Following the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is entering yet another racing car in the 2010 motorsport season: The 911 GT3 R will be raced in series based on the international FIA GT3 regulations, thus succeeding the 911 GT3 Cup S. The main focus in developing this new model was on even better drivability and even easier handling.

The 911 GT3 R is powered by a four-litre six-cylinder boxer engine delivering maximum output of 480 bhp (353 kW) transmitted to the rear axle by a sequential six-speed dog gearbox.

The starting point in developing the 911 GT3 R weighing just 1,200 kg or 2,646 lb was the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup presented in September for one-make cup racing. Thanks to its increase in engine size by 0.2 litres, the GT3 R offers 30 bhp more than the Cup model. Both cars are based on the extra-wide body of the 911 GT3 RS street-legal sports car.

An anti-lock brake system (ABS), traction control and an e-gas with “throttle-blip” function make it much easier to get used to this new GT3 racing car than its predecessor, meaning that the new model is also more appropriate for the ambitious amateur racing driver.

Flared wheel arches added on to the body both front and rear bear clear testimony to the wider track than on the former model. And like all second-generation versions of the 911, the new 911 GT3 R also comes with striking LED rear light clusters.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R is making its world debut on 14 January 2010 at the Birmingham Motor Show. The car is built by Porsche’s Motorsport Department at the Weissach Development Centre and will be delivered to Customer Teams the world over as of spring 2010. The base price of the Porsche 911 GT3 R is 279,000 euros plus local sales tax/VAT.

In an interesting about-face, Porsche has revealed the first images and details on its new racer, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid.

Based on the rear-drive 911 GT3 R that's set to take to the track in privateer hands later this year, the GT3 R Hybrid utilizes a rear-mounted, 480-hp 4.0-liter flat-six in conjunction with two electric motors that drive the front wheels. Residing in the space normally reserved for the passenger seat sits a flywheel, which harnesses kinetic energy under braking and can spin upwards of 40,000 rpm. Once enough energy is stored, the system lets loose up to 120 kilowatts – approximately 160 horsepower – to the front wheels in six to eight second bursts that are controlled by a steering wheel-mounted button.

Porsche apparently hasn't released official performance specs, but the GT3 R Hybrid's world debut will take place at the Geneva Motor Show before it hits the track for its motorsports debut at the Nürburgring 24 Hours on May 15. Devised as a rolling "racing laboratory," after the Hybrid takes to the Green Hell this year, Porsche plans to assault the 24 Hours of LeMans in a refined version in 2012, just as the sanctioning body begins to favor hybrids. Now about that "no hybrids" thing...

A successful season finale for Porsche: At the 1,000 kilometre race in Zhuhai/China, the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid impressed once again with its performance and efficiency. The innovative sports car from Weissach, piloted by Porsche works drivers Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) and Patrick Long (USA), was by far the fastest GT vehicle in the field at its eagerly awaited premiere in Asia. Porsche factory drivers Marc Lieb (Germany) and Richard Lietz (Austria) claimed second place in the GT2 class with the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR on China’s oldest race track. With this result, they secured the team championship for their Felbermayr-Proton squad at the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, run for the first time this year.

“The first race in China with the 911 GT3 R Hybrid was a complete success,” says Hartmut Kristen, Porsche Head of Motorsport. “The car contested the entire race without the slightest technical problem. The excellent pit stops by our factory squad from Weissach and an absolutely perfect performance from the drivers also contributed to this success. The development work on the hybrid system that we conducted since the last race in Road Atlanta has paid off. Today, we showed impressively just what potential the hybrid technology has. This result is a great motivation for continuing our work on the project. This was definitely not the last race for the 911 GT3 R Hybrid.”

On the 4.319 kilometre Zhuhai International Circuit, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, which started in the special GTH class, was not only the fastest but also the most economical GT vehicle. Thanks to its ground-breaking drive concept, it made one less pit stop and completed three more laps than the next GT opponent. “Our car ran perfectly from the first to the last lap,” said Joerg Bergmeister. “That was another super test of the hybrid system under race conditions – and the most successful conclusion I could think of.” Patrick Long, his teammate with whom he won the GT title of the American Le Mans Series for the second time straight this season, said: “The performance of the Porsche factory mechanics was world class. We had the most efficient and at the same time fastest GT car. Now, that’s what I call Porsche Intelligent Performance.”

In the GT2 class, the race for start driver Marc Lieb did not begin very promisingly: Right in the first lap in a tussle with a Ferrari his 911 GT3 RSR suffered tyre damage which relegated it to last place. With a breathtaking chase through the pack, he and his teammate Richard Lietz quickly managed to catch up with the front-runners. At the halfway point in the race, the Felbermayr-Proton pilots, who clinched the GT title of the Le Mans Series for the second consecutive time this season, were already running third. Shortly afterwards they then overtook a Ferrari.

“Unfortunately we didn’t have enough for victory, but it’s still a great day for Porsche,” said Richard Lietz. “Obviously it was somewhat frustrating when Marc was forced back into the pits in the first lap with a torn-off valve. But we didn’t let that upset us and simply concentrated on working our way up the front again. Actually, it was huge fun - not least because our chase ended on the podium.” Marc Lieb added: “That was almost a perfect year for our team. Today we were very fast, but experienced a bit of bad luck early on in the race.”

With the second 911 GT3 RSR fielded by the Felbermayr-Proton team, Martin Ragginger (Austria), Christian Ried (Germany) and Gianluca Roda (Italy) occupied fourth place – despite the botched and unnecessary overtaking manoeuvre of a Peugeot prototype that forced Martin Ragginger into the gravel trap in the last hour of the race. The former Porsche-Junior had to pit and lost ten minutes. In the Felbermayr-Proton camp, however, elation prevailed. “That was a fantastic year for our team. Firstly our win in Le Mans, then the Le Mans Series victory and now the best team in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup – you can’t really do more,” said Christian Ried, team boss and driver at Felbermayr-Proton. “To be so successful, everything has to run smoothly and that was exactly the case in our team. We didn’t retire once. Despite never having started from pole position, we won three races. That can only work with a good car, strong drivers and a super team.” One of the first to congratulate the crew was Hartmut Kristen: “I’m particularly thrilled that Felbermayr-Proton won the team classification.”

Despite his strong drive, Richard Westbrook (Great Britain) didn’t manage to see the flag with the Prospeed Competition 911 GT3 RSR. The double Supercup winner and former FIA GT champion was on course for a podium result with his teammate Darryl O’Young (Hong Kong) when a clutch problem in the 119th lap signalled the end. “What a shame. We were looking very good in third place,” he commented. “Our mechanics tried their very best to repair the car but time ran out for us.” Local hero Darryl O’Young said: “It was a fabulous experience to drive on this track with the 911 GT3 RSR and to be cheered by so many fans. I became more and more familiar with the car. Under normal circumstances we would have finished on the podium. That would have been a highlight in my career. What a shame it didn’t work out.”

Race result GT2 class
1. Müller/Werner (D/D), BMW E92 M3, 202 laps
2. Lieb/Lietz (D/A), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 202
3. Bruni/Vilander/Melo (I/SF/BRA), Ferrari 430 GT, 199
4. Ragginger/Ried/Roda (A/D/I), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 192
5. Ehret/Quaife/Kirkaldy (D/GB/GB), Ferrari 430 GT, 191
6. Giroix/Goethe/Fatien (F/D/F), Lamborghini Gallardo, 187

Final standings team classification GT2 class
1. Felbermayr-Proton, Porsche, 72 points
2. AF Corse, Ferrari, 57
3. CRS Racing, Ferrari, 47

Final standings manufacturer classification GT2 class
1. Ferrari, 120 points
2. Porsche, 113
3. BMW, 69

Facts and Figures

This is the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup

The newly inaugurated Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC) is open for sports prototypes and GT vehicles, with the regulations based on the rules of the Le Mans 24 Hours. Three long distance races are on the ILMC calendar this season: the 1,000 kilometres of Silverstone (Le Mans Series), the Petit Le Mans in Road Atlanta (American Le Mans Series) and the 1,000 kilometre race in Zhuhai/China.

The starting field consists of sports prototypes and standard sports cars. They are divided into seven classes:
LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 750 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms (petrol vehicles) or 930 kg (diesel vehicles).
MP2 class: Sports prototypes with around 440 hp and an 825 kilogram minimum weight.
GT1 class: Heavily modified standard sports cars with up to 650 hp and a high minimum weight of 1,125 – 1,325 kilograms.
GT2 class: Slightly modified standard sports cars with 440-460 hp and a minimum weight of 1,125 – 1,325 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR).
Formula Le Mans: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
GTC class: GT brand trophy vehicles of all manufacturers are eligible to compete in this class.
GT Experimental class: Special class for innovative vehicles like the new Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid.

All race cars start together but are classified separately. Points for manufacturers and teams are allocated for placings in each class.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 R based on the 997 model generation heads into the 2013 motorsport season with extensive modifications. With its widened fender flares front and rear, the successful customer sport racer, fielded in the GT3 classes, looks considerably brawnier than its predecessor. The new aerodynamics generates substantially more downforce, allowing for higher cornering speeds and later braking points. The wider track and the adapted wheels provide additional improvement in traction.

Ever since its launch in 2010, customer teams around the world have gone from success to success with the 911 GT3 R. In 2012 alone, Porsche customer teams raced the 500 hp production-based Grand Touring race car in 131 races, won 41 of them and clinched numerous championships.

For 2013, Porsche Motorsport significantly modified the aerodynamics. The front bumper panels, all fenders, the sill covers, the rear panel and underbody with rear diffuser received further fine-tuning in the wind tunnel. The rear wing was enlarged to the width of the vehicle and repositioned to work optimally with the redesigned body.

The suspension also underwent modifications. The track of both the front and rear axle grew by 50 millimetres. The width of the front rims is now twelve instead of 10.9 inches. The wheelbase of the latest 911 GT3 R grew by ten millimetres.

Like its predecessor, the highly efficient four-litre, six-cylinder flat engine has an out-put of 368 kW (500 hp). The Porsche six-speed sequential dog-type gearbox with pneumatic shift system is operated via shift paddles on the steering wheel. This technical solution allows very fast and smooth gear changes – an advantage when it comes to high operational safety and a long service life.

An array of electronic driver assistance systems adopted from the predecessor helps turn fast and safe laps. The E-gas features a throttle-blip function. The gearbox elec-tronics make skipping gears and the resulting over revving of the engine virtually impossible. Thanks to a specially-adjusted traction control and a race ABS, the 911 GT3 R can be very well controlled under braking and acceleration.

With a conversion kit offered by Porsche, customer teams can convert older model years of the 911 GT3 R to the 2013-spec. The kit is available from Porsche Motor-sport at the price of 45,500 Euros plus country-specific value added tax.

Porsche’s race car lineup based on the latest 991-series 911 is complete following this weekend’s introduction of the all-new 911 GT3 R, which sits between the 911 GT3 Cup and 911 RSR in Porsche’s 911 race car hierarchy. The latest model made its debut on the eve of the 2015 Nürburgring 24 Hours race, which at the time of writing is in full action.

The new GT3 R is derived from the 911 GT3 RS road car, which itself was launched only a couple of months ago. As its name suggests, the car has been designed for GT3 competition, with the main focus for the engineers being in the areas of lightweight design, aerodynamic efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, improved handling, improved safety and lowering service and spare parts costs.

Powering the car is a 4.0-liter flat-six that’s largely identical to the unit in the GT3 RS road car. Power levels offered by the engine start in excess of 500 horsepower. Compared to the engine in the previous GT3 R, the new one offers improved driveability thanks to a flatter torque curve spread over a broader rev range.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox with paddle shifters. A mechanical limited-slip differential is also fitted. The wheels measure 18 inches in diameter and come wrapped in massive 300/650 tires up front and 310/710s at the rear. The brakes are ventilated and grooved steel discs with six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston biters at the rear.

The suspension consists of McPherson struts, adjustable in height, camber and toe, at the front. An independent multi-link setup, also with adjustable height, camber and toe, is used at the rear. Adjustable anti-roll bars are found at both ends.

For the body, lightweight solutions enabled the engineers to significantly optimize the center of gravity of the car compared to the predecessor model. The main body is made with aluminum, steel and composite materials while other parts are pure carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. All windows—and for the first time even the windscreen—comprise of polycarbonate. The end result is a weight of just 2,689 pounds.

Another development focus was on the safety features of the GT3 R. The capacity of the further-reinforced FT3 safety fuel cell was increased to 31.7 gallons, with the tank now featuring a fuel cut-off safety valve. The doors and the side windows can be removed, and the escape hatch in the roof is now larger. In the event of an accident, the single racing bucket seat offers the driver even better protection.

The new GT3 R will start competing in the 2016 motorsport season and the first teams should receive their cars this December. Pricing is set at 429,000 euros ($491,077) before taxes.

With the latest generation of the 911 GT3 R, Porsche unveils a new customer racing car. The new challenger for GT3 series around the world is based on the current 992 generation and will be ready to race at the beginning of the 2023 season. Development began in 2019. Priority was given to further improving the driveability for professionals and so-called gentleman drivers, as well as tapping larger performance reserves for different Balance of Performance (BoP) classifications. Another focus was on streamlining the handling of the race car for the teams and reducing the running costs. Porsche Motorsport offers the new 911 GT3 R at a price of 511,000 Euros plus country-specific VAT and optional extras.

"The new 911 GT3 R has big shoes to fill," says Michael Dreiser, Sales Director at Porsche Motorsport. "Its forerunner has won almost everything there is to win in the GT3 scene in four seasons since 2019. Its stand-out successes include overall victories at the 24-hour races at the Nürburgring and also here at Spa-Francorchamps. Raced by our customers, the predecessor scored class victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. The new model faces a massive workload in the hands of the Porsche customer racing teams."

After the GT3 class was announced as a professional category in the North American IMSA series, the FIA WEC World Endurance Championship follows suit: From 2024, GT3 racing cars such as the new 911 GT3 R will be eligible to take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time.

"We hit the bull's eye with the enormously successful predecessor. Accordingly, the bar for its successor is high," emphasises Sebastian Golz, 911 GT3 R Project Manager at Porsche Motorsport. "Our task was less about making the new 911 GT3 R even faster - the classification within performance windows set by the BoP quickly cancels out this advantage. For us, it was primarily about our customers being able to drive the racing car fast for longer. This requires durability and that's why we focused predominantly on improved driveability. This is reflected in the new 4.2-litre engine's broader usable rev band, more stable and constant aerodynamics and lower loads on the rear tyres, which allow their potential to last longer."

At the core of the new racing car is the near-standard engine based on the 992-generation 911 power plant. Like in the previous model, it is a water-cooled flat-six engine with four-valve technology and direct fuel injection. The main new development is the displacement: like the 911 RSR, the capacity of the new 911 GT3 R has increased by a good five per cent from 3,997 to 4,194 cc. This has boosted the engine's peak output to around 416 kW (565 PS). First and foremost, however, Porsche has optimised the torque and power curve across the entire rev range. Consequently, the new 4.2-litre six-cylinder is better suited to gentleman drivers.

The high-revving six-cylinder manages without turbocharging and sits in the classic rear position, thus enhancing traction and braking. However, it has been tilted forwards by 5.5 degrees, creating more leeway for the underbody diffuser. Auxiliary units such as the alternator and the air conditioning compressor were moved a good metre forward and further down into a space in front of the engine and gearbox, which has a positive effect on the weight balance of the 911 GT3 R. The sequential six-speed contest-mesh gearbox is derived from the current 911 GT3 Cup. Shift paddles control an electronic shift drum actuator that enables particularly rapid and precise gear changes.

The new 911 GT3 R's suspension - many details of which have been modified - supports driveability, allows more precise steering, ensures less wear on the rear tyres and reduces the time spent on set-up changes. For this, numerous components and technical solutions were taken from the 911 RSR. At the front axle, a state-of-the-art double wishbone layout controls the wheels. The rear axle sports a multi-link design. The KW shock absorbers were further improved and offer five adjustment settings. Set-up modifications are done with so-called shims. These plates enable precision adjustments without the need for the time-consuming re-alignment of the suspension afterwards.

The optimised positioning of the central pivot points at the front axle frees up space for the aerodynamic "race underfloor" concept. Like in the 911 RSR, this elevated underbody allows for a clean flow of air to the rear diffuser and reduces the pitch sensitivity of the racing car - i.e. a high rake under braking. The rear wheels have moved a little further back, which extends the wheelbase from 2,459 to 2,507 millimetres. This also reduces the load on the rear tyres and improves the consistency of the tyres' performance over longer stints.

In addition to the aluminium monobloc racing brake callipers, the brake discs on the new 911 GT3 R are now also supplied by the specialist company AP. The internally vented and slotted front steel discs measure 390 mm in diameter and are activated by six pistons. Fitted at the rear are four-piston callipers and discs measuring 370 mm. A sophisticated software application for the fifth-generation racing ABS reduces wear on the tyres and brakes. Porsche's traction control system also received a further development.

The new 911 GT3 R is just the second racing car from Porsche Motorsport to be based on the current 992-generation 911 after the 911 GT3 Cup. Its lightweight body with an intelligent aluminium-steel composite design draws on the production model, albeit with major modifications for use in the 911 GT3 R. Almost all body components are made of lightweight carbon, including the front and rear lids, doors, side panels, rear wing and roof. The wheel arches are made of aramid fibres.

In a vehicle like the new 911 GT3 R, functionality stands at the forefront. Nevertheless, Grant Larson from Style Porsche again succeeded in creating particularly stunning and harmonious shapes. They accentuate the heritage of the nine-eleven and blend it with sophisticated efficiency. Most notably, this is reflected in the aerodynamics. The key points: an elevated underbody at the fore of the front axle, for the first time in conjunction with a smooth undertray, and a rear diffuser. This combination improves downforce without a significant increase in drag. The rear wing now features a swan-neck mount. This ensures a clean airflow under the wing and thus improves the aerodynamic efficiency of the component.

In terms of safety, the new 911 GT3 R follows an uncompromising approach. The seat has moved closer to the centre of the car. This enabled Porsche to optimally adapt the more ergonomic seat position to the improved roll cage and the newly developed FIA side impact protection. Like in the forerunner, the steering wheel and pedals can be adjusted longitudinally to suit the driver. Porsche specialists took another close look at the six-point safety harness: the tongues now slide even faster into the clasp via special ramps - saving about a second during pit stops for driver changes. The steering wheel design also received further upgrades on the previous model. It incorporates elements that have proven themselves in the latest generation 911 GT3 Cup and 911 RSR race cars. The 10.3-inch display, for example, comes from the successful one-make cup racer, with the multi-switch concept adopted from the Le Mans class winner.

The high-performance LED headlights on the 911 GT3 R rely on so-called collimator technology, which Porsche developed for the new LMDh 963 prototype, among others. This device works like a magnifying glass, only in reverse. It illuminates a particularly large area of the racetrack and is a significant improvement on the predecessor model, which was previously regarded as the class leader.

Technical data Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) model year 2023

• Concept
  • Single-seater customer race car; homologated for the FIA GTE category; homologation basis: Porsche 911 GT3 (992 series).
• Weight/dimensions
  • Base weight: ca. 1,250 kg (depending of BoP classification); wheelbase: 2,507 mm.
  • Length: 4,619 mm; width: 2,039 mm (front axle) / 2,050 mm (rear axle).
• Engine
  • Water-cooled six-cylinder boxer, rear-mounted; capacity 4,194 cc, stroke 81.5 mm, bore 104.5 mm; max rpm 9,250/min; power: ca. 416 kW (565 PS); four-valve technology; single throttle butterfly system; direct fuel injection; engine control unit Bosch MS 6.6; dry sump lubrication with oil-water heat exchanger; single mass flywheel; race exhaust system with twin tailpipes and DMSB certified catalytic converter; fuel quality: Superplus unleaded to E20 (min. 98 octane).
• Transmission
  • Porsche six-speed sequential constant-mesh gearbox; shift paddles on the steering wheel with electronic shift actuator; mechanical limited slip differential with adjustable preload system unit; three-plate carbon race clutch.
• Body
  • Lightweight body featuring intelligent aluminium-steel composite design; mounting points for lifting device, removable rescue hatch in the roof; welded-in roll cage; approved for co-driver use on circuits; six-bolt carbon racing seat pursuant to FIA 8862-2009; six-point safety harness for use with HANS®; longitudinally adjustable pedal assembly and adjustable steering column with steering angle senor; front cover with integrated quick-release fasteners, cooler exit-air duct and central air intake for cockpit ventilation; widened front bumper with spoiler lip; fenders with extensions; rear trim with integrated rain light in accordance with FIA; doors, carbon-fibre rear lid and rear wing; rear wing with "swan neck" mounts; fully polycarbonate glazing with hard coating; heated windscreen; four-post air jack system; valve mounting points on either side; 117-litre FT3 fuel cell in front of the car.
  • Carbon-fibre interior trim, multifunctional carbon-fibre steering wheel with quick release coupling, shift paddles and illuminated push buttons; ergonomic digital touch panel with multi-color backlighting; safety nets (center and driver's side) in accordance with latest FIA safety regulations; integrated CFK side impact protection; drivers' seat with seat ventilation; fire extinguishing system with electronic release unit.
• Suspension
  • Forged aluminium control arms and top mounts, stiffness optimised; highy-duty spherical bearings with dust protection; wheel hubs with central locking; five-way adjustable racing shock absorbers, motorsport-specific valve design and blow-off function; suspension adjustment via shims; sword-type anti-roll bars adjustable on both sides; spring travel potentiometer; tyre pressure monitoring system.
  • Front axle:
    • Double wishbone front axle, adjustable ride height, camber and toe.
    • Electro-hydraulic power steering.
    • Single-piece alloy rims, 12.5J x 18, tyre size 30/68-18.
  • Rear axle:
    • Multilink rear suspension, adjustable ride height, camber and toe.
    • Racing driveshaft with tripod flanges.
    • Single-piece alloy rims, 13.5J x 18, tyre size 31/71-18.
• Brakes
  • Two independent brake circuits incorporating front and rear axle brake pressure sensors, driver adjustable brake-force distribution via brake balance system; racing brake pads; optimised brake ducting; brake temperature sensors; ergonomic brake pedal positioning for left and right foot braking.
  • Generation 5 racing ABS from Bosch
  • Front axle: Six-piston aluminum monobloc racing brake callipers 'anti knock-back' piston springs; internally vented multi-piece 390 mm x 35.7 mm steel brake discs; aluminium brake disc chamber.
  • Rear axle: Four-piston aluminum monobloc racing brake callipers with 'anti knock-back' piston springs; internally ventilated multi-piece 370 mm x 32.1 mm steel brake discs; aluminium brake disc chamber.
• Electrical system
  • 992 EE Motorsport architecture; new easier-to-use Porsche toolset with more streamlined handling; latest generation Cosworth electronic components; Porsche Logger Unit; Porsche power box; 10.3-inch Porsche colour display with integrated RLU, data recording via USA stick; leak-proof LiFePo4 battery 12V, 40 Ah in the passenger footwell; 210 A alternator; digital touch panel with multi-colour backlighting; single-arm windscreen wiper with direct drive (intermittent and continuous).
  • LED headlights with integrated auxiliary lights; LED taillights plus rain light. Attachments for Accident Data Recorder (ADR).