivers. The six-cylinder was tilted forward by 5,5 degrees, creating more headroom for the underbody diffuser. Auxiliary components such as the alternator and air conditioning compressor have been moved a good meter forward and down into a space in front of the engine and gearbox, which has a positive effect on the balance of the masses of the 911 GT3 R. 

The new 911 GT3 R is only the second racing car from Porsche Motorsport to be based on the current 911-generation 992 after the 911 GT3 Cup. Its lightweight body with an aluminum-steel composite design is inspired by the production model, but with major modifications. In terms of safety, the seat has moved closer to the center of the car. This allows Porsche to adapt the position more optimally and ergonomically in relation to the improved roll bar and the new FIA side impact protection. The tabs of the six-point safety harness now slide even faster into the clasp via special ramps, to save around a second during pit stops for driver changes. The steering wheel design has also received further improvements compared to the previous model. It incorporates elements that have proven themselves in the latest generation 911 GT3 Cup and 911 RSR. The 10,3-inch screen, for example.

It will be operated in IMSA from 2023 by customer teams, but also in other GT3 series around the world, such as the GT World Challenge, the Intercontinental GT Challenge, the DTM or the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring. For the WEC and 24 Hours of Le Mans, we will have to wait until 2024 and the arrival of the new category dedicated to GT3. To acquire a model, you will have to pay 511 euros plus country-specific VAT and additional options.

More photos of the 991 GT3 R (Porsche photos):

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