Another day, another racing 911: Introducing the Porsche GT3 R

Over its nearly half-century of its existence, the Porsche 911 seems to have spawned nearly as many racing variants as production models. The newest one announced is the 911 GT3 R, which, as the name implies, is targeted at GT3 class racing worldwide. The GT3 R is the followup to the GT3 Cup S model and just as with its road cars, Porsche has aimed to make the new racer both faster and easier to drive.

The GT3 R is derived from the most recent Cup car that was launched in September. It uses a larger normally aspirated 4.0-liter version of the classic flat-six that cranks out 480 horsepower. Like other road racing 911s, this one is rear-wheel drive only and uses a six-speed gearbox. The GT3 will be shown publicly in January at the Birmingham Motor Show in the UK before deliveries to teams start next spring. Since we can't afford one, we're hoping to see a few of these in the ALMS' new GT Challenge class next season. High-res gallery below, official press release after the jump.

[Source: Porsche]

PRESS RELEASE:

New Racing Version for International GT Sport

Stuttgart. Following the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is entering yet another racing car in the 2010 motorsport season: The 911 GT3 R will be raced in series based on the international FIA GT3 regulations, thus succeeding the 911 GT3 Cup S. The main focus in developing this new model was on even better drivability and even easier handling.

The 911 GT3 R is powered by a four-litre six-cylinder boxer engine delivering maximum output of 480 bhp (353 kW) transmitted to the rear axle by a sequential six-speed dog gearbox.

The starting point in developing the 911 GT3 R weighing just 1,200 kg or 2,646 lb was the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup presented in September for one-make cup racing. Thanks to its increase in engine size by 0.2 litres, the GT3 R offers 30 bhp more than the Cup model. Both cars are based on the extra-wide body of the 911 GT3 RS street-legal sports car.

An anti-lock brake system (ABS), traction control and an e-gas with "throttle-blip" function make it much easier to get used to this new GT3 racing car than its predecessor, meaning that the new model is also more appropriate for the ambitious amateur racing driver.

Flared wheel arches added on to the body both front and rear bear clear testimony to the wider track than on the former model. And like all second-generation versions of the 911, the new 911 GT3 R also comes with striking LED rear light clusters.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R is making its world debut on 14 January 2010 at the Birmingham Motor Show. The car is built by Porsche's Motorsport Department at the Weissach Development Centre and will be delivered to Customer Teams the world over as of spring 2010. The base price of the Porsche 911 GT3 R is 279,000 euros plus local sales tax/VAT.