Porsche released official details and pictures of the new 911 GT3 Cup race car. Based on the 991-series 911, the car features a 460-hp engine, and for the first time ever, paddle shifters. This can be considered as a sign that Porsche is going to ditch the manual gearbox in the road-going GT3 as well.
The new transmission is a six-speed dog-type ‘box developed by Porsche Motorsport. The 991 GT3 gets 10 more horsepower than its predecessor, and also uses fatter Michelin race slicks. Braking system is also newly developed, and features 380 millimetre slotted and inner-vented steel brake rotors and six-piston calipers at front and four-piston calipers on the rear.
Another area where the 991 GT3 is significantly improved over the previous model is safety. It gets a new roll cage, new racing seats, and even a rescue hatch in the roof for emergency extrication. If only it had an ejector seat.
Available only in white, the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is priced at 181,200 Euro. You can use it to compete in some endurance series, or GT racing, or just have fun on the track whenever you can. It will also get its own Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in 2013.