Race Car: Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (2021)

Unveiled at the end of 2020, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is the first race car based on the 992-generation Porsche 911. With its wide turbo-spec body, this race car looks like it’s ready to race.

Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is powered by a naturally aspirated engine. The four-litre, water-cooled flat-six engine develops 375 kW (510 hp). Its high-revving unit with dry-sump lubrication reaches top performance at 8,400 rpm, and redlines at 8,750 rpm. The maximum torque of 470 Newton metres is available at 6,150 rpm.

A single throttle butterfly system with two resonance flaps ensures a spontaneous response. And in conjunction with the catalytic converter racing exhaust system, it produces an awe-inspiring sound. Three different exhaust systems are available to choose from.

The engine is connected to the sequential, 72-kilogram six-speed dog-type gearbox via a single-mass flywheel and a three-plate sintered metal racing clutch. Gear changes are made via a paddle shift on the steering wheel. The shift barrel actuator is operated by an electric servo-motor, replacing the previous pneumatic unit. The advantages are even faster gear changes, the option of live diagnoses and a lowered risk of damage, for example in the event of gearshift errors.

Optimised Aerodynamics

The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup features optimised aerodynamics and the more muscular appearance. This is partly thanks to the wide turbo-spec lightweight body that is being used for the first time in the Cup car. Measuring a total of 1,902 mm in width, it is distinguished by its additional cooling air inlets in front of the wheels.

The front axle of is also significantly broader. Thanks to additional flared fenders, the new 911 GT3 Cup now measures 1,920 mm at the front axle. This makes it possible to use 12-inch wide rims on the front and 13-inch wheels at the rear axle, which has a positive effect on the handling and driveability of the racing car.

The seventh generation of the Cup racer generates noticeably more aerodynamic downforce. This is thanks to the combination of the rear spoiler with the larger rear wing and front apron. It is specifically adapted to racing by means of a front lip spoiler and strategically-positioned separation edges. The eleven-stage adjustable rear wing with a “swan neck” mounting improves aerodynamic efficiency, and also ensures more stable handling, especially in fast corners.

Finest Racing Technology

The doors, engine hood and rear wing are made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic. In contrast, the front hood with its distinctive exit-air duct and central air intake is a prime example of the intelligent use of materials. Like in the 911 Carrera, it is made of aluminium, which lowers repair costs in the case of an accident. All windows in the GT3 Cup are made of lightweight polycarbonate. They also feature a scratch-resistant hard-coat glazing.

The suspension of the Cup 911 offers the finest in racing technology. The rear axle essentially remains unchanged compared to the production model. The front wheels are now controlled by double wishbones and Uniball bearings. Through this, the dampers are no longer exposed to lateral forces, only axial forces. This ensures more precise turn-in behaviour and gives a better feeling for the front axle. The shock absorbers have inherited the cutting-edge valve technology from the 919 Hybrid and 911 RSR. Fully electro-mechanical power steering has been introduced into the 911 GT3 Cup for the first time. This means that the hydraulic pump and associated hydraulic lines are no longer needed.

Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race cars are built on the same production line in the Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen factory as the 911 production models. Price of the 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup was 225,000 Euros plus country-specific taxes.

Images by Porsche