Skip advert
Advertisement

Porsche 911 GT3 R race car unveiled

Lighter, faster and more efficient Porsche 911 GT3 R revealed at the Nurburgring

A lighter, faster and more economical Porsche 911 race car has been revealed at the Nurburgring, ahead of the gruelling 24-hour race this weekend.

Based on the new 911 GT3 RS, the track-ready 911 GT3 R has been created with a focus on lightweight design, aerodynamic efficiency and improved handling. Porsche says it has further optimised safety, as well as lowering the GT3 R’s service and repair costs.

Featuring the distinctive double-bubble roof, the R has a wheelbase extended by 83mm over its predecessor. The result is a more even weight distribution and more predictable handling.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Fastest cars around the Nurburgring 

The GT3 R uses an adapted version of the GT3 RS’s rear-mounted 4.0-litre flat-six to develop more than 500bhp. Porsche says the omission of a turbocharger offers “significantly better drivability and a broader useable rev range.”

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a sequential six-speed constant-mesh gearbox, controlled via a pair of steering wheel mounted paddles. All cars also get a mechanical limited slip differential.

In terms of aerodynamics, the GT3 R gets a huge, two-metre rear wing and distinctive wheel arch air vents. Engineers have repositioned the radiator for a better centre of gravity, while also improving cooling via louvres in the front.

The brakes have been overhauled, too, with six-piston aluminium monobloc callipers and 380mm ventilated discs at the front. At the rear, all cars get four-piston calliprers with slightly smaller 372mm discs.

But the changes don’t stop there. The GT3 R is safer than the car it replaces, thanks to a reinforced safety cell, fuel cut-off valve and more protective seats. The escape hatch in the roof has been made larger too, while both the doors and side windows can be removed in the event of an accident.

The GT3 R is available to order now, priced at €429,000 (around £310,000). First deliveries are expected from December 2015.

Read the latest Porsche car reviews...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Porsche 911 Carrera 2024 review: engaging and fast even without hybrid help
Porsche 911 Carrera - front

New Porsche 911 Carrera 2024 review: engaging and fast even without hybrid help

The Porsche 911 Carrera is the base model in the line-up, but it's still a sensational sports car
Road tests
20 Nov 2024

Most Popular

New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition
Fiat Grande Panda La Prima - front cornering

New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition

The newly crowned Auto Express Supermini of the Year is available in hybrid or pure-electric form, with the EV offering 199 miles of range
News
1 Sep 2025
Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval
Skoda Elroq - front cornering

Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval

Despite some models costing over the £37,000 threshold, Skoda has secured the government grant on its mid-size electric SUVs
News
2 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Enjoy Scandinavian style with the Volvo XC40 for just £296 a month
Volvo XC40 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Enjoy Scandinavian style with the Volvo XC40 for just £296 a month

Swedish company’s popular compact SUV is still effortlessly cool, and great value with our Deal of the Day for 31 August
News
31 Aug 2025