2013 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

The 2012-spec Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is based on the lightweight 911 GT3 RS (997) street sports car. The power unit is largely identical to the production engine of the 911 GT3 RS with the same output of 450 bhp and the same maximum engine speed of 8,500 rpm. A race exhaust system with a controlled catalytic converter keeps emissions to a minimum.

 edit: 20/01/13 post: 11/10/14

Video

Background

It is the most successful race car on earth: The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.

With over 2,200 units sold, it is the undisputed number one amongst customer racing teams all over the world. Now, the new 911 GT3 Cup features a 100-litre FT3 safety fuel tank, which is filled via an opening in the front bonnet. Compared to its predecessor, the vehicle is now suitable for an even wider range of endurance racing. Moreover, the new fuel tank contributes to a further improvement of the high safety standards.

The 2012-spec Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is based on the lightweight 911 GT3 RS (997) street sports car. The power unit is largely identical to the production engine of the 911 GT3 RS with the same output of 450 bhp and the same maximum engine speed of 8,500 rpm. A race exhaust system with a controlled catalytic converter keeps emissions to a minimum.

The flared wheel arches at the front axle accommodate light alloy rims measuring 9.5Jx18 with 25/64-18 Michelin race tyres. The light alloy rims at the rear measure 12Jx18 with 30/68-18 tyres. Depending on the type of racing, the new 911 GT3 Cup features different rim specifications. The blade-type anti-roll bars at the front and rear are adjustable in seven positions allowing an extremely precise set-up for each race track. Exclusive to the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup which runs as support to Formula 1 is the PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake. This is also available for Porsche’s road models. Compared to the composite cast brakes in the Carrera Cups and the GT3 Cup Challenges, PCCB reduces the weight of the car by around 20 kilograms.

The cockpit of the new 911 GT3 Cup caters for the needs of the driver. The controls for the info display are positioned on the steering wheel which houses six switches. As in the production car, the reach and height of the steering wheel can be adjusted.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup will be delivered to teams around the world from September and will be run in this specification for the 2012 and 2013 race seasons in selected one-make cup series.

Currently, the 911 GT3 Cup competes in 19 Porsche brand trophy series worldwide. Moreover, it is run in various GT race series and at long distance events. The 911 GT3 Cup is the basis model of Porsche’s racing vehicle range. Additionally, Porsche Motorsport offers the 911 GT3 R for championships complying with GT3 regulations and the 911 GT3 RSR built according to GT2 rules.

Engine

• Aspirated engine
• Water cooled flat six-cylinder boxer engine with four valves per cylinder
• 3,797 cc; stroke 76.4 mm; bore 102.7 mm diameter
• Max. power: 331 kW (450 hp) at 7,500 rpm
• Max. rpm: 8,500 rpm
• Required fuel quality: 98 octane ROZ, unleaded
• Dry-sump lubrication
• Sequential multi-point fuel injection
• Electronic engine management MS3.1 by Bosch
• Race exhaust system with regulated race catalytic converter
• Twin-branched muffler with centered exhaust pipes

Power Train

• Six-speed sequential dog-type gearbox (G97/63) with active oil cooling and pressure-oil lubrication
• Gear ratios:
• Ring & pinion gear 8/32 i = 4,000
• 1st gear 12/38 i = 3.167
• 2nd gear 15/32 i = 2.133
• 3rd gear 18/31 i = 1.722
• 4th gear 20/28 i = 1.400
• 5th gear 23/26 i = 1.300
• 6th gear 29/27 i = 0.931
• Limited slip differential 37 % / 52 %
• Single-mass flywheel
• Race clutch (5½" triple-disc sintered-metal clutch)
• Hydraulic clutch centre-release mechanism
• Oil-water heat exchanger

Suspension

Front Axle

McPherson strut-type axle, height-adjustable

Front axle wheel suspension with twin-clamp system

Double coil springs with race setup (main spring and helper spring)

Sachs gas pressure shock absorbers

Front axle control arm with six-point-suspension

Two-piece lower control arms for camber adjustment

Longitudinal control arm

Double-blade-type anti-roll bar, seven setting options per side

Forged supporting mounts with Unibal

Reinforced, continuously variable rear axle track rod

Power steering with electro-hydraulic pressure feed

Modified steering-column assembly (adjustable in height and length)

Rear Axle

Multilink rear suspension with solidly mounted subframe

Suspension struts height-adjustable

Wheel suspension with optimised wheel hub

Double coil springs with race setup (main spring and helper spring)

Sachs gas pressure shock absorbers

Modified axle side parts

Two-piece lower control arms for camber adjustment

Unibal - suspended control arm (top)

Longitudinal control arm

Double-blade-type anti-roll bar, seven setting options per side

Reinforced, continuously variable rear axle track rod

Brake System

2 independent brake circuits, adjustable via break balance system and 2 master brake cylinders

Front
Aluminium six-piston calipers, in red
Steel brake discs (compound molding) internally vented,
380 mm diameter
Special race brake pads without wear indicator (P50)
Optimized ventilation routing

Rear
Aluminium four-piston calipers, in red
Steel brake discs (compound molding) internally vented,
355 mm diameter
Special race brake pads without wear indicator (P50)
Optimized ventilation routing

Bodywork

• Weight optimized, widened body shell based on 911 GT3 RS II. generation
• Enlarged rear wheelhouses for tyre sizes of 690 mm diameter
• Aerodynamically optimised front splitter
• Additional cockpit ventilation through air inlet
• CfC* doors with window frame and plastic rear-view mirrors
• CfC rear lid with integrated third brake light
• CfC rear wing adjustable
• Synthetic rear centre compartment
• Modified, synthetic rear body panels
• Polycarbonate rear window, rear side windows and door windows
• Build-in air jack system with safety pressure valve
• Welded-in roll cage according to DMSB** regulations
• Racing seat (driver side only) with fire retardant upholstery
• Six-point seat belt, optimized for use with HANS***
• Multifunctional steering wheel with quick-release coupling
• Electric fire extinguishing system with electronical release device
• 100 litre fuel cell (FT3 safety fuell cell), returnless fuel with 5 bar fuel-pressure

* = Carbon Fibre Reinforced Carbon
** = Deutscher Motor Sport Bund (German Motor Sports Federation)
*** = Head and Neck Support

Electric System

• Motec Dashboard ADL2 with integrated data recording, 1 Megabyte main memory
• Battery: 12 V, 50 Ah
• Generator 90 A
• Error detection
• H7 main headlight and daytime running light
• Rear lights in LED-technology

Rims/Tyres

Front Axle
Different rim specifications depending on the type of racing,
centre-lock aluminium rims 9,5J x 18 offset 37
Michelin race tyres, size 25/64-18

Rear Axle
Different rim specifications depending on the type of racing,
centre-lock aluminium rims 9,5J x 18 offset 30
Michelin race tyres, size 30/68-18