The latest Porsche 911 (991) Carrera was launched over a year ago already, but we still haven’t seen the more hardcore and race-focused GT3 and GT3 RS versions, apart from a few spy shots. Kicking off one of the most exciting one-make series’ on the planet with the 997-generation GT3 Cup would be a little disappointing then, which is why Porsche have unveiled the brand-new 911 GT3 Cup race car for the 2013 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
Like the new Porsche 911 (991) Carrera, the 2013 Porsche 911 (991) GT3 Cup constitutes a big leap in progress over the previous 997-based racing car. The all-new 911 GT3 Cup is powered by a 3.8-litre, naturally aspirated, flat-six engine, with 338 kW. This figure is just 7 kW more than the previous GT3 Cup, but the power is delivered 1 000 r/min sooner at 7 500 r/min. Power continues to be sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed sequential transmission, but is now operated using paddle shifters; a first for the Porsche GT3 Cup.
Also connected to the rear-axle are a wider set of Michelin racing slicks (now 310 mm versus the previous 300 mm), together with slotted and inner-vented steel brake discs with four-piston aluminium calipers. Fighting the good fight up front are 270 mm wide tyres (20 mm more than before), slowed by larger 380 mm brake discs with 6-piston calipers. The single-piece wheels are a new design, but retain their single, centre nut, fitting.
What goes fast, must stop safely. To this end Porsche have introduced a number of new safety features for their 2013 GT3 Cup. First up is a revised safety cage that promises better protection in the event of a collision or rollover. A newly designed, single-piece, racing seat wraps around the driver’s head and shoulders to provide better support for the head and neck. In addition, the fit can be tailored to each driver with interchangeable padding. Finally, a safety hatch has been engineered into the roof of the new GT3 Cup, which provides easier access for medical staff and an alternative exit route for the driver.
Speaking at the launch of the new GT3 Cup at Porsche’s “Night of Champions” event, which was held at the manufacturer’s R&D centre in Weissach, Germany, works driver Timo Bernard said, “The new 911 GT3 Cup is much easier to drive at the limit,… It is excellently balanced. The new axle geometry is enormously positive for the handling. Apart from that the new Cup 911 is great fun to drive.”
As with the previous GT3 Cup, the new car will be assembled at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen plant in Stuttgart and will go on sale for €181 200 excluding any duties and taxes. Porsche have sold 2 385 GT3 Cup cars since 1998, so this new model is expected to be just as popular in pit lanes the world over.
