Race Car: Porsche 911 GT1 Evo (1997)

The Porsche 911 GT1 made its racing debut in the BPR Global GT Series in 1996. For the 1997 season, FIA launched a completely new racing series. The new FIA GT Championship replaced the BPR endurance racing series. For this new racing series, Porsche unveiled an improved version of the 911 GT1. It is known as the Porsche 911 GT1 Evo.

Porsche 911 GT1 Evo

The 911 GT1 Evo for the year 1997 rolls out with a totally modified body as well as a new undercarriage under the front of the car. These measures result in improved downforce. The front axle is also new and features a wider track. Many details are improved with a view to becoming more service-friendly.

The Porsche 911 GT1 Evo rolled out the workshop on March 7, 1997, and made its first laps on the Porsche’s proving ground in Weissach. The Porsche 911 GT1 Evo featured a new undercarriage under the front of the car. The front axle was also new and featured a wider track. The body was modified to improve aerodynamics and downforce.

Unlike the 1996 car, which had a front end borrowed from the 993-generation Porsche 911, the 1997 Evo had the same headlight design as the 996-generation 911. In addition, the engine management was modified. And many other details were improved to make the car more service-friendly.

Porsche 911 GT1 Evo (1997) Technical Specigications

• Engine: Water-cooled six-cylinder four-stroke horizontally opposed engine, two turbochargers, two controlled metal-substrate catalytic converters, dual ignition, four valves per cylinder, mechanical valve adjustment, dry sump lubrication
• Displacement: 3,163 cm³
• Power: 400 kW (544 bhp) at 7,200 rpm
• Transmission: Six-speed manual transmission, drive on rear wheels, 40/60 % locking differential
• Chassis: Two-door body, composite steel plate and carbon fibre plastic design, double-wishbone suspension at front and rear, adjustable coil springs, single-pipe gas-pressure shock absorbers, adjustable stabilisers, eight-piston fixed-caliper brakes at front, four-piston fixed-caliper brakes at rear, internally vented discs front and rear, Bosch anti-lock braking system
• Length: 4,710 mm
• Width: 1,980 mm
• Weight: 1,250 kg
• Top speed: about 310 km/h (193 mph)

Check also
Porsche 911 GT1 (1996)
Porsche 911 GT1 ’98 (1998)

Image by Porsche