2011 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Race Car Introduced

German automaker Porsche had just revealed the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car that will make its debut in the 2011 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship. Based previously on the 911 GT3, the racer is now inspired for the first time on the 911 GT3 RS road car.

This is why it’s the first 911 GT3 Cup car to feature the 44 mm (1.73 inch) wider body at the rear, providing increased space for larger wheels and slick tires. However, while the road car weighs 1,370 kg, the 911 GT3 Cup race car tips the scales at 1,200 kg.

Engine capacity is up by 0.2 litres over the prior GT3 Cup car, with power output rising by 30 hp. Thus the rear-mounted 3.8-litre six-cylinder horizontally-opposed power unit now develops 450 hp, and drives the rear wheels through a sequential six-speed manual gearbox and limited slip differential.

Inside the new 911 GT3 Cup, the cockpit benefits from enhancements that are meant to meet the needs of the race driver. An additional vent in the upper part of the front lid, for example, provides the driver with a better supply of fresh air.

Also, the controls for the Info Display are now positioned directly on the steering wheel which houses a total of six switches that control a variety of functions including the pit-lane speed limiter, windscreen wipers, and lights. In addition to fore-and-aft adjustment, the steering wheel may now also be adjusted for height, as on the 911 road car.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup costs GBP94,600 plus VAT and deliveries to customers will begin in early 2011. It will not only be raced in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, but also in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup on the occasion of Formula 1 races and many other Cup Championships around the world.