Porsche has unveiled its new 911 GT3 R, a customer racing car based on the latest 992-generation 911 that will make its competitive debut in 2023, the German automaker announced.
Development began in 2019, Porsche said, and priority was given to further improving the drivability for drivers with various skillsets, as well as tapping larger performance reserves for different Balance of Performance (BoP) classifications.
“In North America, GT3 is the top category of GT racing, as it soon will be around the world,” said Volker Holzmeyer, president and CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America. “This made the new generation of the 911 GT3 R especially important to our market. Its development, which incorporates not only lessons learned from the previous generation GT3 R but also from the GT3 Cup one-make car as well as the 911 RSR, has made this car very appealing to our customer teams. Drivability is remarkably important to the wide range of drivers that we have competing here and that was a focus of the type 992 911 GT3 R. We have already had overwhelming interest in the car, and we are looking forward to seeing it turn its first wheel here soon.”
After the GT3 class was announced as a professional category in the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) will follow suit. Beginning in 2024, GT3 racing cars such as the new 911 GT3 R will be eligible to take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time.
At the core of the new racer is the near-standard engine based on the 992-generation 911 powerplant. Like in the previous model, it is a water-cooled flat-six engine with four-valve technology and direct fuel injection, Porsche engineers said. Like the 911 RSR, the capacity of the new 911 GT3 R has increased by a five percent from 3,997 to 4,194 cc and has boosted the engine’s peak output to around 565 HP.
The high-revving six-cylinder continues without turbocharging and sits in the classic rear position, and has been tilted forward by 5.5 degrees, creating more space for the underbody diffuser. The sequential six-speed contest-mesh gearbox is derived from the current 911 GT3 Cup race car. Shift paddles control an electronic shift drum actuator.
For the 911 GT3 R’s suspension, numerous components and technical solutions were taken from the 911 RSR. At the front axle, a double wishbone layout controls the wheels, while the rear axle sports a multi-link design. The KW shock absorbers were further improved and offer five shim-adjusted settings.
In addition to the aluminum monobloc racing brake calipers, the brake discs on the new 911 GT3 R are supplied by AP. The internally vented and slotted front steel discs measure 15.35 inches in diameter and are activated by six pistons. Fitted at the rear are four-piston calipers and discs measuring 14.56 inches.
Exterior design changes include an elevated underbody ahead of the front axle in conjunction with a smooth undertray and a rear diffuser, improving downforce without a significant increase in drag, Porsche engineers said. The rear wing now features a swan-neck mount, ensuring clean airflow under the wing and improving the aerodynamic efficiency of the component.
