Porsche has just revealed the redesigned 911 GT3 R racing car based on the latest 992 generation 911.
It costs from $567,210 and can be delivered in time for the 2023 season. Events you’ll often see it include the IMSA North American series, as well as the Global Intercontinental GT Challenge and races endurance like those held at the Nürburgring.
The 911 GT3 R is designed for GT3 competition and represents the middle class of racing cars for 911 customers, sandwiched between 911 GT3 Cup and 911 RSR. Crucially, the GT3 R is the 911 racer most closely associated with 911 GT3 RS road carThe 992 generation will debut on August 17 and will feature some of the design cues seen on racing cars.
2023 Porsche 911 GT3 R race car
Key features include flared wheel arches, a vented hood, side skirts, a large rear spoiler and an equally massive rear diffuser. The car also rides on central locking wheels wrapped in Michelin racing paint. The bodywork is mainly steel and aluminum while most of the body panels are made from carbon fiber. However, the wheel arches are made of aramid fiber.
According to Sebastian Golz, project manager of the GT3 R program, the main aim is not to make the car faster than its predecessor, as all advantages are removed through the Performance Balance rules. Instead, the engineers focused on improving durability, essentially making the car capable of driving fast for longer periods of time.
The key to this was the development of a new 4.2-liter flat-six with a wider usable rpm range than its predecessor’s 4.0-liter engine. Other measures include more consistent and stable aerodynamic performance, while reducing the load on the rear tyres.
2023 Porsche 911 GT3 R race car
The new engine makes 565 hp, a 15 hp increase on the engine it replaces. In addition to the larger displacement, the engine also benefits from torque and power curves that improve performance across the rev range. Drive to the rear wheels through a 6-speed sequential gearbox with paddle shifters.
The engine is still located at the rear, behind the rear axle, but it has been tilted 5.5 degrees forward from the outgoing car’s engine, creating more space for the diffuser under the hood. Engine sub-components such as the alternator and air-conditioning compressor have also been moved forward and lower in the vehicle to improve weight balance.
Porsche will introduce the new 911 GT3 R to the public for the first time at 24 Hours Spa 2022 this weekend at Spa-Francorchamps racecourse in Belgium. The first race will be the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona in January next year.
