Porsche reveals new 911 GT3 Cup racer

Porsche has released the first images and details of its new 911 GT3 Cup racer, which for the first time uses as its basis the 44mm wider GT3 RS (it was formerly based on the GT3).

Due to make its debut next year in Porsche Carrera Cup championships across the globe, as well as the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup that supports Formula One races, it's billed as the latest edition of the best-selling racer of all time, with more than 1400 Cup cars built since 1998.

The wider body of the RS enables the latest GT3 Cup to run a bigger wheel/tyre package, which, combined with other evolutionary changes, has allegedly boosted its dynamic performance.

Another key change is that it runs a 3.8-litre flat-six (rather than the 3.6-litre unit used by its predecessor) and, as a result, power has been bumped up by 22kW to 331kW. This is channelled to the rear wheels through a sequential six-speed manual gearbox and limited slip differential.

According to Porsche, the engine is largely identical to the production donk in the 911 GT3 RS (it spins to the same 8500rpm redline), emphasising the company's 'track to road' philosophy.

Given its track-focused job description, weight has been pared from the already light road-going GT3 RS (1370kg) to an almost waiflike 1200kg.

The racer runs the same striking daytime driving lights as the road-going 911, and the front body panels are also the same as on the 911 GT3 RS, as is the rear bumper valance with its air vent openings and LED rear lights. However, the front spoiler lip is 15mm lower to generate more downforce on the front axle.

Downforce on the rear axle is also increased by the rear wing, which is extended in width from 1.46 to 1.70 metres and now mounted higher up in a development feature reminiscent of that fitted to the even faster 911 GT3 R raced in international FIA GT3 series.

The GT3 Cup rolls on three-piece light-alloy rims measuring 9.5 J x 18 (previously 9 J x 18) at the front and 12 J x 18 at the rear, and these are wrapped in Michelin racing tyres.

Additional Uniball joints are used on the track control arms of the front and rear suspension to permit greater chassis adjustability, and the sword-shaped anti-roll bars fitted front and rear are now adjustable to seven different positions on both sides.

Porsche claims this allows for an even more precise set-up of the car, enabling it to be better tailored to the characteristics of different racetracks.

Meanwhile, the cockpit gains an additional vent in the upper part of the front lid, providing the driver with a better supply of fresh air, while the controls for the Info Display are now positioned directly on the steering wheel -- the six switches control a variety of functions including the pit-lane speed limiter, windscreen wipers, and lights.

In addition to fore-and-aft adjustment, the steering wheel can now also be adjusted for height, as per the 911 road car.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...