Finally we get to see what the Porsche 992 looks like in its racing car coat. We are not disappointed. Porsche has unveiled the latest generation of the world’s top-selling racing car: the new 911 GT3 Cup. Text: Luca W. © Images: Porsche AG ©
What is new on the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup
Firstly, the new racer is a 100% based on the Porsche 992, taking its chassis and aesthetics. As you already may have seen on pictures, the 911 GT3 Cup takes a low, turbo-styled body, with big lateral air-cooling intakes. The car is incredibly wide, with 1,902 millimetres! However, that muscled style is mostly due to the top-mounted rear wing (low-mounted in the 991 GT3 Cup). What’s the point of a top-mounted rear wing? You guessed it: aerodynamics.
On a wing, the airflow under the wing is faster than one above. But the bottom mount slows the air down, so the pressure delta is lower. To simplify it, there is a loss of downforce. A top-mounted wing partly solves this issue: it slows the upper air down, which has more effect, as its pressure raises. To simplify it, there is an increase of downforce.
Moreover, the front hood is now fitted with an air duct and central air intake, optimizing aerodynamics and cooling efficiency. The engine hood, rear wing and doors are made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic, reducing weight. It complements the whole body of the car, made out of aluminium.
In addition to this, the front axle is now double wishbone-ed and the shock absorbers technology is from the Porsche 911 RSR and 919 Hybrid. Lastly, the fully electro-mechanical power steering has been introduced into the 911 GT3 Cup for the first time.
The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup engine
Unlike the Porsche 992, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup enine has no turbocharger (woohoo!). The 4.0-litre, flat six engine, now developping 510hp and 470 Nm of torque powers the new GT3 Cup. It now revs up to 8,750 rpm and the max. power output is reached at 8,400 rpm (torque: 6,150). According to Porsche, the noise is incredible and it is possible for the customers to choose the exhaust system between race tracks and regulations. Furthermore, the engine can run on synthetic fuels, which lowers CO2 emissions.
In reliability terms, the flat-six only needs a maintenance check after 100 hours of track time, which is an incredible number for a racing engine (60 for the gearbox). The engine connects to wheels through a six-speed dog-type gearbox via a single-mass flywheel and a three-plate sintered metal racing clutch.
Yes, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup should be way faster than its precedessor, weighing only 1,260 killograms.
“With its improved performance and the optimised cockpit, the new 911 GT3 Cup is the best Cup car that Porsche has ever built.”
Jan Feldmann, project manager 911 GT3 Cup
The cockpit
The most important changes in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup are in the cockpit. A logical choice because it should be working with a driver, not a museum guard.
The Rubber Switch Panel (RSP) with its ten large buttons on the right was taken from the Porsche 919 Hybrid. These buttons have designated central functions, such as lighting, ventilation or to change tyre settings from dry to wet tyres. We can notice the rotary knob allowing the driver to set brake pressure on the front axle, for instance. Regardless of its beauty, the cockpit is simple and perfect for young talents to fully exploit their potential.
Knowing the drivers are impatient, the car will be campaigned in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup as well as the national Porsche Carrera Cups in Germany, France, Asia and Benelux and in North America. The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup deliveries start in February 2021.
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup wallpapers
