Porsche introduces the new GT race car, the 911 GT3 R

KUALA LUMPUR: Porsche is making headlines for several reasons in recent days, for good reasons, of course. The CEO of the company Oliver Blume will shortly become the new boss of Volkswagen after replacing Herbert Diess and reports are confirming the German automaker entering Formula 1. Well, the most recent is the unveiling of the latest-gen GT race car, the 911 GT3 R, at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.

Based on the existing 992 generation, Porsche's new customer racing car boasts a larger engine, a more constant aerodynamic performance, and an optimised weight balance.

It will compete in the GT3 category with the IMSA WeatherTech SportCar Championship in the US and FIA World Endurance Championship in Europe. This means the car is also eligible to take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“The new 911 GT3 R has big shoes to fill,” says Michael Dreiser, Sales Director at Porsche Motorsport. “Its forerunner has won almost everything there is to win in the GT3 scene in four seasons since 2019,” he added.

Let’s discuss the key highlights of the all-new 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 R -

• The GT3 R is powered by a 4.2-litre dry-sumped flat-six engine generating a maximum output of 565 hp at 9,250 rpm
• Power is sent to the rear wheels with a six-speed sequential constant-mesh gearbox paired with steering-mounted paddles
• The revised suspension system of the new 911 GT3 R is inspired by the outgoing 911 RSR. It includes a double-wishbone at the front and a rear multi-link setup. Also part of the kit is KW shock absorbers with five adjustment settings

• Braking duties are taken care of by sports brake callipers by AP Racing, with 390 mm front and 370 mm rear discs
• The customer racing car also has an improved driveability and more streamlined handling, claims Porsche
• The refreshed exterior features a big body kit with better aerodynamics and distinctive looks. Among the main highlights are a massive rear wing, a huge diffuser with the exhaust in the centre, enormous air intakes, a big splitter with two canards, and 18-inch single-piece alloy wheels wrapped with Michelin rubbers
• The new LED headlights feature a collimator tech that “works like a magnifying glass, only in reverse”
• The wheelbase has been increased by 48 mm

• Inside, we can find a new racing seat, FIA’s new side impact protection, a 10.3-inch display, and a multi-switch setup borrowed from the Le Mans class winner.

This ultimate black beauty is priced at a whopping £430,000 (approximately equal to RM 2,328,160).

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