The most successful 911 racer is back and better than ever.
For the 2011 racing year, Porsche has updated the most successful GT racer. The 911 GT3-based racecar has won numerous championships in LeMans and American LeMans Series, and succeeded in achieving overall victories in many endurance races against stiff competition from BMW, Aston Martin, Chevrolet, and others. In Weissach, Germany, the updated 911 GT3 RSR for 2011 was unveiled at the “Night of Champions” party at Porsche’s R&D Center, sporting new aerodynamic bodywork, a revised suspension, and more powerful engine.
The major difference between the outgoing 911 GT3 RSR and the new 2011 model are the redesigned aerodynamics. At the front, a new front lip has been fitted to improve downforce. At the rear, the large wing has been redesigned and features a new mounting point to achieve optimum downforce. The GT3 RSR also wears a new rear with extra air outlets. The rear lid was also redesigned and now uses improved air ducting to help cool the engine. Just as the new 997.2 road-going 911s, the GT3 RSR also uses LED rear lighting.
Sitting at the rear axle is an updated version of Porsche’s famous flat-six that has powered many a racer to victory. This time around the 4.0-liter engine has an additional five horsepower over its predecessor, bringing the total output to 455 hp at 7,800 RPM. The extra five horses may not seem like a drastic improvement, but in a competition where the smallest of advantages can decide a podium finish, they are welcomed with open arms. The increased power comes as a result of a new engine management system that can adapt to different fuel grades better than before, a redesigned exhaust system, and optimized air intake housing. Torque remains unchanged at 332 lb-ft. as well as the maximum revolutions, which sits at 9,400 RPM.
For 2011, Porsche took steps to reduce the 911 GT3 RSR’s tendency to understeer. Rectifying this problem are wider three-piece BBS light alloy wheels that are now 12 inches wide up front instead of 11 in the previous GT3 RSR. The entire suspension is completely adjustable allowing crews to adapt to certain conditions and racetracks. The central-locking three-piece light alloy wheels measure 12J x 18 ET 34 up front and 13J x 18 ET 12.5 at the rear. Behind the wheels are six-piston, 380-mm front and four-piston, 355-mm rear Brembo brakes.
The new 2011 911 GT3 RSR is the top-model in Porsche Motorsport’s collection, sitting atop the 911 GT3 R and 911 GT3 Cup. The updated racecar can be ordered for € 410,000 (+/- 542,000 USD) plus country-specific value added tax. For teams with the GT3 RSR from the 2010 season, Porsche also offers all of the 2011 updates as a kit.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR
Engine:
Displacement: 4.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: Flat-six
Valves per Cylinder: Four
Bore x Stroke: 102.7 mm x 80.4 mm
Lubrication: Dry-sump
Air Restrictors: 2 x 28.6 mm
Maximum Revolutions: 9,400 RPM
Maximum Horsepower: 455 at 7,800 RPM
Maximum Torque: 332 lb-ft.
-Redesigned exhaust
-New engine management system
-Modified air intake housing
Transmission:
Type: Porsche six-speed gearbox with sequential jaw-type shift
Drive: Rear-wheel
Differential: limited slip 45/65 percent
Flywheel: Single-mass
Clutch: Three-plate carbon fiber
Wheels and Brakes:
Wheels: Three-piece BBS light alloy, center lock
Front Wheels: 12J x 18 ET 34
Rear Wheels: 13J x 18 ET 12.5
Front Brakes: Single-piece six-piston aluminum fixed calipers; inner vented, 380 mm diameter
Rear Brakes: Single-piece four-piston aluminum fixed calipers; inner vented, 355 mm diameter
Suspension and Body:
Front Suspension: McPherson spring strut axle; Sachs four-way gas pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and auxiliary); front axle arms adjustable for camber; adjustable sword-type anti-roll bar; power steering.
Rear Suspension: Multi-arm axle with rigidly mounted axle sub-frame; Sachs four-way gas pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and auxiliary); rear axle tie-bar reinforced and infinitely adjustable; adjustable sword-type anti-roll bar. Complete suspension infinitely adjustable (height, camber, track).
Body: Monocoque body (basis GT3 RS) of hot-galvanized steel; aerodynamically optimized front end with front spoiler; aerodynamically optimized front underfloor; adjustable rear wing; 90-litre FT3 safety fuel tank with fast filling function; air jack; welded-in safety cage; race seat (driver’s side only) with flame retardant upholstery; six-point seat belt adapted for use of the HANS Head and Neck Support; electric fire extinguishing system.
Weight: 1,220 kg / 2,684 lbs.
[Source: Porsche]
Name your favorite racing team that uses the 911 GT3 RSR and your favorite racing series!
