By the time you read this, the three Euro-Spec racers allotted to North America will be gone.
When introduced last year at the Birmingham Motor Show in England, the new Porsche 911 GT3 R racecar, replacing the Porsche Motorsports 911 GT3 Cup S, came onto the European GT scene with great anticipation. The GT3 R has been raced in series based on FIA GT3 regulations, including the FIA GT3 series, the German VLN series at the Nurburgring, and individual national GT championships based on FIA rules. Racing teams were surprised about the improved drivability and ease of handling of this car.
The GT3 R features a four-liter six-cylinder “boxer” engine delivering 480 horsepower. A six-speed sequential gearbox transmits the power to the rear axle. The development of the lightweight (2,640 pounds) GT3 R is based on the 2010-2011 Porsche GT3 Cup racer. Thanks to a 0.2-liter increase in engine displacement, the GT3 R delivers 30 horsepower more than its Cup predecessor.
Both race vehicles are based on the extra-wide body of the street-legal GT3 RS. An anti-lock brake system (ABS), traction control and an e-gas with "throttle-blip" function as well as a highly developed and adjustable race suspension make the GT3 R especially desirable.
Although the car cannot be run in any of the existing North American race series (ALMS GT-Class, Patron GT3 Challenge, Grand-Am Rolex, SCCA World Challenge), it is eligible for PCA Club Racing Unlimited Class ("GTA"). Marc Lieb, veteran Porsche factory driver, was involved in the testing to develop this car and has raced it in Europe during the 2010 season.
"The GT3 R is a very powerful car. Despite the high technical level it is very easy to drive even for non-professionals. The Porsche engineers in Weissach were able to give this car perfect balance, which means that it is very precise and forgiving when it comes to so-called driving mistakes,” said Lieb.
Jens Walther, President and CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA), commented: "We have received numerous inquiries from Porsche enthusiasts about the GT3 R and are excited that this model has become available for sale in the North American market. We will offer the three cars as a special edition with a unique Tribute to the GT3 R Hybrid graphic design.”
The GT3 R is priced at $355,000, plus importation and transportation charges. Sales inquires can be made through PMNA at www.porschemotorsport.com.