Porsche improves the 911 GT3 R for 2012

For the 2012 season Porsche have upgraded the 911 GT3 R, adding a further 20 bhp (now 493 bhp), providing quicker steering wheel mounted paddle-shifts, a softer anti-roll bar on the front axle to reduce understeer and an automatic throttle blip control, making it almost impossible to miss a gear and over-rev the engine. The 911 GT3 R remains based on the 997 platform rather than the latest 991.

The power increase of the rear-mounted, 4-litre flat six engine was achieved through optimisation of the intake system. The gearing of the sequential six-speed dog-type gearbox was adapted to the increased power. In order to improve traction, the 911 GT3 R has featured a sophisticated ex-works traction control system since the 2010 model year.

If you’re confused about the hierarchy of Porsche’s customer racing vehicles, the 911 GT3 R represents the ‘mid-range’ model. The 911 GT3 Cup, as used in the many Porsche Carrera Cup series around the world is the ‘entry level model. Then ranking above the 911 GT3 R is the 911 GT3 RSR, built for GT2 racing, which competes in series like the American Le Mans Series, the Le Mans Series and at the Le Mans 24 hour race.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 R will be delivered to teams from November 2011 and will cost 304,500 Euro plus the value added tax of respective countries. The Porsche 911 GT3 R from the 2010 and 2011 model years can be upgraded to the 2012-spec and an upgrade kit is available from Porsche Motorsport for 43,100 Euro.