Paris 2016: Porsche unveils race-ready 911 GT3 Cup

With the entire 911 range undergoing a minor model change, Porsche has applied some of those changes in the racing variant of the 911. For 2017, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup gets an uprated engine, enhanced aerodynamics and has shed more weight.

Porsche says the aerodynamics got the new track-focused 911 has been enhanced. Its front apron has been redesigned, as well as the rear bumper and diffuser to aid downforce and handling. The rear wing carries over unchanged from the previous GT3 Cup. Wider tires have also been added to the redesigned GT3 Cup, now riding on 270 mm tires in front and 310 mm at the rear with grip provided by Michelin slicks. 

Moving to the heart of the race-ready 911, it is still naturally aspirated but Porsche has replaced the old 3.8 liter flat-six engine for a bigger, more powerful 4.0 liter flat-six as seen in the road-going GT3 RS. With the new engine, power gets a hike from 460 PS to 485 PS while torque is rated at 480 Nm. While it gains 25 PS from the outgoing cup car, it is down on power against the road car by 15 PS. Unlike the road car, the 2017 911 GT3 Cup shifts via a sequential manual gearbox with paddle shifters. Fuel efficiency is claimed to be better in the new GT3 Cup thanks to direct injection, vital for endurance racers.

Despite being down on power compared to the road car, the GT3 Cup has undergone an extensive weight shedding program. The standard GT3 RS tips the scales at 1,431 kilograms without air-conditioning, audio system and front axle lift system plus a lighter lithuim-ion battery. Fully stripped out, the GT3 Cup gets rid of another 231 kilograms and weighs in at just 1,200 kilograms thanks to the deletion of sound deadening and interior panels. Safety kit in the GT3 Cup include a wraparound racing seat that shields the driver's head and shoulders, racing harness, rollcage and a larger rescue hatch on the roof.

Porsche adds that the aerodynamics got the new track-focused 911 has been enhanced. Its front apron has been redesigned, as well as the rear bumper and diffuser to aid downforce and handling. The rear wing carries over unchanged from the previous GT3 Cup. Wider tires have also been added to the redesigned GT3 Cup, now riding on 270 mm tires in front and 310 mm at the rear with grip provided by Michelin slicks.