Porsche 911 GT3 R: The New Generation of Customer Racing Excellence

Porsche has unleashed its latest weapon for the world of GT3 racing: the new generation 911 GT3 R. Based on the current 992 generation, this customer racing car is engineered to dominate GT3 series globally, setting the stage for its racing debut at the beginning of the 2023 season. The development, initiated in 2019, prioritized enhanced driveability for both professional racers and amateur “gentleman drivers.” Furthermore, Porsche aimed to unlock greater performance potential within the Balance of Performance (BoP) regulations and simplify the car’s handling for racing teams, all while driving down operational costs.

Michael Dreiser, Sales Director at Porsche Motorsport, emphasizes the legacy the new 911 GT3 R must uphold. “The new 911 GT3 R has big shoes to fill,” he stated. “Its predecessor has achieved near-total dominance in the GT3 scene over the past four seasons since 2019, securing victories at prestigious 24-hour races such as the Nürburgring and Spa-Francorchamps. Customer teams have also piloted it to class wins at the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring. The new model is poised to continue this success in the hands of Porsche customer racing teams.” The significance of the GT3 category is further amplified by its elevation to a professional class in major series. Following its adoption in the North American IMSA series, the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) will also welcome GT3 cars, including the new 911 GT3 R, to compete in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans starting in 2024.

Sebastian Golz, 911 GT3 R Project Manager at Porsche Motorsport, acknowledges the high benchmark set by the previous model. “We hit the bull’s eye with the enormously successful predecessor. Therefore, the bar for its successor is exceptionally high,” Golz explained. “Our focus wasn’t solely on raw speed, as BoP regulations can quickly neutralize such gains. Instead, our primary goal was to enable our customers to maintain consistently fast lap times for extended periods. This necessitates both durability and enhanced driveability. Consequently, we concentrated on broadening the usable rev range of the new 4.2-liter engine, ensuring more stable and consistent aerodynamics, and reducing stress on the rear tires to maximize their lifespan.”

Engine Enhancements Based on the 992 Generation 911

The heart of this new racing machine is its engine, closely derived from the power unit found in the road-going 992-generation 911. Staying true to its predecessor, it features a water-cooled, naturally aspirated flat-six configuration with four-valve technology and direct fuel injection. The most significant upgrade lies in the increased displacement. Mirroring the 911 RSR, the new 911 GT3 R’s engine capacity has been enlarged by approximately five percent, growing from 3,997 cc to 4,194 cc. This enlargement elevates the engine’s peak power output to around 565 PS (416 kW). However, Porsche’s engineers have primarily focused on refining the torque and power delivery curves across the entire RPM spectrum. This strategic optimization makes the new 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine exceptionally user-friendly, particularly beneficial for gentleman drivers.

This high-revving six-cylinder powerplant retains its naturally aspirated nature, eschewing turbocharging, and maintains its classic rear-engine placement. This configuration optimizes both traction and braking performance. Notably, the engine is now tilted forward by 5.5 degrees, creating additional space for the underbody diffuser, a key aerodynamic element. Auxiliary components, including the alternator and air conditioning compressor, have been relocated approximately a meter forward and lower, positioned in front of the engine and gearbox. This repositioning positively influences the 911 GT3 R’s weight distribution, enhancing handling balance. The sequential six-speed gearbox, a contest-mesh design, is inherited from the current 911 GT3 Cup car. Gear changes are executed via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, controlling an electronic shift drum actuator for swift and precise gear transitions.

Suspension Refinements for Enhanced Handling

Significant revisions to the new 911 GT3 R’s suspension system are pivotal to improving driveability, sharpening steering response, minimizing rear tire wear, and accelerating setup adjustments. Drawing upon technology proven in the 911 RSR, the front axle now features a state-of-the-art double wishbone layout for superior wheel control, while the rear axle utilizes a multi-link design. The KW shock absorbers have undergone further refinement, offering five distinct adjustment settings. Setup modifications are simplified using shims – precision plates that enable accurate adjustments without requiring time-consuming suspension realignment afterward.

Optimized positioning of the central pivot points on the front axle creates space for the aerodynamic “race underfloor” concept. Similar to the 911 RSR, this elevated underbody facilitates cleaner airflow to the rear diffuser, reducing the car’s pitch sensitivity – particularly crucial under braking. The rear wheels have been subtly repositioned further back, extending the wheelbase from 2,459 to 2,507 millimeters. This wheelbase extension further reduces stress on the rear tires, promoting consistent tire performance over longer race stints.

High-Performance Racing Brakes

The braking system of the new 911 GT3 R has also been upgraded, now featuring brake discs supplied by AP Racing, complementing the existing aluminum monobloc racing brake calipers. Internally vented and slotted steel discs, measuring 390 mm in diameter, are fitted at the front, paired with six-piston calipers. The rear axle employs four-piston calipers and 370 mm discs. Advanced software for the fifth-generation racing ABS system minimizes wear on both tires and brakes. Porsche’s traction control system has also undergone further development, enhancing its effectiveness.

The 911 GT3 R is only the second racing car from Porsche Motorsport built upon the 992-generation 911 platform, following the 911 GT3 Cup. Its lightweight body, constructed with an intelligent aluminum-steel composite design, is rooted in the production model but incorporates substantial modifications tailored for the rigors of GT3 racing. Notably, almost all body panels are crafted from lightweight carbon fiber, including the front and rear lids, doors, side panels, rear wing, and roof. Aramid fibers are used for the wheel arches, further minimizing weight.

Aerodynamically Optimized Lightweight Body

While functionality reigns supreme in a racing car like the 911 GT3 R, Style Porsche, led by Grant Larson, has once again masterfully sculpted stunning and harmonious forms. These designs not only pay homage to the iconic nine-eleven heritage but also integrate sophisticated aerodynamic efficiency. Key aerodynamic enhancements include an elevated underbody at the front axle, now paired with a smooth undertray for the first time, and a rear diffuser. This combination generates increased downforce without a significant increase in aerodynamic drag. The rear wing now features a swan-neck mount. This innovative mounting design ensures clean airflow beneath the wing, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency.

Uncompromising Safety and Driver-Centric Cockpit

Safety remains paramount in the new 911 GT3 R. The driver’s seat has been repositioned closer to the car’s center, enabling Porsche to optimize the ergonomic seating position in conjunction with the enhanced roll cage and newly developed FIA side impact protection. Like its predecessor, the steering wheel and pedals offer longitudinal adjustability to accommodate a wide range of drivers. Porsche specialists have refined the six-point safety harness, incorporating special ramps in the tongues that allow them to slide into the clasp even faster – potentially saving around a second during driver changes in pit stops. The steering wheel design has also been further enhanced, incorporating elements validated in the latest generation 911 GT3 Cup and 911 RSR race cars. The 10.3-inch display, adopted from the successful one-make cup racer, and the multi-switch concept, inherited from the Le Mans class winner, further enhance the driver interface.

The high-performance LED headlights on the 911 GT3 R incorporate collimator technology, originally developed by Porsche for the new LMDh 963 prototype. This technology functions like a magnifying glass in reverse, illuminating a significantly larger portion of the racetrack. This represents a substantial improvement over the predecessor model’s headlights, which were already considered class-leading.

Detailed information about the new 911 GT3 R is available on the official Porsche Motorsport website: Porsche 911 GT3 R (992).

Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) Technical Specifications (Model Year 2023)

Concept: Single-seater customer race car; FIA GTE homologated; based on Porsche 911 GT3 (992 series).

Weight/Dimensions:

Base weight: Approximately 1,250 kg (subject to BoP).
Wheelbase: 2,507 mm.
Length: 4,619 mm.
Width: 2,039 mm (front axle) / 2,050 mm (rear axle).

Engine:

Water-cooled six-cylinder boxer, rear-mounted.
Displacement: 4,194 cc.
Stroke: 81.5 mm.
Bore: 104.5 mm.
Max RPM: 9,250/min.
Power: Approximately 416 kW (565 PS).
Four-valve technology.
Single throttle butterfly system.
Direct fuel injection.
Bosch MS 6.6 engine control unit.
Dry sump lubrication with oil-water heat exchanger.
Single mass flywheel.
Race exhaust system with twin tailpipes and DMSB certified catalytic converter.
Fuel quality: Superplus unleaded to E20 (min. 98 octane).

Transmission:

Porsche six-speed sequential constant-mesh gearbox.
Steering wheel shift paddles with electronic shift actuator.
Mechanical limited-slip differential with adjustable preload.
Three-plate carbon race clutch.

Body:

Lightweight aluminum-steel composite body.
Mounting points for lifting device, removable roof rescue hatch.
Welded-in roll cage (co-driver approved).
FIA 8862-2009 six-bolt carbon racing seat.
Six-point safety harness (HANS® compatible).
Adjustable pedal assembly and steering column.
Quick-release front cover with integrated cooler exit-air duct and cockpit ventilation intake.
Widened front bumper with spoiler lip, fender extensions.
FIA-compliant rear trim with integrated rain light.
Carbon-fiber doors, rear lid, and rear wing.
Swan-neck rear wing mounts.
Polycarbonate glazing with hard coating, heated windscreen.
Four-post air jack system.
117-liter FT3 fuel cell (front).
Carbon-fiber interior trim, multi-functional steering wheel (quick release, shift paddles, illuminated buttons).
Ergonomic digital touch panel (multi-color backlight).
FIA safety nets (center and driver’s side).
Integrated CFK side impact protection.
Driver’s seat ventilation.
Fire extinguishing system (electronic release).

Suspension:

Forged aluminum control arms and top mounts.
High-duty spherical bearings with dust protection.
Central locking wheel hubs.
Five-way adjustable racing shock absorbers (motorsport-specific valves, blow-off function).
Shim-adjustable suspension.
Sword-type anti-roll bars (adjustable both sides).
Spring travel potentiometer.
Tire pressure monitoring system.
- Front Axle: Double wishbone, adjustable ride height, camber, toe. Electro-hydraulic power steering. 12.5J x 18 alloy rims, 30/68-18 tires.
- Rear Axle: Multilink, adjustable ride height, camber, toe. Racing driveshaft with tripod flanges. 13.5J x 18 alloy rims, 31/71-18 tires.

Brakes:

Dual independent brake circuits (front/rear pressure sensors).
Driver-adjustable brake-force distribution.
Racing brake pads, optimized ducting, temperature sensors.
Ergonomic pedal positioning (left/right foot braking).
Bosch Generation 5 racing ABS.
- Front Axle: Six-piston aluminum monobloc calipers, ‘anti knock-back’ springs, 390 mm x 35.7 mm internally vented steel discs, aluminum disc chamber.
- Rear Axle: Four-piston aluminum monobloc calipers, ‘anti knock-back’ springs, 370 mm x 32.1 mm internally ventilated steel discs, aluminum disc chamber.

Electrical System:

992 EE Motorsport architecture.
Streamlined Porsche toolset.
Latest generation Cosworth electronics.
Porsche Logger Unit, Power Box.
10.3-inch Porsche color display (integrated RLU, data recording via USB).
Leak-proof LiFePo4 battery 12V, 40 Ah (passenger footwell).
210 A alternator.
Digital touch panel (multi-color backlight).
Single-arm windscreen wiper (intermittent/continuous).
LED headlights with integrated auxiliary lights, LED taillights, rain light.
Accident Data Recorder (ADR) attachments.

Pricing and Availability

The new Porsche 911 GT3 R is offered by Porsche Motorsport at a price of 511,000 Euros, excluding country-specific VAT and optional extras. This price reflects the cutting-edge technology and performance engineering packed into this state-of-the-art customer racing car, poised to continue Porsche’s legacy of success in GT3 competition around the globe.