Race Car: Porsche 911 GT1 (1996)

After the end of Group C (prototype racing), Porsche was very successful in endurance racing in the GT2 class. However, to compete at the highest level of endurance racing, Porsche needed a new race car for the GT1 class.

Porsche 911 GT1 Race Car

Compared to the GT2, the new GT1 racer needed more power, better aerodynamics and greater downforce. The rules allowed longer wheelbase in the GT1 class, so Porsche lengthened the GT2 from 2,270mm (89.4 inches) to 2,499mm (98.4 inches). For time and cost reasons, Porsche didn’t use a carbon fibre body. Instead, the body was a mixture of carbon Kevlar and carbon fiber.

When the Board gave their approval for the project, they wanted the racing car to closely resemble the road-going model. Therefore the front section was taken from 993-generation Porsche 911. However, it was lengthened and widened to accommodate the racing suspension and racing tires.

Race Debut in 1996

For the back end, Porsche used a modified tube frame of a 962. This subframe housed the engine, gearbox and rear suspension. The 3.2-litre six-cylinder power unit with two turbo-chargers deliverd around 600 hp. The boxer mid-engine lies just in front of the rear axle. In addition to the great weight distribution, this also helped the design of an aerodynamic body. The strengthened six-speed gearbox was housed behind the engine. The hood scoop sent cool air to the intercooler.

The top speed of the 911 GT1 was about 320 km/h. The braking performance was provided by the 380 millimetre, internally ventilated carbon brake discs together with Brembo eight piston fixed calipers at the front and four piston calipers at the rear.

The Porsche 911 GT1 made its race debut in 1996, just nine months after the decision to build a racing vehicle for the Le Mans GT1 class.

Porsche 911 GT1 (1996) Technical Specifications

• Engine: Six-cylinder boxer, aluminium-engine block and cylinder heads, water cooled block and head, 2 intake and 2 discharge valves per cylinder, 2 exhaust gas turbo chargers, rigid bucket tappet with valve play compensation, dry sump lubrication, electronic engine management (TAG 3.8)
• Displacement: 3,200 cm³
• Power: 440 kW (600 hp) at 7,200 rpm
• Fuel system: 100 litre safety tank with integrated catchtank, rapid tank valves and reserve switch fuel injection (Multipoint, sequential)
• Transmission: 6-speed, fully synchronised gearbox, mid enginge, rear wheel drive, single-disc sinter metal racing clutch, additional lubrication with oil pump and oil-to-water heat exchanger, locking differential
• Chassis: Front section basis 993, adjustable plastic rear wing, air inlet to turbo chargers on the roof, rollcage as supporting chassis member, air jack, double wishbones front, double wishbones with pushrods rear, adjustable shock absorbers front and rear, power steering, anti roll bar front and rear
• Length: 4,683 mm
• Width: 1,946 mm
• Weight: about 1,000 kg
• Top speed: about 320 km/h

Check also
Porsche 911 GT1 Evo (1997)
Porsche 911 GT1 ’98 (1998)