There’s a new Porsche 911 racer in town. The new 911 GT3 R has been revealed, with a 4.2-litre engine and a rear wing that’ll trouble low-flying planes.
The GT3 R isn’t a road-going partner to the GT3 or upcoming GT3 RS; it’s a proper race car for customer teams which want to take on race-prepared versions of the McLaren Artura, Ferrari 296 GTB, Bentley Continental, Nissan GT-R, and Mercedes-AMG GT.
Porsche says it’s placed a priority on improving “drivability for professionals and so-called gentleman drivers”, and leaving more headroom in the engine for the wick to be turned up when FIA Balance of Performance rules allow it.
Power comes from a 4.2-litre, naturally-aspirated flat-six engine with up to 416kW. Porsche says the extra 197cc of displacement compared to the previous model’s engine has made the power and torque delivery friendlier across a broader rev range.
Redline sits at 9250rpm, up 250rpm on what the road-going GT3 can handle. All that grunt is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox derived from the unit in the GT3 Cup car, along with a limited-slip rear differential.
The engine is still rear-mounted, but it’s been tilted forwards by 5.5 degrees to free up more space for that huge rear diffuser. Also present is a swan neck spoiler, which hints at what we can expect from the upcoming GT3 RS road car.
There’s a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, and the shock absorbers can be adjusted through five stages. There are also adjustable anti-roll bars, and forged aluminium control arms.
Depending on the Balance of Performance rules, the 911 GT3 R weighs 1250kg and measures up at 4619mm long and 2050mm wide, with a 2507mm wheelbase.
Inside, the GT3 R features a bucket seat and safety cell designed to meet the latest FIA regulations. In a nod to the teams using this car in endurance races, the six-point harnesses have been amended to slide more easily out of the way on hurried driver changes.
The steering wheel and driver display take inspiration from the GT3 Cup and 911 RSR racers.
Pricing in Europe kicks off at €511,000 ($750,000), excluding taxes and any optional extras.
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