In case you didn’t know it, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is the best-selling racing car of all time, with over 1,400 units sold since 1998. And here’s the latest edition based on the road-going 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. It has the same450 hp flat six 3.8-litre engine but it’s much lighter and edgier than the RS. So it’s kind of the ultimate Porsche 911!
The new GT3 Cup will make its debut at 2011 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship then it’ll start its career in Porsche Carrera Cup Championships around the globe and the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup.
Being based on the GT3 RS, this is the first 911 GT3 Cup car to feature the 44-millimetre (1.73”) wider body at the rear, which provides increased space for even larger wheels and slick tyres. Wider front wheel arches also clearly show that the front wheels/tyres are likewise bigger which, combined with other evolutionary changes, has enabled the dynamic performance of the latest car to reach new heights.
Engine capacity is up by 0.2 litres over the prior GT3 Cup car, with power output rising by 30 hp more than before. Thus the rear-mounted 3.8-litre six-cylinder horizontally-opposed power unit develops 450 hp, and drives the rear wheels through a sequential six-speed manual gearbox and limited slip differential. Since as the Cup is 170 Kg lighter than the RS, it offers even sharper performance on the track.
There are subtle differences as well, for instance the front spoiler lip on the Cup is 15 millimetres (approx 0.6“) lower to provide significantly more downforce on the front axle. Downforce on the rear axle is also increased by the rear wing, that is extended in width from 1.46 to 1.70 metres (57.5 to 66.9”) and now mounted higher up.
The rear bumper valance with its distinctive air vent openings and LED technology rear lights, in turn, come straight from the GT3 RS road car. This car features three-piece light-alloy rims measuring 9.5 J x 18 at front – 12 J x 18 a the back – and running on 24/64-18 front – 27/68-18 rear Michelin racing tyres.
Inside the stripped-put cabin, the controls for the Info Display are now positioned directly on the steering wheel which houses a total of six switches that control a variety of functions including the pit-lane speed limiter, windscreen wipers, and lights. In addition to fore-and-aft adjustment, the steering wheel may now also be adjusted for height, as on the 911 road car.
As for the price, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup can be obtained for £94,600 plus VAT and deliveries to customers will begin in early 2011.
