With the introduction of Porsche’s new 911 road car, the Type 991, it stands to reason that its 911 GT3 Cup race car would evolve from the Type 997 platform to the Type 991 as well. It’s now official, as Porsche has released images and video of its Latest 911 GT3 Cup racer, which will run exclusively in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup during the 2013 season.
Power comes from a 3.8-liter flat-six engine, good for 460 horsepower (10 more than the engine it replaces). The paddle-shifted six speed transmission replaces the former GT3 Cup’s sequential manual gearbox, and new single piece racing wheels wear wider Michelin race tires.
Up front, six-piston calipers grab 15-inch rotors, while the rear setup gets by with four-piston calipers. The braking system is all new and designed to further reduce fade in endurance racing. Other improved safety measures include a stronger safety cage inside the car, an improved racing seat and a recue hatch for first responders in the car’s roof.
The new 911 GT3 Cup – image: Porsche AG
Of the new car, Porsche driver Timo Bernhard said, “The new 911 GT3 Cup is much easier to drive at the limit. The car is excellently balanced. The new axle geometry is enormously positive for the handling. Apart from that the new Cup 911 is great fun to drive.”
Base price for the 2013 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car is 181,200 euros ($233,893), and deliveries will begin in advance of the 2013 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup series, dates to be announced.
