Porsche Unveils New 911 GT3 Cup Car

Photo: Porsche

Porsche has officially taken the wraps off its new 911 GT Cup car, which will make its debut in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and a half-dozen Carrera Cups worldwide, including the new Carrera Cup North America next year.

Unveiled during the manufacturer’s annual ‘Night of Champions’ event, the 510-horsepower single-make racer is based on the new 992 generation road car and features a wide, turbo-spec body.

The groundwork for the new 911 GT3 Cup car begin in 2018, with “concrete development” having started one year later led by project manager Jan Feldmann, with the goal of meeting performance gains, achieving a more aggressive design and improved durability over the previous-gen model.

Optimized aerodynamics are found throughout the car, which is 1.1-inch wider than its predecessor and features an additional cooling inlet in the front of the wheels.

The front axle of the 992 generation is also “significantly broader” thanks to additional flared fenders that allows for a harmonious wheel-tire combination with 12-inch rims on the front and 13-inch wheels at the rear.

A larger front fascia and swan neck-mounted rear wing has seen increased downforce and improved aero efficiency.

The body is made up of 70 percent aluminum and 30 percent steel, while still maintaining the dry weight of 1,260 kg of the previous 991.2 generation Cup car.

The four-liter, water-cooled flat-six engine has seen further development, including a new maximum performance of 8,400 RPM and the availability of three different exhaust systems to confirm to specific series and tracks.

In addition to exterior and mechanical changes, the new car includes an all-new racing seat with two height settings and adjustable steering column with carbon fiber steering wheel adopted from the Porsche 911 GT3 R.

Other enhancements include an adjusted brake bias switch, revamped 10.3-inch screen that provides key data and improved electronics that includes 700 diagnostic options available to drivers, engineers and technicians.

While not permitted in Porsche’s single-make series, traction control and ABS can be activated digitally for those running the cars in other series that permits such driver aids.

“We wanted to position the new 911 GT3 Cup even more as professional racing car, while also making it more cost-effective for the teams to run,” said Feldmann.

“We were particularly successful in achieving this thanks to its striking appearance, the improved suspension and intelligent solutions for electrical details.

“The handling of the new 911 GT3 Cup is noticeably more precise and even more fun.

“With its improved performance and the optimized cockpit, it’s the best Cup car that Porsche has ever built.”

Deliveries to teams will begin in February with the first allocation scheduled for the U.S. market to support the launch of Carrera Cup North America, which is slated to kick off at Sebring International Raceway on March 16-17.

It’s understood the initial allocation for North America has been sold out since the series’ launch announcement in September.

“The launch of the Porsche Carrera Cup North America matches perfectly with the launch of the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car internationally,” said Porsche Motorsport North America President and CEO Dr. Daniel Armbruster.

“This is not only true in terms of these two things being new at the same time but because the type 992 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car is seamlessly in tune with where the Carrera Cup North America is positioned in the Motorsport Pyramid, at the very top of the one-make series in the United States and Canada.

“Our teams and drivers have been asking for this new car, a very professional car, and its features.

“This is the best platform we could ask for as we launch the Carrera Cup on this continent.

“We are excited that our customer teams will be the first to race this car anywhere in the world. The energy is building for March 2021 in Sebring.”

Other notable design elements of the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car include:

***Cars are now delivered with a complete accessory kit, which includes all special tools and wishbone spacers required for track adjustment. Hence, the car is ready to race without customer teams having to order these parts individually.

***In the new model generation, the water radiators remain directly behind the front apron. This positioning was deliberately retained: the risk of damaging the radiators prevents an overly aggressive driving style. At the same time, the placing of a strut ensures that minor nudges go unpunished.

***Special brake calipers now enable the brake pads to be changed more quickly. 

***The drive shafts of the rear axle now have a special, more durable motor racing design.

***Textile loops have been reintroduced as attachment points for tow ropes. These replace the previously used steel swivel tow hooks.

***A new central nozzle for the fire extinguishing system improves the distribution of the extinguishing agent inside the cockpit.

***The new positioning of the release unit makes it easier for scrutineers to check from the outside whether the fire extinguisher is working correctly.

***Adapted safety quick releases for the inside door openers improve the ergonomics when exiting the cockpit as well as safety in the event of an emergency.

***The onboard electrical system functions without actual plug fuses. This reduces the amount of materials used in the wiring harness and saves weight. The redesign is easier to access thanks to its central positioning.

***For standing starts, should the engine stall at the start of the race, the hazard warning lights switch on automatically to warn other competitors.

Photo: Porsche

Photo: Porsche

Photo: Porsche

Photo: Porsche

Photo: Porsche

Photo: Porsche

Photo: Porsche

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John