Another Look at the Track-Only 911 GT3 R

New for 2019

Last off-season, Porsche was seen testing a prototype racer finished in matte carbon fiber with a massive wing hanging off of the rear deck while blitzing the Monza circuit. Several weeks later, the German manufacturer announced the details of that car, the new 2019 GT3 R. With the 2018 racing season wrapped up and 2019 soon to be upon us, we thought it was a good idea to look at what the new GT3 R will be bringing to the track this upcoming season.

Turn-Key Ready

Based on the 991 GT3 RS, the new 2019 GT3 R is a turn-key race car that slots in above the GT3 Cup car, but below the Le Mans-winning RSR. That said, the GT3 R has many more features in common with the menacing RSR than it does with the lower-spec Cup car. Purchasing a GT3 R also includes factory support at sanctioned racing events over the course of the racing season.

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Safety & Running Costs in Mind

The 2015 GT3 R was the last major redesign of the model as it was updated to conform with Porsche's 991 generation 911. While various changes and updates occur from year to year based on the feedback from drivers and the data collected from engineers, 2019 will see some of the most significant improvements of this generation to make the car not only easier and more comfortable to drive, but also cheaper to operate and repair.

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Breathing on its own

Unlike the RSR, the GT3 R remains true to its 911 roots by having its engine placed behind the rear axle. The revised naturally-aspirated 4.0L flat-six engine's output has been bumped up to 550 horsepower over the 2018 model (500 hp), but still remains largely identical to the road-going GT3 RS engine. Power is sent through a six-speed sequential transmission controlled by the driver via a set of steering wheel mounted paddles.

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Turning & Stopping

Thanks to the new double-wishbone front suspension design, the GT3 R can accept tires that are 30mm larger in circumference for improved front stability. Additionally, drivers can now adjust the brake balance on the fly between the front and rear axles. The ABS system is said to have also been notably improved for more control of the brakes at the point of lock up. The front floating disc brakes have increased in diameter to 390mm while the rears are slightly smaller at 370mm.

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Creature Comforts and Tech Gadgetry

A main area of focus was to improve driver comfort and safety. For the first time, drivers will benefit from an air-conditioning system that not only cools the cabin, but also forces air directly into their helmet and seat. A redesigned bucket seat is bolted directly to the floorpan to improve the center of gravity and allow for extra side impact protection in the door. Driver's may even be getting a bit spoiled with extra tech such as a heated windshield, tire-pressure monitors, a Bosch collision avoidance system, rear-view camera, LED lights, and an oversized escape hatch.

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Moving the Air

As mentioned, the body is still constructed of lightweight carbon fiber, but now includes various aero improvements for increased downforce and to flow air to vital components. The front dive planes, 6-blade diffuser, and a massive rear wing measuring two meters wide will ensure the car stays planted. A large front extractor vent in the hood coupled with a redesigned grille will pull hot air from the radiators while turbo-style fender intakes will force-feed air to the wailing flat-six. New side mirrors and a larger 120-liter fuel tank are pulled straight from the RSR.

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Place Your Order

The first batch of GT3 R racers are expected to be delivered by the end of the 2018 calendar year in order to allow teams sufficient time to prep for the upcoming season. If interested in securing one of these purebred race cars, Porsche Motorsports North America should be able to help you out, but be prepared to show your racing resumé and have a cool $600k on hand.

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