Porsche 911 GT3 R (2016): the GT3 RS gets an evil racing twin

Porsche 991 GT3 R is the race version of the 991 GT3 RSMassive wing? That'll be a GT racing car911 GT3 R uses same trick vents above front wheelsNo Porsche Media system hereClothes line-spec rear wing is a GT racing essential

► Race version of 991 GT3 RS revealed
► Extreme weight saving and aero pack
► Deliveries end of 2015 for 2016 season

The Porsche 991 GT3 RS is as hairy-chested and track-focused as the current Porsche 911 gets. Well, almost. Because this is the racing version: the 911 GT3 R. There’s always someone with better kit.

That’s a rather large rear wing

Certainly is. Underneath it is a development of the production car’s 4.0-litre flat-six with around 500bhp, running through a six-speed paddle-shift sequential gearbox.

Besides adding that outsized wing and splitter combo, the racer takes advantage of the road car’s aerodynamic trickery, with the same vents over the front wheelarches increasing downforce over the front axle.

Like the road car (and the faster-still 911 RSR racer), the GT3 R has adopted one big central radiator rather than the two outer ones of old. As well as improved centre of gravity, this also has a more practical purpose in that it reduces the possibility of red mist-prone drivers damaging a radiator by nerfing another car.

What else is new compared with the last Porsche 911 GT3 R?

The wheelbase is a full 8.3cm longer than the last one, with the aim of greater stability in fast corners, and it’s lighter than before too. Most of the bodywork’s made from CFRP and all the windows, even the windscreen, are made from polycarbonate.

Partly for that reason, it’s more economical on fuel than the last one, and has a larger fuel tank. While the terms ‘fuel economy’ and ‘racing car’ don’t often crop up in the same sentence, in a car that’s primarily designed for endurance racing it’s quite important.

How much?

If you’re planning an all-out GT racing assault, or absolutely must be fastest at your next track day, you’ll need around £310,000 handy, plus VAT. On the plus side, Porsche says the new GT3 R will cost teams less to run than its predecessor in terms of spare parts and maintenance, which is handy.

Deliveries start in December 2015, in time for testing for the 2016 season.

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