Porsche unveils its latest 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.

[Source: Porsche]

Technical Description Porsche GT3 RSR (2009)

Engine:
Water-cooled, six-cylinder boxer engine; four valves
per cylinder; dry sump lubrication; individual throttle
butterflies; fuel injection; air restrictors 2 x 29.5 mm.

Bore:
102.7 mm

Stroke:
80.4 mm

Capacity:
3,996 cc

Power output:
331 kW (450 bhp) at 7,800 rpm

Max. Torque:
430 Nm at 7,250 rpm

Max. revs:
9,400 rpm

Transmission:
Six-speed gearbox with sequential jaw-type shift;
oil/water heat exchanger; single-mass flywheel;
hydraulic disengagement lever; three-plate carbon-fibre
clutch; rear wheel drive; limited-slip differential 45/65%.

Body:
Monocoque body (basis GT3 RS) of hot-galvanised steel;
aerodynamically optimised front end with front spoiler;
aerodynamically optimised front underfloor; adjustable
rear wing; 90-litre safety fuel tank with fast filling function;
air jack; welded-in safety cage; bucket-type racing seat
(on driver's side only) with flame-resistant seat cover;
six-point seat belt adapted for use of the HANS
Head and Neck Support; electric fire-extinguishing system.


Suspension:

Front:
McPherson spring strut axle; Sachs four-way gas
pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and ancillary
spring); front axle arms adjustable for camber; adjustable
sword-type anti-roll bar on both sides; power steering.

Rear:
Multi-arm axle with rigidly mounted axle sub-frame;
Sachs four-way gas pressure dampers; double coil springs
(main and auxiliary spring); rear axle tie-bar reinforced
and infinitely adjustable; adjustable sword-type anti-roll
bar on both sides.

Complete suspension infinitely adjustable (height,
camber, track).

Brakes:
Brake system with balance bar control.

Front:
Single-piece six-piston aluminium fixed callipers;
inner-vented, 380 mm in diameter; racing brake pads.

Rear: Single-piece four-piston aluminium fixed callipers;
inner-vented, 355 mm in diameter; racing brake pads.


Wheels:

Front:
Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (11J x 18-34);
central bolt;

Rear:
Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (13J x 18-12.5);
central bolt.

Electrical System:
Motec display with integrated data recording; multi-function
display with integrated gearshift indicator; adjustable
traction control; battery: 12 volt, 50 Ah, 140 Ah alternator.

Weight:
Approx. 1,220 kg complying with A.C.O. regulations,
1,245 kg complying with FIA regulations.