Porsche unveils a new racing model for customer competitions: the latest generation 911 GT3 R. Based on the latest generation of the 911 (Type 992) and developed since 2019, the new Porsche 911 GT3 R is ready to take to the start of GT3 competitions around the world from the start of the 2023 season. The brand’s engineers German sports car manufacturers have above all endeavored to optimize the car’s endurance qualities, for professionals as well as for « gentlemen drivers », and to increase the power reserves according to the Balance of Performance (BoP) criteria. fixed by the race regulations. The brand’s engineers have also worked on optimized management of the car for the teams as well as better control of entry costs. Porsche Motorsport is now offering the new 911 GT3 R at a price of EUR 511,000 (price excluding tax, excluding optional equipment).
“The new 911 GT3 R is eagerly awaited. Since 2019, its predecessor has won almost everything in four seasons of GT3 competition. It has notably distinguished itself by triumphing in the general classification in 24-hour races at the Nürburgring, but also here, at Spa-Francorchamps. Driven by our customers, the previous generation won its class at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. The Porsche customer teams will now be able to get down to preparing for the next season. »said Michael Dreiser, Director of Sales at Porsche Motorsport.
As with the IMSA competition in North America, the GT3 category will also be reserved for professionals for the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) events. From 2024, GT3 racing models like the new Porsche 911 GT3 R will be allowed to take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time.
“With the previous generation having performed flawlessly on circuits around the world, it’s no surprise that expectations are high for the new model. It wasn’t so much for us to increase the top speed of the 911 GT3, as the performance classification of the model, according to the balance of performance criteria defined by the racing regulations (BoP), compensates any possible speed advantage. Our primary focus was therefore primarily to ensure that our customers could drive the racing car at high speeds for a longer period of time. We have therefore worked on the consistency of performance. We focused on improving the endurance qualities of the new model, as evidenced by the extended useful rev range of the new 4.2 l engine, on the stability and efficiency of the aerodynamics and on reducing load on the rear axle to spare the tyres. »underlined Sebastian Golz, Project Manager 911 GT3 R at Porsche Motorsport.
The beating heart of the new racing car is its near-series engine, based on the block of the 992 generation of the 911. As with the previous model, the new Porsche 911 GT3 R is equipped with a six-cylinder block with flat water-cooled, equipped with four-valve technology and a gasoline direct injection system. The main novelty lies in its displacement. Like the Porsche 911 RSR, the displacement of the new 911 GT3 R increases from 3,997 cm3 to 4,194 cm3 (+5%). Thus, the maximum engine power is increased to almost 565 hp (416 kW). In addition, Porsche engineers focused on optimizing torque and power curve across the entire rev range, allowing the new 4.2-litre flat-six engine to better meet the needs of « gentlemen ». driver”.
Devoid of turbochargers, the high-revving six-cylinder engine is mounted in its usual position, at the rear, thus optimizing traction and braking. In addition, it tilts 5.5° forward, freeing up more space for the underbody diffuser. Auxiliary components, such as the alternator and the air conditioning compressor, have been moved forward by a good meter and mounted lower, upstream of the engine and the gearbox, which makes it possible to optimize weight distribution. The six-speed sequential gearbox is based on the transmission of the latest generation of the 911 GT3 Cup. Using the paddles on the steering wheel, the driver controls a system of electronic drum actuators for particularly fast and precise gear changes.
The chassis of the new Porsche 911 GT3 R has been revised down to the smallest detail to optimize endurance, increase steering precision, reduce rear tire wear and shorten setup times. For this, many components and technical solutions have been borrowed from the 911 RSR. The double wishbone front axle benefits from the latest technologies, and a multi-link suspension is at work on the rear axle. The KW competition shock absorbers benefit from further improvements and now offer five adjustment configurations. The adjustment is made by means of parts called “shims”. These are washers that make it possible to modify the settings with precision without having to realign the chassis, a particularly time-consuming operation.
The positioning of the central pivot points of the front axle has been optimized to be able to implement the concept of an aerodynamic “race underfloor”. As on the 911 RSR, this raised underbody smoothens the flow of air towards the rear diffuser and reduces pitching, and therefore the inclination of the car forwards, in particular when the springs are compressed at the braking. The position of the rear wheels moves back slightly, bringing the wheelbase from 2,459mm to 2,507mm. The load exerted on the rear tires is thus reduced, which makes it possible to increase their performance over long stints.
In addition to the aluminum competition monobloc brake calipers, the discs of the new 911 GT3 R are now supplied by the specialist AP Racing. On the front axle, the internally ventilated steel discs are grooved. They measure 390 mm in diameter and are operated by six pistons. At the rear, four-piston calipers are paired with 370mm discs. Sophisticated software designed for the fifth generation of the racing ABS system helps reduce tire and brake lining wear. Porsche’s traction control system has also been optimized.
The new 911 GT3 R is Porsche Motorsport’s second racing model based on the 992 generation, the first being the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. Derived from the production model, its light alloy aluminum and steel body (intelligent composite material) has undergone major modifications. Almost all body components are made of lightweight carbon, including the front and rear bonnets, doors, side panels, rear spoiler and roof. The wheel arches are made of aramid fibre.
Even if a racing model like the 911 GT3 R must above all meet functional requirements, Grant Larson, designer of the Porsche Style department, has once again succeeded in designing forms that are as harmonious as they are elegant. The lines of the model thus accentuate the stylistic affiliation with the 911 by combining aesthetics and efficiency. The aerodynamic elements of the car bear witness to this, in particular the underbody (entirely faired for the first time and raised at the level of the front axle), and the rear diffuser. This design feature allows for increased downforce without causing a noticeable increase in drag. In addition, the rear wing now benefits from a gooseneck attachment ensuring the fluidity of the flow of air under the wing, increasing aerodynamic efficiency.
When it comes to safety, the new 911 GT3 R makes no compromises. The seat has been moved closer to the center of the car, thus offering a more ergonomic seat and an optimal position compared to the further improved roll cage and the new, recently developed FIA side protections. The steering wheel and the pedals can be adjusted in length according to the pilot, as on the previous model. In addition, Porsche specialists have also revised the six-point safety harness. Thanks to special ramps, the tabs enter the buckle even faster, which can save almost a second during pit stops with driver changes. The design of the steering wheel has also been optimized compared to that of the previous model. It features elements that have proven themselves on the current 911 GT3 Cup and 911 RSR models. Thus, the 10.3-inch screen is taken from the famous single-brand competition model, while the concept of multi-function buttons (multi-switch system) is borrowed from the racing model which has won many class victories at Le Mans. .
The high-performance LED headlights of the 911 GT3 R are based on a so-called collimator system, developed by Porsche for various models, including the new prototype Porsche 963 LMDh . The device works on the principle of a magnifying glass, but reversed. It illuminates a wide area of the circuit, which is a considerable improvement over the headlights of the previous model, which was already considered the best in its class.
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