2012 Porsche 911 GT3 R Unveiled

Porsche has unveiled its 2012 GT3 racer, the 911 GT3 R. The racing machine gets more power, paddle shifters and tweaked front suspension. Porsche says that the new car will offer “even better driveability”, giving them a competitive edge over the competition.

For those unaware, the Porsche 911 GT3 R is designed from the ground up as a pure-bred racing car to compete in the international GT3 racing series. This new car features a 4.0 liter flat-six engine delivering 500 horsepower (368 kW).

More detail information can be found in the press release below.

2012 Porsche 911 GT3 R Press Release

Race car for customer sport now with even better driveability

Stuttgart. Amongst racing customers all over the world, the Porsche 911 GT3 R is extremely popular for its forgiving handling and basic speed. And it is exactly in this direction that the improvements for the 2012 model year have been targeted. The engine output has increased by 20 hp to now deliver 500 hp (368 kW). Paddle-shifts on the steering wheel ensure gear changes are even quicker and simpler, making it easier for pilots to concentrate on braking. Moreover, the transmission electronics, featuring an automatic throttle blip control, make it almost impossible to miss a gear and over-rev the engine. A softer anti-roll bar on the front axle reduces understeer.

The power increase of the four-litre, six-cylinder flat engine in the rear was achieved through optimisation of the intake system. The gearing of the sequential six-speed dog-type gearbox was adapted to the higher maximum output. In order to bring the power to the tarmac safely and to assist race drivers, the 911 GT3 R has featured a sophisticated ex-works traction control since the 2010 model year. An efficient race-ABS assists braking.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 R will be delivered to teams around the world from November 2011. The vehicle costs 304,500 Euro plus the value added tax of respective countries. The Porsche 911 GT3 R from the 2010 and 2011 model years can be upgraded to the 2012-spec. An upgrade kit is available from Porsche Motorsport for 43,100 Euro.

The 911 GT3 R represents the mid-range of Porsche’s customer racing vehicles. The 911 GT3 Cup, as the top-selling race car in the world, serves as the basis. Ranking above the 911 GT3 R is the 911 GT3 RSR, built for GT2 racing, which competes in series like the American Le Mans Series, the Le Mans Series and at the Le Mans 24 hour race.