The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car that will make its debut in the 2011 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship is the latest edition of the best-selling racing car of all time, having been built in a production series of more than 1,400 units since 1998.
The latest 911 GT3 Cup racer is based for the first time on the 911 GT3 RS road car, with the weight of the motor sport derivative reduced significantly when compared to the already lightweight road car.
The 911 GT3 Cup is designed for racing in the many Porsche Carrera Cup Championships around the globe and the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup that supports Grand Prix, and was based previously on the 911 GT3.
As a consequence of being based on the 911 GT3 RS, this is the first 911 GT3 Cup car to feature the 44mm (1.73") wider body at the rear, which provides increased space for even larger wheels and slick tyres.
Wider front wheel arches also clearly show that the front wheels/tyres are likewise bigger which, combined with other evolutionary changes, has enabled the dynamic performance of the latest car to reach new heights.
Engine capacity is up by 0.2-litre over the prior GT3 Cup car, with power output rising by 30hp more than before.
Thus the rear-mounted, 3.8-litre, six-cylinder, horizontally-opposed power unit develops 450hp, and drives the rear wheels through a sequential six-speed manual gearbox and limited slip differential.