Porsche 911 GT3 R

Porsche 911 GT3 R

World debut of 911 GT3 R leads Porsche display at Autosport International show

Today, Porsche unveils its latest 911 race car, announces an innovative racing driver development course and introduces its British motorsport programme for 2010 at the Autosport International show at the Birmingham NEC (January 14 – 17).

The 911 GT3 R
Developed for racing series based on the international FIA GT3 regulations, the stunning 911 GT3 R succeeds the 911 GT3 Cup S and is delivered to customers ready-to-race. The starting point in developing the GT3 R was the latest 3.8-litre porsche 911 GT3 Cup, which will compete in the 2010 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup supporting selected Formula One races. However, the GT3 R - which weighs just 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) - has a larger 4.0-litre six-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine delivering 480 bhp and other technical developments designed to improve the performance of the car further still.

For example, an anti-lock braking system, traction control and an electronic throttle with ‘blip’ function on gearbox down-changes make it much easier for drivers to get used to the GT3 R race car than the prior Cup S model, with the consequence that the new car is also more appropriate for the ambitious amateur racing driver rather than purely experienced professionals. The main focus with this new car was to deliver even better driveability and easier handling.

Additional flared wheel arches front and rear emphasise the purposeful, wide track of the GT3 R. And like all second generation versions of the 911, the new 911 GT3 R also comes with striking LED rear light clusters. For optimal aerodynamic performance, the underbody of the car is completely covered and features a rear diffuser and, compared to the prior Cup S model, the range of adjustment on the rear wing has been increased.

The highly-developed suspension can also be adjusted extensively; at the front are height-adjustable MacPherson struts with variable SACHS two-way shock absorbers and double coil springs (main and auxiliary). At the rear, the GT3 R features a rigidly mounted sub-frame with a height-adjustable multi-arm axle together with adjustable SACHS two-way shock absorbers and double coil springs.

“Since we announced our intention to launch the 911 GT3 R, demand has been huge,” said Uwe Brettel, Head of Motorsport Sales. “The number of GT3 R vehicles we had planned for 2010 is almost sold out.”
As the newest Porsche race car, the 911 GT3 R has an incredible provenance. In 2009, the ultimate racing Porsche 911 – the GT3 RSR - won the GT2 Drivers’ title in the FIA GT Championship, the GT2 title in the American Le Mans Series and also in the Le Mans Series of endurance races, and also triumphed in the gruelling 24 Hours of the Nurburgring race.

Like the 911 GT3 Cup and 911 GT3 RSR, the Porsche 911 GT3 R is designed and built by the Porsche Motorsport Department at the company’s Weissach Development Centre. First deliveries to customer teams around the world begin in the spring, and the base price of the Porsche 911 GT3 R is 279,000 Euros plus local sales tax/VAT.

The Racing Driver Development Programme
The Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone, Northants, has welcomed over 12,000 customers since the bespoke track facility officially opened its doors a year ago. In addition to being the perfect venue for owners to learn about the technology beneath the skin of their new car, the Experience Centre offers a variety of courses for all driving enthusiasts. The new Racing Driver Development Programme gives individuals who are serious about their motorsport the chance to sign-up for a series of structured coaching and mentoring sessions at the Experience Centre. Exploring in detail all the facets that go into making up the complete racing driver, the course aims to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in motor sport.

Being successful in motorsport takes hard work, commitment, dedication and a degree of luck. However, by focusing on the right areas you can significantly increase your chances of success. The Porsche Human Performance Centre at Silverstone has rapidly established itself as the only place to visit if you are serious about your physical and psychological preparation as a racing driver.

For 2010, the team has put together a programme that will extend the concept to look at all the factors that contribute towards on-track success. An expert team has been assembled to mentor and coach participants, and to improve your knowledge and performance. Led by Richard Bott from the Porsche Experience Centre and Ian Flux, one of the UK’s leading race drivers, the Racing Driver Development Programme offers a choice of specific packages aimed at developing key disciplines including technique, racecraft, fitness, psychology, data analysis, sponsorship and insight to car set-up and engineering feedback.

Each programme is tailored for individual drivers and is designed to maximize your potential. Help and advice is provided by world-class drivers including Red Bull Grand Prix winner Mark Webber and experts from organizations such as Michelin, Adidas and of course the sports scientists at the Porsche Human Performance Centre.

A key part of the schedule are intensive driver coaching sessions around the circuit incorporating the latest data logging and video capture technology which enables precise analysis of driving technique.