The most successful racecar gets even more advanced.
Over 2,200 911 GT3 Cup cars have been sold since Porsche began offering the racecars to customer racing teams. Since then, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup has become the most successful racecar in the world, running in numerous GT race series and 19 Porsche brand trophies. The 2012 GT3 Cup racecar offers customer teams new safety and driving improvements that allow it to be raced in even more series.
Based on the current 997 GT3 RS, the new 2012-spec 911 GT3 Cup is the foundation for Porsche’s racing cars. The racecar uses a 3.8-liter flat-six engine that is virtually identical to the production 911 GT3 RS, producing the same 450 bhp and revving to 8,500 RPM. However, the Cup car does feature a lightweight race exhaust system with catalytic converter to cut down on emissions.
The differences become more apparent from there. Each of the fenders has been widened to accommodate larger wheels and an increased track. At the front axle sit 9.5 J x 18 light alloy wheels while the rear sports a larger pair of 12 J x 18 wheels. To ensure optimum traction, new 25/64 – 18 front and 30/68 – 18 rear Michelin racing tires are fitted. Depending on the racing application, Porsche offers a number of different wheel specifications. The front and rear suspension utilizes blade-type anti-roll bars with seven-way adjustability to provide the perfect setup for a specific track. For customers that race in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup, the 911 GT3 Cup cars can be fitted with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) that are virtually fade-free and reduce weight by 44 lbs. (20 kg) over the stock composite cast brakes.
For the 2012-spec Cup cars, Porsche had redesigned the fuel tank for better safety. The new 100-liter FT3 safety fuel tank can be filled by opening the front hood of the car and improves safety. This redesigned tank now allows the GT3 Cup to be raced in more endurance racing series. Inside, much of the car remains the same as the previous model. Six switches and controls for the information display are positioned on the adjustable steering wheel for driver convenience.
The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racecar will be available for delivery in September of 2011. The GT3 Cup car will meet 2012 and 2013 specifications for one-make cup racing series around the world. Pricing begins at € 161,750 (+/- 230,900) plus country based tax.
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 3.8 liters
Number of Cylinders: Flat-six
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Maximum Horsepower: 450
Maximum Engine Speed: 8,500 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Sequential six-speed dog-type gearbox
Drive: Rear-wheel
Wheels and Tires:
Front Wheels: 9.5 J x 18 ET 37 with central bolt
Rear Wheels: 12 J x 18 ET 30 with central bolt
Front Tires: Michelin 25/64 – 18 racing tires
Rear Tires: Michelin 30/68 – 18 racing tires
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Gallery
[Source: Porsche]
What racing series would you like to drive the 911 GT3 Cup in? Leave a comment and let us know!
