The world’s best-selling GT racing car just got better
Porsche has given a major powertrain update to its 911 GT3 Cup customer racing car at the Paris Motor Show.
Debuting on race tracks around the world from 2017, the 911 GT3 Cup has received a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter six-cylinder flat engine with direct fuel injection that delivers 485 PS (478 hp).
Engineers also worked to improve efficiency to ensure better durability in racing mode and reduced maintenance costs. For the first time, the 911 GT3 Cup uses a valve drive with rigidly mounted rocker arms and a central oil feed. Additionally, an integrated oil centrifuge is used to optimize oil defoaming in the engine while a more rigid crankshaft has been installed.
Porsche made aerodynamic updates as well to the 911 GT3 Cup, adding a new front apron and a new rear end for increased downforce. The car retains the huge 1,840 mm wide rear wing from its predecessor. The wheel dimensions carry over as well: one-piece 18-inch racing rims with a central locking mechanism are used, with 270 mm Michelin racing slicks at the front and 310 mm at the rear.
Thanks to an aluminum-steel composite construction, the new 911 GT3 Cup tips the scales at just 1,200 kg (2,645 lbs). Safety updates include an enlarged rescue hatch in the roof, in line with the latest FIA standard.
The new 911 GT3 Cup will debut in the 2017 race season, first exclusively in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland, as well as in North America. From 2018, the car will be available for the other brand cups as well.