Porsche 911 GT3 R - yet another racing car

Stuttgart-based Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG confirmed a new entrant for the 2010 motorsport season: the Porsche 911 GT3 R, developed for GT3-class racing under FIA regulations. This new model succeeds the 911 GT3 Cup S, building on lessons learned from customer racing programs worldwide.

Built for FIA GT3 Series: Replacing the GT3 Cup S

Designed for competition in FIA GT3-regulated racing series, the 911 GT3 R serves as Porsche’s latest GT3-class customer race car. It follows the 911 GT3 Cup and introduces a wider performance envelope with easier setup and better handling—especially for non-professional drivers.

Performance: More Displacement, More Power

The 911 GT3 R runs a 4.0-liter flat-six engine rated at 480 bhp (353 kW). This power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential dog-type gearbox. Compared to the 3.8-liter GT3 Cup, the R model adds 30 bhp, improving straight-line speed and exit torque without changing the core drivetrain layout.

Key specs:

• Engine: 4.0L naturally aspirated flat-six
• Output: 480 bhp (353 kW)
• Transmission: 6-speed sequential dog-type gearbox
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
• Weight: 1,200 kg (2,646 lb)

Based on the GT3 RS Wide Body

Like the 911 GT3 Cup, the GT3 R is based on the extra-wide chassis of the street-legal 911 GT3 RS. Flared fenders at the front and rear hint at a wider track, improving stability and cornering grip. This wider stance is critical for endurance circuits and high-speed technical layouts.

Designed for Accessibility: ABS, Traction Control, and Throttle-Blip

Porsche focused on improving drivability and handling ease, especially for amateur racing drivers. The 911 GT3 R includes:

• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Traction control system
• Electronic throttle with automatic throttle-blip for downshifts

These systems allow drivers to reach pace quickly and safely, making the car more accessible across varying skill levels and track conditions.

Visual and Functional Enhancements

Porsche added signature LED rear lights, consistent with second-generation 911 models. The car’s aerodynamic profile remains clean and race-focused, with functional elements built around endurance and sprint formats.

Visual features:

• Wide body derived from GT3 RS
• Flared wheel arches
• LED rear light clusters
• Low-profile aero components

Production and Customer Delivery

The 911 GT3 R made its debut at the Birmingham Motor Show on January 14, 2010. Built at Porsche’s Weissach Development Centre, the car was scheduled for global customer delivery starting spring 2010.

Base pricing:

• €279,000, before VAT and local taxes
• Approximate equivalent in USD (as of late 2009): $415,000 USD

This pricing placed the 911 GT3 R competitively against rival GT3-spec entries from Ferrari, BMW, and Audi.

Summary: GT3 Engineering for the Private Racer

The 911 GT3 R gives customer teams a race-ready platform built on Porsche’s latest chassis and engine upgrades. With more power, enhanced safety systems, and easier handling characteristics, it targets professional and amateur racers alike. The inclusion of ABS, traction control, and electronic throttle calibration shows Porsche’s clear focus: faster adaptation, fewer mistakes, and quicker lap times.