The starting point in developing the GT3 R was the latest 3.8-litre Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, which will compete in the 2010 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup supporting selected Formula One races. However, the GT3 R – which weighs just 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) – has a larger 4.0-litre six-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine delivering 480 bhp and other technical developments designed to improve the performance of the car further still.

An anti-lock braking system, traction control and an electronic throttle with ‘blip’ function on gearbox down-changes make it much easier for drivers to get used to the GT3 R race car than the prior Cup S model, with the consequence that the new car is also an easier step up for the ambitious amateur racing driver rather than purely experienced professionals. The main focus with this new car was to deliver even better driveability and easier handling.

Flared wheel arches front and rear emphasise the purposeful, wide track of the GT3 R, and like all second generation versions of the 911, the new 911 GT3 R also comes with striking LED rear light clusters. For optimal aerodynamic performance, the underbody of the car is completely covered and features a rear diffuser and, compared to the prior Cup S model, the range of adjustment on the rear wing has been increased.

The highly-developed suspension can also be adjusted extensively; at the front are height-adjustable MacPherson struts with variable SACHS two-way shock absorbers and double coil springs (main and auxiliary). At the rear, the GT3 R features a rigidly mounted sub-frame with a height-adjustable multi-arm axle together with adjustable SACHS two-way shock absorbers and double coil springs.

“Since we announced our intention to launch the 911 GT3 R, demand has been huge,” said Uwe Brettel, Head of Motorsport Sales. “The number of GT3 R vehicles we had planned for 2010 is almost sold out.”

As the newest Porsche race car, the 911 GT3 R has an incredible provenance. In 2009, the ultimate racing Porsche 911 – the GT3 RSR – won the GT2 Drivers’ title in the FIA GT Championship, the GT2 title in the American Le Mans Series and also in the Le Mans Series of endurance races, and also triumphed in the gruelling 24 Hours of Nurburgring race.

Like the 911 GT3 Cup and 911 GT3 RSR, the Porsche 911 GT3 R is designed and built by the Porsche Motorsport Department at the company’s Weissach Development Centre. First deliveries to customer teams around the world begin in the spring, and the base price of the Porsche 911 GT3 R will be around £245,000 (279,000 Euros plus taxes).

Porsche Panamera on show

Stuttgart. Special tidbits at the Porscheplatz in Zuffenhausen: For the first time, visitors of the Porsche Museum will experience the model series Panamera. A range of exhibits and documents are offering an insight into the development of the latest model series of the Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, in an extraordinary atmosphere. The special “Panamera Moment“ exhibition (from 8 December 2009 to 28 February 2010) presents the innovations of the four-door Gran Turismo i.e. via a sophisticated cutaway model. Films on the design and technical features of the vehicle complete this experience.

The Special Exhibition comes in an artistic framework set by the well-known car photographer Frank M. Orel with his spectacular pictures. This photo artist from Stuttgart has photographed Porsche’s new
Gran Turismo in situations both unusual and, indeed, quite unexpected. Shortly after having been launched in September, the Panamera was awarded the renown prizes “Goldenes Lenkrad“ (Bild am Sonntag / Autobild) and “Auto-Trophy“ (Auto Zeitung) as well as several international prizes.

The drivers are looking back as a highly successful year, Jörg Berg-
meister and Patrick Long bringing home the Driver’s and Constructor’s Title in the 911 GT3 RSR in the American Le Mans Series. Scoring three wins in five races, Marc Lieb and Richard Lietz, in turn, won the Driver’s Title in the Le Mans Series.

Porsche’s works drivers were also successful in Germany’s most prominent race, Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas, and Marc Lieb, backed up by Nordschleife specialist Marcel Tiemann, clinching Porsche’s fourth overall win in row in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring at the wheel of their
GT3 RSR.