Race fit: Porsche reveals lighter, faster 911 GT3 R racer

Porsche has revealed its new racer based on the soon-to-be-launched 911 GT3 RS road car.

Sharing a tuned version of the RS road car’s all-new 4.0-litre direct-injection flat-six, the race car produces an air-restrictor-limited 368kW. Along with a lightweight construction and 1220kg kerbweight, Porsche claims this makes the new 991-series 911 GT3 R faster than the old 997-series car it replaces.

Created for customer teams to compete in the GT3 race category around the world, including in Australia, the new racer features a distinctive double-bubble roof and a wheelbase that has been extended by 83mm compared to the previous 997 race-car. This, says Porsche’s motorsport arm, adds stability through faster corners.

Speaking of which, the new racer has a comprehensive new aero package that features the new road car’s wheel-arch vents and a huge new rear wing.

To cut weight and lower the centre-of-gravity the roof, bonnet, wings, doors and rear bodywork are all made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic. All windows, including the windscreen, are also made of polycarbonate.

Instead of side radiators the new GT3 R has a centrally mounted rad that’s said to be better protected from collision damage.

Porsche has also engineered a new braking system for the 991 racer that includes 380mm diameter front discs combined with six-piston monobloc brake callipers. At the rear there’s fractionally smaller 372mm discs and four-piston callipers. Instead of carbon ceramic, the GT3 R uses grooved and ventilated steel discs.

Finally, to increase safety the enlarged fuel tank now features a cut-off safety valve, while the doors and windows can be easily removed following an accident. There’s a larger safety escape hatch in the roof too.

Pricing for the 911 GT3 R has been set at €429,000 ($A611,000) plus local taxes. Deliveries start this December 2015.