This is the new 2013 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, due to compete in the 2013 Mobil 1 Supercup supporting the European, Middle East and US rounds of the FIA Formula One World Championship.

It is based on the very latest seventh generation Type 991 variant of the venerable 911 and is powered by a 3.8-litre six-cylinder flat engine generating 453bhp at 7,500 revs – 10bhp more than the outgoing model.

For the first time on a Supercup racer, the six-speed dog-type gearbox is operated via steering wheel mounted shift paddles, transmitting its power to the rear axle. Centre-mounted single piece race wheels are new and the width of the Michelin-designed slick tyres has been increased by 2cm at the front (to 27cm) and by 1cm at the rear (now measuring 31 cm).

A new braking system has been introduced, featuring slotted and inner-vented steel brake discs measuring 380mm in diameter, while six-piston aluminium fixed callipers grip the front axle with four-piston callipers at the rear.

A newly designed safety cage protects the driver in case of a roll or collision, as does a newly developed race seat which is distinctively shaped around the head and shoulders and can be adjusted individually with the help of padding. A rescue hatch in the roof provides easy access for primary medical attention and for the extrication of the driver in the event of a severe accident.

Porsche works driver Timo Bernhard, who was significantly involved in the development of the new car, said “The new 911 GT3 Cup is much easier to drive at the limit, ..The car is excellently balanced. The new axle geometry is enormously positive for the handling. Apart from that the new Cup 911 is great fun to drive.”

As before the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is produced in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen on the same assembly line as road legal 911 models. It is set-up for track-use at the Motorsport Centre in Weissach, and then tested by a professional race driver before delivery to customers.

The order books are now open and the new GT3 Cup will set you back 181,200 Euros (approx. £146,000) plus VAT. You can choose whichever colour you want as long as its white.

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