Porsche to Enter 911 GT3 R in 2010 International GT Sport Season

German carmaker Porsche announced today it will be introducing a new racing version of the 911 GT3 R in the 2010 International GT Sport season. The car, built to meet FIA GT3 regulations, will replace the 911 GT3 Cup S, as it was built to provide "even better drivability and even easier handling."

Power for the GT3 R comes from a 4.0l six cylinder boxer engine, developing 480 bhp, a power it has taken to the wheel via a sequential six-speed dog gearbox.

To make the car race worthy, Porsche modified the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup first presented last September. The car features an engine increased in size by 0.2 liters, translating into an extra 30 hp of power. The 911 GT3 R weighs 1,200 kg (2,646 lb).

The body of the car has been modified with the addition of flared wheel arches both front and rear, to better cover the car's wider track. The Porsche also boasts LED rear light clusters, like all second-generation versions of the 911.

Safety wise, the car features anti-lock brake system (ABS), traction control and an e-gas with “throttle-blip” function. According to Porsche, these features mean that amateur racing drivers may also take the seat behind the wheel of the GT3 R.

The car will be debuted by Porsche at the 2010 Birmingham Motor Show, on January 14. It will be built by Porsche’s Motorsport Department at the Weissach Development Centre, with deliveries to customer teams to begin in spring 2010. The GT3 R is priced at 279,000 euros, plus local sales tax/VAT.