Porsche and motorsport have always gone together and this tradition shows no sign of slowing down. Introducing the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, the first racing version of the 992 generation. It's also the firm's first cup racer to wear a wide turbo-spec body. The GT3 Cup is a clear preview of what we can expect from the upcoming next-generation 911 GT3 road car and by the looks of this thing, we're going to be in for a wild ride.
Not only will the new GT3 Cup compete in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, but also the national Porsche Carrera Cups in Germany, France, Asia, and Benelux for the first time in North America. Compared to its immediate predecessor, the GT3 Cup's updates are quite extensive.
Although it still utilizes the same naturally aspirated horizontally opposed 4.0-liter flat-six, power has been increased to 510 horsepower over the previous 485 hp. It redlines at 8,750 rpm and maximum torque is 347 lb-ft at 6,150 rpm. All the more impressive is that those figures can be produced using synthetic fuels which greatly reduce C02 emissions. Porsche also expects lap time to be decreased by one percent, depending on track layout.
Buyers will have three different exhaust systems - all with glorious sounds - to choose from, depending on racing series, regulations, and the track itself. The engine, which requires maintenance only after 100 hours of track time, is paired to a sequential six-speed dog-type gearbox and all gear changes are made using a paddle shifter on the steering wheel.
Only "minor inspection" of the gearbox is necessary after 60 hours of racing and a major overhaul at 120 hours. Aerodynamics, as you can surely see, will play a significant role in the car's success. The GT3 Cup's far more muscular appearance is partly due to the fact it sits on the wider body of the 911 Turbo.
The rear measures to 1,902 millimeters in width, exceeding the previous race car by 28 mm. The front axle measures at 1,920 mm. The extra width allows for 12-inch wide rims at the front and 13-inch rear wheels. This setup is typical for GT racing as it ensures excellent handling and drivability. The eleven-stage adjustable "swan neck" rear spoiler and front apron combo are designed to generate greater downforce.
Total dry weight comes to 2,777 pounds thanks to a 70 percent steel and 30 percent aluminum body construction while the doors, hood, and rear wing are carbon fiber. The interior has completely revised ergonomics with a large color display, illuminated buttons, and a new steering wheel also made of carbon fiber.
"We were particularly successful in achieving this thanks to its striking appearance, the improved suspension, and intelligent solutions for electrical details," said project manager Jan Feldmann. "With its improved performance and the optimized cockpit, it's the best Cup car that Porsche has ever built."
Pricing will start at €225,000 ($272,576) and deliveries to racing teams will commence in February 2021.