Porsche is expanding its customer motorsport portfolio with the new Porsche 911 GT4 R. For the first time, a car designed for global GT4 racing is based on the 911 platform. The Porsche 911 GT4 R racing car is powered by a 4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine delivering up to 382 kW (520 PS) and will make its racing debut in the 2027 motorsport season.

What is the GT4 Racing Category?

The international GT4 category, introduced in the mid-2000s, is one of the fastest-growing segments in global customer motorsport. It combines production-based technology with comparatively moderate running costs, making it an important entry-level class below GT3 racing. For manufacturers, the category offers the opportunity to be represented by customer teams in numerous national and international series. Since entering the GT4 category in 2016, Porsche has developed and produced more than 1,500 racing cars based on the Porsche Cayman. The new 911 GT4 R continues Porsche’s success story and, for the first time, expands the range to include a car based on the iconic 911 series.

Porsche 911 GT4 R

The new 911 GT4 R builds on the technical foundation of the current Cup version, which is based on the road-legal 911 GT3 of the 992.2 generation. Compared with the previous Clubsport models based on the 718 Cayman, it offers a more powerful engine, wider track widths and further-developed motorsport electronics. These factors improve lap times, drivability and stability in racing conditions in particular.

The high-revving 4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine is based on the unit used in the 911 GT3 and delivers up to 382 kW (520 PS) in the racing version. Maximum torque is up to 470 Newton metres. As is standard under GT4 regulations, these performance figures vary depending on the Balance of Performance (BoP) classification. For example, the 911 GT4 R is delivered ex-works with air flow restrictors (53.7 millimetres), which reduce power to 316 kW (430 PS). Power is transmitted via a sequential six-speed dog-gearbox with steering-wheel paddle shifters and a four-disc racing clutch.

In terms of the chassis, the new customer racing car takes a different approach to the 911 Cup due to regulations: the wheels, each one inch narrower, are mounted using a five-hole pattern, as is standard in production models. The dual-adjustable dampers and three selectable spring rates offer additional setup options. The 911 GT4 R adopts key body structures from the 911 Cup and makes targeted use of its aerodynamic optimisations. The rear wing is manually adjustable to eleven positions. A distinctive feature is the extensive use of natural-fibre-reinforced plastic in combination with epoxy resin. Components such as the doors, engine cover and aerodynamic parts, as well as parts of the cockpit, are made from this material.

Inside the cockpit, the driver receives all relevant information via a 10.3-inch colour display. An integrated data logger and a precise GPS system support analysis and performance optimisation during racing. Additional ballast components allow the car to be adapted to the respective weight classification specified by the BoP.

Images by Porsche