Motoring News

Porsche will unveil its latest 911 race car, announce an innovative racing driver development course and introduce its British motorsport programme for 2010 at the Autosport International show at the Birmingham NEC (January 14 – 17).

The stunning Porsche 911 GT3 R has been created for racing in series based on the international FIA GT3 regulations, and succeeds the 911 GT3 Cup S. It is powered by a six-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine of four-litres capacity, which produces 480 bhp (353 kW) transmitted to the rear axle via a sequential six-speed gearbox.

The Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone has welcomed over 12,000 customers since the bespoke track facility officially opened its doors a year ago. In addition to being the perfect venue for owners to learn about the technology beneath the skin of their new car, the Experience Centre offers a variety of courses for all driving enthusiasts. The new Racing Driver Development Programme gives individuals who are serious about their motorsport the chance to sign-up for a series of structured coaching and mentoring sessions at the Experience Centre. Exploring in detail all the facets that go into making up the complete racing driver, the course aims to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in motor sport.

Two British racing drivers whose motorsport careers are definitely stepping up a gear in 2010 are Euan Hankey and Michael Meadows, who have been selected from six young racing driver finalists as the winners of the 2010 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Scholarship. The two winners of the coveted prize, now in its second year, each received £50,000 from Porsche Cars GB to use as a significant element of their budget for the 2010 Carrera Cup GB season. A prime element of the Scholarship programme is the mentoring Euan and Michael will receive over the year from Richard Westbrook, former Porsche Supercup and Porsche Carrera Cup GB Champion, and 2009 FIA GT2 Class Champion driving a 911 GT3 RSR. Euan and Michael will be available to meet race fans on the Porsche stand and talk about their experiences as they prepare for the most exciting step yet in their motorsport careers.

The 911 GT3 R
Developed for racing series based on the international FIA GT3 regulations, the starting point in developing the 911 GT3 R was the latest 3.8-litre Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, which will compete in the 2010 Porsche Supercup supporting selected Formula One races. However, the GT3 R – which weighs just 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) – has a larger 4.0-litre engine delivering 480 bhp and other technical developments designed to improve the performance of the car further still.

For example, an anti-lock braking system, traction control and an electronic throttle with ‘blip’ function on gearbox down-changes make it much easier for drivers to get used to the GT3 R race car than the prior Cup S model, with the consequence that the new car is also more appropriate for the ambitious amateur racing driver rather than purely experienced professionals. The main focus with this new car was to deliver even better driveability and even easier handling.

Additional flared wheel arches front and rear emphasise the purposeful, wide track of the GT3 R. And like all second generation versions of the 911, the new 911 GT3 R also comes with striking LED rear light clusters.

As the newest Porsche race car, the 911 GT3 R has an incredible provenance. In 2009, the ultimate racing Porsche – the 911 GT3 RSR – won the GT2 Drivers’ title in the FIA GT Championship, the GT2 title in the American Le Mans Series and also in the Le Mans Series of endurance races, and also triumphed in the gruelling 24 Hours of the Nurburgring race.

Like the 911 GT3 Cup and 911 GT3 RSR, the Porsche 911 GT3 R is designed and built by the Porsche Motorsport Department at the company’s Weissach Development Centre. First deliveries to customer teams around the world begin in the spring, and the base price of the Porsche 911 GT3 R is 279,000 Euros plus local sales tax/VAT. 

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