Porsche 911 GT3 R – race car based on the road car

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is often described as the race car for the road, which implies that it’s a street-legalised race car. But it’s the other way round, really – Zuffenhausen has just released this, the Porsche 911 GT3 R customer race car which it says is based on the production 911 GT3 RS that debut in March.

For GT3 series racing around the world, the new 911 GT3 R saw Porsche pay special attention to lightweight design, better aerodynamic efficiency, reducing consumption, improved handling, further optimised safety as well as lowering service and spare parts costs.

Like the hardcore 991 road car, the GT3 R features a double-bubble roof, and a wheelbase which had been lengthened by 8.3 cm. The latter brings a more balanced weight distribution and more predictable handling in fast corners corners compared to the previous GT3 R.

Engineers also “significantly optimised” the centre of gravity position versus the old R, using carbon-fibre composite material (CFRP) for the roof, front cover and fairing, wheel arches, doors, side and tail sections as well as the rear cover. All windows – and for the first time ever, the windscreen – are made from polycarbonate to cut weight.

Race car essentials such as an integrated (welded) roll cage according to FIA Appendix J, safety fuel cell (approximately 120 litres, with fuel cut off safety valve in accordance with FIA regulations), removable roof escape hatch and an air jack system are present.

Powering the 1,220 kg 911 GT3 R is a 4.0 litre naturally-aspirated flat-six that’s largely identical to the road car’s motor. The direct-injection VVT engine delivers over 500 hp to the fat 310 mm rear wheels via a sequential six-speed constant-mesh gearbox, with steering paddles.

The GT3 R has adopted the concept of the central radiator from its 911 RSR big brother. By eliminating the side radiators, the position of the centre of gravity is improved, the radiator is better protected against collision damage, and the venting of hot air through louvers in the front cover is enhanced.

On top of it all is a huge two-metre wide rear wing that lends aerodynamic balance. The distinctive wheel arch air vents on the front fairings increase downforce at the front axle.

The GT3 R’s front McPherson strut suspension and multi-link rear suspension are adjustable in height, camber and toe, and there are adjustable anti-roll bar blades at both ends. All wheel hubs come with centre-lock wheel nuts. There are two separate brake circuits for the front and rear axles; driver adjustable via a brake balance bar system. The front brakes consist of six-piston aluminium monobloc calipers gripping 380 mm discs; the rears are four-piston items with 372 mm discs.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R priced at 429,000 euros (RM1.75 million) excluding country-specific taxes.

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