Photo: Porsche
While attention has deservedly focused on car manufacturers developing the next generation of sports prototypes, international GT racing is also undergoing a major transformation. With the GT3 category poised to become the first production-based class in every major sports car championship, manufacturers are launching new cars to give themselves a better chance of staying ahead of the competition. Porsche is the latest manufacturer to launch a new GT3 challenger. Feast your eyes on the 911 GT3 R.
It’s the new iteration of Porsche’s venerable 911 GT3, based on the current 992 generation of the Porsche 911 roadster. The GT3 R will make its competitive debut at the 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona. The German manufacturer used the knowledge gathered from its full range of racing 911s to optimize every aspect of its latest competition vehicle.
Photo: Porsche
The most notable development with the new model is the increase in engine displacement. The 992-based GT3 R will feature the same water-cooled flat-six engine setup, with power from 4.0 liters to 4.2, resulting in 565 horsepower. Of course, this figure will vary as race organizers use Balance of Performance adjustments to try and create a more level field between competitors, so optimizing torque output across the rev range was vital. for Porsche.
Porsche Motorsport 911 GT3 R Project Manager Sebastian Golz said:
We hit the bullseye with the blockbuster predecessor. Consequently, the bar for his successor is high. Our task was less about making the new 911 GT3 R even faster: qualifying within the performance windows set by the BoP quickly negates that advantage. For us, it was mainly about our customers being able to drive the race car fast for longer. This requires durability and that is why we have focused mainly on improving the ride. This is reflected in the wider useful rev band of the new 4.2-litre engine, more stable and consistent aerodynamics and lower loads on the rear tyres, allowing its potential to last longer.
G/O Media may receive a commission
Photo: Porsche
Despite being in a different regulatory category, the new 911 GT3 R is effectively the successor to the 911 RSR built for the LM GTE class. The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship has adopted the GT3 ruleset for its fully professional GT class and the FIA World Endurance Championship will replace its LM GTE classes with GT3 machinery in 2024; GT3, however, remains a customer racing category.
Photo: Porsche
Volker Holzmeyer, President and CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America, said: “Driving is very important to the wide range of drivers we have competing here and this was a focus of the 992 911 GT3 R type. We have already had a overwhelming interest in the car, and we’re looking forward to seeing it turn its first wheel here soon.” For customer racing teams in North America, a new Porsche 911 GT3 R will cost $567,210.