Porsche has shown off the enhanced version of its 911 GT3 R customer race car for the 2026 season, which incorporates a suite of technical updates.
Set to be offered at €573,000 (excluding VAT and optional extras), the brand new 911 GT3 R builds upon the 2023 model that has already accumulated more than 500 race starts, 420 podiums, and a series of global victories across top-level series including the FIA World Endurance Championship, IMSA, Intercontinental GT Challenge and DTM.
“Our focus for this update was on optimisation. Small changes can make a big difference when built on a solid, proven foundation,” said Sebastian Golz, the Porsche 911 GT3 R project manager.
“Driver feedback after the first race outing during the development phase in April confirmed our direction. We’re confident this evolution will allow our customer teams to continue competing successfully across the globe.”
Visually, the most noticeable addition is the new louvres integrated into the front wheel arches. These improve airflow and, in conjunction with revised double wishbone front suspension, reduce pitch sensitivity under braking. This “anti-dive” effect enhances braking stability and predictability.
At the rear, a four-millimetre Gurney flap fitted to the swan-neck wing provides additional downforce and broader scope for aerodynamic balance adjustments. A fully enclosed and reinforced underbody and updated rear suspension kinematics add to the car’s stability under acceleration.
The multi-link rear axle features an increased anti-squat effect to reduce compression, while a fifth-generation Bosch racing ABS contributes to more balanced, predictable handling.
Based on input from Porsche’s customer teams, several other components have been reworked for better durability and efficiency. These include:
- A new fluid cooling for the electrohydraulic power steering system.
- New ceramic wheel bearings for increased durability and redesigned centring pins to simplify driveshaft installation, cooled via NACA ducts in the side skirts, aiding performance on high-speed circuits that require low ride heights.
- Revised rear brake cooling for improved adjustability – especially beneficial at venues like Daytona.
Inside, cockpit airflow is improved with a modified driver air vent, and operational efficiency is enhanced via the introduction of a Remote Logger Unit (RLU) USB stick. This system allows driving data to be swapped mid-race without the need to connect a laptop.
Porsche has also bundled several previously optional extras into the base specification of the new 911 GT3 R.
These now standard packages include sensors for ride height, brakes and track temperatures, mounts for water bottle systems, pit lane links and cameras.
A refuelling detection sensor and LED indicator are also included, as valuable tools for series like IMSA, the FIA WEC and the 24 Hours of Spa, where the rulebooks feature concepts such as minimum refuelling times and/or virtual energy levels.
Notably, the 4.2-litre flat-six engine remains largely unchanged, as does the core drivetrain.
Porsche will continue to offer special equipment tailored to specific series, including unique driveshafts for LMGT3 and IMSA, modified pre-silencers for the NLS, and adjusted rear wing supports for additional flexibility.
Teams competing with the current 911 GT3 R (992) can update their car. Sixty kits will be offered by the brand, priced at €41,500 before tax.
“The Porsche 911 GT3 R’s record of more than 420 podium finishes says it all. It crowns our range of GT customer racing cars,” said Michael Dreiser, the director of sales at Porsche Motorsport.
“Together with the 718 GT4 RS Clubsport, which represents the ideal entry point into international GT racing, this new evolution offers a strong overall package for the 2026 season. The option to upgrade existing 911 GT3 R models via an update kit also represents an attractive solution for our customer teams.”
Testing for the evolved 911 GT3 R began in August 2024 and included extensive development at Weissach, Sebring, Paul Ricard, Spa, and the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
A competitive debut came in April 2025 when Herberth Motorsport fielded the upgraded car in the Michelin 12H Spa-Francorchamps, with Laurin Heinrich, Ralf Bohn and Alfred Renauer finishing second overall.
Images courtesy of Porsche
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