The evolution continues.
There’s a reason that automotive marques like Porsche, Ferrari, McLaren and others are the upper crust in the world sports cars. Racing and motorsports are a huge part of their respective histories and the technology, experience, and know-how gained here has transferred into their production cars, thus setting them apart from the competition. The new Porsche 911 GT3 R continues that legacy and offers up a lighter, more aerodynamic, efficient, safer, and cost-effective customer race car for FIA GT3 series competition.
Based on the road-going Porsche 911 GT3 RS, the new 911 GT3 R is the latest and greatest customer GT3-spec racer slotted right under the hardcore 911 RSR. Thanks to experience gained on the track, the new 911 GT3 R has been improved upon to take that checkered flag.
A lightweight design and construction became the starting point for the 911 GT3 R. Engineers utilized a new aluminum-steel composite construction while the double-bubble roof, front cover and fairing, wheel arches, doors, rear cover, and side and tail sections are made from lightweight Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). Each window including the windshield is made from polycarbonate to shed a few extra pounds. Drivers can take advantage of this lower overall weight thanks to a wheelbase that has been extended by 8.3 cm for better balance and handling dynamics.
Aerodynamics also play an important role in the Porsche 911 GT3 R. The front wheel arches feature two air vents that help to increase downforce at the front axle. A large adjustable rear wing with 40 cm depth allows for huge amounts of downforce to be generated for better handling and stability. A new centrally-mounted radiator design comes from the 911 RSR that improves the center of gravity, reduces damage on collisions, and allows for more efficient cooling.
A set of one-piece, center-locking BBS alloy wheels measuring 12.0J x 18 up front and 13.0J x 18 at the rear wear slick 300/650-18 and 310/710-18 rear tires. These hide a new set of six-piston aluminum monobloc racing calipers grabbing ventilated and grooved stainless steel brake discs measuring 380 mm up front. At the rear of the 911 GT3 R, sit four-piston calipers and 372 mm discs, all of which have the latest ABS setup for greater control.
The 2,690-pound Porsche 911 GT3 R grabs the pavement with a fully adjustable suspension. Helping claw at the track is an adjustable McPherson strut design while the rear employs a multilink independent adjustable setup. Adjustable anti-roll bar blades for each of the four corners gives teams the ability to optimize their suspension setup even further for a specific track.
Sitting above the rear axle is the advanced, high-revving 4.0-liter flat-six engine that is very similar to the unit found in the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. The naturally-aspirated engine gives the Porsche 911 GT3 R over 500 horsepower that can be altered through FIA air restrictors. All the power is sent through a six-speed sequential constant-mesh gearbox with mechanical limited-slip differential. Gears are changed via paddle shifters positioned on the steering wheel by the driver for greater control during racing.
Safety is also a point of emphasis for the Porsche 911 GT3 R. All of the doors and side windows can be removed in case of an accident and the escape hatch in the roof has been made larger for easier operation and exit. Even the racing bucket seats provide better protection for the drivers. The reinforced FT3 safety fuel cell was increased to hold 120 liters of fuel and uses a new cut-off safety valve to deter fire.
The new Porsche 911 GT3 R is currently available for order and is priced at 429,000 Euros plus country-specific VAT. Deliveries will begin in December of 2015 for the 2016 racing season.
Porsche 911 GT3 R Specifications
Technical description Porsche 911 GT3 R (991)
-Single-seat customer race car based on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Engine:
-Water-cooled six-cylinder boxer engine (rear mounted)
-4,000 cm3; stroke 81.5 mm; bore 102 mm
Output: over 368 kW (500 hp) subject to FIA BoP (air restrictor)
-Four-valve technology
-Direct fuel injection
-Dry sump lubrication
Transmission:
-Porsche sequential six-speed constant-mesh gearbox
-Mechanical slip differential
-Pneumatic gear-shift activation (paddle shift)
Bodyshell:
-Lightweight body featuring intelligent aluminum-steel composite design
-Integrated (welded) roll-cage according to FIA Appendix J
-Removable escape hatch in roof
-Lightweight exterior design:
-CFRP doors, rear cover, rear wing, wheel arches, front and rear fairing
-Polycarbonate glazing
-Removable polycarbonate door windows
-FT3 safety fuel cell, approx. 120 liters, with fuel cut off safety valve in accordance with FIA regulations.
-Air jack system (four jacks)
Suspension:
Front Axle:
-McPherson strut, adjustable in height, camber and toe
-Wheel hubs with center-lock wheel nuts
-Adjustable anti-roll bar blades (left and right)
-Power-assisted steering with electro-hydraulic pressure feed
Rear Axle:
-Multilink independent rear suspension, adjustable in height, camber, toe
-Wheel hubs with center-lock wheel nuts
-Adjustable anti-roll bar blades (left and right)
Brake system:
-Two separate brake circuits for front and rear axles; adjustable by driver via brake balance bar system.
Front Axle:
-Six-piston aluminum monobloc racing brake caliper
-Ventilated and grooved steel brake disc, D = 380 mm, aluminum disc bell.
Rear Axle:
-Four-piston aluminum monobloc racing brake caliper
-Ventilated and grooved steel brake disc, D = 372 mm, aluminum disc bell.
Wheels/Tires:
-One-piece BBS alloy wheels according to Porsche specification and design, 12.0J x 18 offset 17, tire dimension: 300/650-18 front; 13J x 18 offset 37.5, tire dimension: 310/710-18 rear.
Electrical:
-COSWORTH power module IPS32
-Race ABS
-Traction control
Weight/Dimensions:
-Total weight: ca. 1,220 kg (subject to BoP)
-Overall length: 4,604 mm
-Overall width front axle: 1,975 mm
-Overall width rear axle: 2,002 mm
-Wheelbase: 2,463 mm
Price:
-429,000 Euros plus country-specific VAT
Porsche 911 GT3 R Gallery
Source: Porsche
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