Porsche unveiled the second generation of its 911 GT3 at the Nürburgring on Friday. Based on the Porsche 991 model, the GT3 sports car will be eligible to compete in next year´s ADAC GT Masters when it replaces the 997 GT3 R series which has been in action since 2010. In upgrading the 500bhp car, great attention was paid to lightweight construction, improved aerodynamic efficiency and fuel economy, enhanced driveability, optimised safety and a reduction in the cost of servicing and spare parts. The Porsche 911 GT3 R is one of the three most successful super sports cars to have contested the ADAC GT Masters. Since making its debut in 2010, the Porsche has notched up 13 race wins, the last of which was in the 2015 season opener at Oschersleben.
From its 911 GT3 RS series production counterpart, the GT3 R version has adopted the characteristic double-bubble roof and extended wheelbase – 8.3 centimetres longer than the previous generation. By comparison with the previous GT3 R, this makes for a more balanced weight distribution and more predictable handling, especially in fast corners. Consistently lightweight construction throughout the entire body, add-on components and suspension has allowed the engineers to further optimise the centre of gravity of the GT3 R compared to the previous model. The lightweight body of the 911 GT3 RS sports car series in intelligent aluminium-steel hybrid construction proved at the design stage to be the optimum basis for the racing car. The roof, bonnet and grille, wings, doors, side and rear panels and the boot lid are made from exceptionally lightweight carbon-fibre composite material (CFRP). All the brake discs – and for the first time even the windscreen – are made from polycarbonate.
The new 911 GT3 R is powered by a modern four-litre six-cylinder boxer engine which is largely identical to the high-performance series unit of the street-legal 911 GT3 RS. The petrol direct injection, which operates at pressures of up to 200 bar, and variable camshaft adjustment ensure exceptionally efficient use of fuel. At the same time, the naturally aspirated engine produces significantly improved power delivery and a more responsive speed band compared to its predecessor. The output from the rear-mounted engine is transmitted to the 310-millimetre-wide rear wheels via a sequential six-speed Porsche constant-mesh gearbox. As with the GT road models of the 911, the driver changes gear using a handily placed paddle control on the steering wheel.
In matters of aerodynamics too, the 911 GT3 R follows the example of the road vehicle. The distinctive wheel arch ventilation increases the downforce on the front axle. The two-metre-wide and 40cm-high rear spoiler ensures aerodynamic balance. The GT3 R inherits the concept of the centrally placed radiator from its 911 RS big brother.
Another development priority was safety. The capacity of the new FT3 fuel tank has been increased by a further twelve litres to 120; it has been reinforced and now has a fuel cut-off safety valve. The doors and the side windows are removable, and the escape hatch in the roof has been enlarged. The new pod-shaped driver´s seat provides even better protection in case of impact.
The new Porsche 911 GT3 R can be ordered immediately at a price of €429,000 (plus country-specific value added tax), and deliveries to racing teams will commence in December 2015.