The 911 Cup and 911 GT3 R combine improved aero with upgraded performance
- Porsche revealed updated versions of the 911 Cup and 911 GT3 R racers.
- The Cup is based on the 992.2 and features a host of upgrades.
- The GT3 R gets aerodynamic, suspension, and performance tweaks.
In one fell swoop, Porsche has introduced two new race cars. They’re the redesigned 911 Cup and the upgraded 911 GT3 R.
Starting with the 911 Cup, it replaces the 911 GT3 Cup and is based on the 992.2. Besides following in the footsteps of the facelifted sports car, the model ditches daytime running lights to reduce damage and replacement costs following inevitable collisions. The model also adopts a new three-piece front lip, so only damaged sections need to be replaced after contact.
Subtle Changes, Smarter Design
Besides some crash-friendly upgrades, the car features improved aerodynamics thanks to new fender vents. Buyers will also find a revamped rear wing and a new engine compartment cover.
More: The 911 Speedster Is About To Make A Dramatic Return
Under the rear deck, the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter six-cylinder now incorporates additional components from the road-going mill. This includes “flow-optimized individual throttle valves and camshafts with extended valve opening times.” Porsche said this “eliminates the need for a centrally positioned throttle valve, which in turn allows for the installation of an air restrictor – a requirement for competing in other motor racing championships.”
The engine has also been upgraded as the output climbs from 503 hp (375 kW / 510 PS) to 512 hp (382 kW / 519 PS). It’s connected to a six-speed sequential transmission, which now has a four-disc sintered metal racing clutch.
Track-Ready Upgrades Inside and Out
Drivers will also find a new automatic engine restart function, which activates as soon as the clutch pedal is depressed after an accidental stall. On the topic of stalls, a new stroboscope function alerts other drivers of a stall via the brake lights.
Getting back to performance, the 911 Cup has thicker front brakes with larger cooling channels for improved heat dissipation. They’re joined by wider brake pads, a larger brake fluid reservoir, and an upgraded anti-lock braking system. Engineers also fine-tuned the steering to deliver a tighter turning radius.
The upgrades extend to the cabin, which has been outfitted with a new multi-function steering wheel with color-illuminated buttons. Drivers will also find streamlined switchgear and additional foam padding for extra protection.
They’re accompanied by a market-specific air conditioning system with three modes known as On, Off, and Eco. The latter only allows for air conditioning when the car is not at full throttle.
Porsche made a number of other improvements including a menu display that enables crew members to adjust vehicle settings without having to connect a laptop. Furthermore, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System now displays tire temperatures on the central display.
Rounding out the highlights are a “significantly more powerful GPS antenna” and a new pre-kill function, which automatically switches off the engine once the car comes to a standstill during pit stops.
911 GT3 R: Balanced and Fine-Tuned
Besides the 911 Cup, which was designed for one-make series, Porsche also introduced an updated 911 GT3 R. It benefits from a number of suspension and styling tweaks that are designed to deliver “more balanced handling and improved drivability.”
Starting with styling, the latest model features new ventiducts on the front wheel arches. They improve aerodynamics and help to counteract front-end compression during deceleration.
Out back, there’s a swan-neck rear wing with a small Gurney flap that helps to generate additional downforce. Buyers will also find a fully enclosed underbody, an upgraded anti-lock braking system, and optimized kinematics to reduce rear-end compression under hard acceleration.
Engineers installed new ceramic wheel bearings and modified centering pins to simplify the installation of drive shafts. The model also benefits from improved brake and power steering system cooling. On that same topic, a “modified driver air vent ensures consistent air circulation within the cockpit.”
Other highlights include a removable data logger USB stick, which allows for easy access to racing telemetry. Porsche also made several former packages standard equipment including the sensor package, endurance package, pit lane link package, and camera package.
Power is provided by a 4.2-liter flat-six engine that develops up to 557 hp (416 kW / 566 PS). However, the real output is determined by race officials.
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