Meet The New Porsche 911 GT3 R

Please note that this isn’t the new 911 GT3 RS. That’ll debut next month. What you see here is a purpose-built racing car for professionals and “gentlemen racers” to compete in worldwide motorsport events that meet GT3 regulations. More precisely, it’s a single-seater racer for the FIA GTE category. The car is based on the current-gen (992) 911, and the development work has been on since 2019.

The previous 911 GT3 R was such a package that it dominated just about everyone everywhere. Naturally, stats like those translate into more pressure on the successor. But Porsche had a clear vision: give it more power, reduce running costs and make it even more driveable at high speeds.

For the power bit, Porsche took the 4.0-litre, six-cylinder mill from the 911 and increased its cubic capacity to 4.2 litres. That helped in higher power output, peaking at 558bhp. And like in the previous-gen racer, the new one’s powerplant is water-cooled and packs four-valve tech with direct fuel injection.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Change Gallery | Delete

The engine has been tilted forward slightly to make more room for the underbody diffuser. Moreover, Porsche moved the alternator and the AC compressor in front of the engine-gearbox area, resulting in better weight distribution. While the six-speed sequential gearbox comes from the 911 GT3 Cup, the revised suspension setup reeks of the 911 RSR. As a result, the new 911 GT3 R has more precise steering, ensuring reduced wear and tear of the tyres.

The new racer also has an aerodynamic underbody. It helps improve the airflow to the rear diffuser, resulting in more stable high-speed driving. Porsche has even pushed the rear wheels back a bit. That has increased the wheelbase by about 48mm, which should reduce the load on the rear tyres. Other improvements include stronger brakes, better ABS optimisation and an updated traction control system.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Change Gallery | Delete

The new Porsche 911 GT3 R is almost all lightweight carbon, including the front and rear lids, doors, side panels, rear wing and roof. The rear wing, which now has a swan-neck mount, offers better airflow and improves aerodynamics. Other features include longitudinally-adjustable steering and pedals, an improved roll cage, a slicker six-point harness, a 10.3-inch display, and high-performance LED headlights.

From 2024, the GT3 racing cars will also be eligible to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. And the new 911 GT3 R fits right in there. It’ll debut in the flesh at this year’s 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and race in the 2023 season. Price? It’s 511,000 euros, excluding the country-specific VAT and other taxes.