Autoblog

2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR makes world debut at Sebring Test

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:44:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Porsche, Racing

The first few 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR racers have made their first appearance in the United States, ahead of their competition debut in the the American Le Mans Series. Although the machine is labeled with the 2012 designation, the latest GT3 RSR is actually still based on the 997 model, not the latest 991 variant of Porsche's long-running 911 model range.

Still, there are plenty of updates that make this GT3 interesting to racers. For starters, a mandatory air-restrictor still lets in enough oxygen for the 4.0-liter boxer six to deliver 460 horsepower to the 310-millimeter rear wheels, which necessitate bodywork that is 48 millimeters wider than before. Like 911 Turbo models, new air scoops are incorporated into the rear fenders - just one small part of a completely revised aero package.

Three images of the 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR in race trim during shakedown testing at Sebring have been released, and you can see them above. A full press release is after the break, if you're so inclined.

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2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR makes world debut at Sebring Test originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche launches updated 911 GT3 RSR

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Porsche, Racing

When Porsche launches a new 911, it doesn't just launch one model, it starts a process that will see literally dozens of variants to follow. Some with turbos, some without. Some with all-wheel drive, some driving just the rear. Coupes, convertibles, targas, lightweight models, and yes, even racing versions.

The 911, after all, is one of the most prolific racing cars on circuits around the world. This example, however, is not based on the new 911. What you see here is still based on the old 997. But it is the pinnacle of Porsche Motorsport's range of customer racing cars.

The new GT3 RSR is built to race in the ACO's GTE category, making it instantly eligible for competition in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Le Mans Series, the American Le Mans Series and the new FIA World Endurance Championship, as well as the International GT Open and a variety of other series and events.

Its 4.0-liter boxer six drives 460 horsepower (kept in check by a mandatory air restrictor) to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox. Porsche has also fitted larger wheels front and rear, and given it a completely new aero package to keep it glued to the tarmac, slicing through the air and at front of the pack.

The best part is that you can buy one yourself. That is, assuming you've got half a million euros (about $675k) to spend on a track toy. Either way, you can check it out in the high-res image gallery and the press release after the jump.

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Porsche launches updated 911 GT3 RSR originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: But will it blend rally? Porsche GT3 does the SachsenRallye

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Videos, Porsche, Racing

Porsche GT3 in the SachsenRallye - Click above to watch video after the jump

A few days ago we posted video of a Porsche GT3 RS doing the Goodwood hillclimb. It was a great POV run through the hay bales with quality commentary from driver Gordon Robertson. But we couldn't hear the car, and you really don't know the GT3 RS until you've really heard the GT3 RS. And preferably, that might be in this kind of setting: on tarmac and dirt stages of the SachsenRallye, with that exhaust note filling the countryside and booming off of stone walls down narrow streets. True, this is a GT3 minus the RS, but you won't miss those 15 horsepower once you hear the sound of Vulcan's rear-mounted foundry. Follow the jump for the dirty fury. Hat tip to CPM

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: But will it ~~blend~~ rally? Porsche GT3 does the SachsenRallye

Video: But will it ~~blend~~ rally? Porsche GT3 does the SachsenRallye originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche unveils its latest GT3 RSR

Alex Nunez — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Porsche

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the 2009 Porsche GT3 RSR

Porsche has unveiled the latest iteration of its GT2-class racing car, the GT3 RSR. Visually, the biggest difference for '09 is up front, where a substantially louvered hood now resides. It's there because the car's radiator ductwork has been redesigned so as to accommodate the racer's optional A/C system. Other changes are hidden, but no less important. Aero tweaks include a rear wing angle that's more adjustable than on last year's car. The brakes and wiring harness contribute to lighter weight, and inside the pilot gets a new multifunction display. There's also a revised supply system that allows for an infinitely adjustable blink rate for the front lights. That makes for easy nighttime identification when the car pits. The oil filler has been relocated for easier access, and the GT3 RSR is equipped with a new air jack, as well.

That's all well and good, but what about the power? Displacement for the rear-mounted six-cylinder jumps from 3.8 to 4.0 liters, and it now pumps out 450 horsepower at 7,800 rpm. (Last year it produced 465 hp @ 8,000 rpm) Torque is rated at 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) at 7,250 rpm - the same as last year. The rev limiter kicks in at 9K, and Porsche says that the new car's torque curve is better-optimized than the outgoing car's. The new RSR ought to become a common sight in the Le Mans series on both sides of the Atlantic, as Porsche resumes its annual battle with Ferrari in sports car racing. Want one? Give Porsche €380,000 - roughly $494,000 USD (plus the appropriate VAT) and you're good to go. Tech specs are pasted after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Porsche GT3 RSR

[Source: Porsche]

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Porsche unveils its latest GT3 RSR originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche opens new Motorsport Centre in Weissach

Alex Nunez — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 07:04:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Porsche

Logistics building at the Porsche Motorsport Centre

Porsche Motorsports has a new home in Weissach. Following a year of construction, the Porsche Motorsports Centre occupies over 107,000 square feet in 4 connected buildings that will house workshops, race car production, a truck terminal, a logistics center, and of course, the motorsport administrative offices.

This complex is double the size of the old Motorsports facility, and even though it's mostly going to support Porsche's factory and privateer race efforts, drivers of certain road cars will also find themselves unwitting members of the Porsche Motorsports family. The Centre will also supply spare parts for the 911 GT3 and GT3 RS street cars, illustrating just how closely connected those vehicles are to the company's legendary race program.

(Additional photo and more info after the jump)

[Source: Porsche]

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Porsche opens new Motorsport Centre in Weissach originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jul 2006 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Racers rejoice! New Porsche 911 GT3 RSR arrives

Alex Nunez — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Porsche

click image for larger version

This weekend at the Proximus 24 Hours at Spa, the next chapter in Porsche's storied racing history will be written. The Manthey Racing Team will campaign two of the new Type 997-based Porsche 911 GT3 RSRs in the event. Followers of ALMS (and FIA GT) know that teams have been running the previous-generation car this season as they await the introduction of the new racer.

Well, the wait is over.

Built on the latest 911 GT3 RS road car, the new RSR's 3.8 liter six-cylinder is makes 485 horsepower at 8,400 RPM with a pair of mandatory 30mmm air restrictors in place. Torque peak is 435 Nm at 7,250 rpm.

The new body with its welded-in rollcage is 10% stiffer than the previous car and is also 7% more aerodynamically efficient. Relocating some components has resulted in better overall weight distribution as well. It has been constructed in accordance with FIA and A.C.O. regulations and you can expect to see it doing battle in the major racing series and at Le Mans next year.

(Two press releases, full technical specs after the jump)

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Racers rejoice! New Porsche 911 GT3 RSR arrives

Racers rejoice! New Porsche 911 GT3 RSR arrives originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jul 2006 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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