The new GT3 Cup race car features a monocoque bodyshell comprising hot-galvanised lightweight steel with carbon fibre body panels that help to pare its kerb weight down to 1 200 kg – about 170 kg lighter than the road-going GT3 RS model upon which it is based.
Although most of the body panels have been lifted from the road car, the Cup racer features a front spoiler lip that has been lowered by 15 mm and a rear wing that has grown from 1,46 to 1,7 metres, both of which aid in generating the additional downforce on the front and rear axles that racing conditions require. The Cup racer also borrows the road car’s daytime running lights, air vents and LED brake lights.
Wider front wheel arches and the flared rear wheel housings provide ample space for even wider wheels – 9,5J x 18 (previously 9 J x 18) wrapped in Michelin racing rubber up front, and three-piece light-alloy rims on the rear axle which are an inch wider than before, now measuring 12J x 18.
Being based on the current road-going GT3 RS, the 2011 Cup racer and will be powered by that car’s 3,8 liter flat six-cylinder engine developing 331 kW at 8 500 r/min. This engine will be mated with a sequential six-speed dog leg gearbox. ZF Sachs gas-pressure dampers will form part of the race suspension system while stopping power will be provided by a set of Bembo anchors with 6-piston callipers up front, and 4-piston units at the rear.
The GT3 Cup will race in the 2011 Porsche Carrera Cup in the U.K. next year in addition to the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup on the occasion of Formula 1 races. Deliveries will begin in early 2011.