• 01 Mar 2009 /  911, GT3, Motorsports, Porsche

     

     

    To be seen at the Geneva auto show

    To be seen at the Geneva auto show

     

     

    The annual Geneva auto show will bring a variety of new cars. For example, Bentley will showcase its new “Extreme” biofuel-powered car. Porsche will also be there, as usual, and you can count on the launch of the latest GT3. It’s a naturally aspirated car with 3.8 litre displacement that reaches 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. Pretty quick. In fact performance is the name of the game with this car, and nearly everything sees minor upgrades from the previous GT3.

     

    ATLANTA — January 29, 2009 — Porsche will launch the fastest, most powerful 

    911 GT3 to-date at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3, 2009. The high 

    performance GT3 is the latest in the new generation 911 series and carries over 

    a wide range of expertise learned from motorsports – resulting in superb 

    capabilities both on road and on track. 

    New Engine 

    The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 raises the performance bar thanks to an increase in 

    engine size to 3.8 liters and VarioCam technology now on both the intake and 

    exhaust. The naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine develops 435 bhp, 20 

    bhp more than its predecessor. 

    The new, larger engine offers a significant increase in torque at medium engine 

    speeds, which is particularly important for everyday driving. Track performance is 

    also improved; the new GT3 accelerates to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and reaches 

    a top track speed of 194 mph. 

    Improved Suspension 

    Driving dynamics have also been enhanced, and the new GT3 offers even better 

    grip and stability. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) has enabled 

    Porsche’s engineers to make the springs and anti-roll bars stiffer, thus ensuring 

    even more precise handling in sport mode, while retaining a level of comfort 

    suitable for everyday use in normal mode. For the first time, the 911 GT3 comes 

    standard with Porsche Stability Management (PSM), with suspension mapping 

    mirroring that of the GT2. The driver can disengage both stability control and 

    traction control in separate steps. 

    Refined Aerodynamics 

    At high speeds, aerodynamic improvements have increased downforce at both 

    the front and rear, more than doubling the effect of the previous GT3. At the 

    same time, the new aerodynamics package, with larger vents in the front and 

    rear bumpers gives the GT3 a brand-new look, accentuated by standard bi- 

    xenon headlights, LED rear light clusters and modified air intakes and outlets. 

    Innovative Engine Mounts 

    The new GT3 will be available with new and highly innovative dynamic engine 

    mounts. Utilizing magnetic fluid, these inventive mounts automatically stiffen to 

    create a more solid coupling between the engine and chassis when the car is 

    driven energetically. This provides a sporting, rigid assembly on fast bends and 

    winding racetracks yet allows for engine isolation and increased comfort while 

    driving in everyday traffic. Traction is also improved when accelerating from a 

    standstill. 

    Upgraded Brakes 

    With driving dynamics and performance at an even higher level, the brake 

    system, following a long Porsche tradition, has also been enhanced accordingly. 

    Brake discs are larger and feature an aluminum hub to reduce weight. Increased 

    brake ventilation ensures a high level of brake power over long periods, and the 

    GT3 can also be equipped with PCCB ceramic brakes, developed specifically for 

    this model. 

    Creative Front End Lift 

    A new lift system for the front axle is also available. By utilizing an on-board air 

    compressor, the front of the car can be raised for steep driveways or inclines. 

    The touch of a button raises the front ride height by 30 mm, or 1.18 inches and 

    at speeds up to approximately 30 mph. New, lighter GT3 specific center lock 

    wheels and ultra-high performance tires round out the functional and visual 

    enhancement of the GT3. 

    The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 will be available in the fall of 2009, MSRP US$112,200 

     

    Source: Porsche Cars North America.

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  • 27 Jan 2009 /  911, Motorsports, RSR

    Porsche has posted the following about the new Porsche 911 RSR:

    The successful Porsche 911 GT3 RSR takes off into the new model year with extensive modifications. The most powerful race car based on the Porsche 911, which last season secured wins in the American Le Mans Series and at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, competes in the GT2 class at international long distance races. The most distinguishing feature of the new GT3 RSR is the redesigned front with large air outlets on the front hood. Under the light-weight bodyshell, as well, major changes were made to the quickest 911.
    Noticeable at first sight are the air outlet slots, or the so-called louvers, on the front hood: an indication of the completely redesigned air ducting of the radiators, which became necessary through the new design of supply and discharge air with the installation of an optional air-conditioning unit. The aerodynamics under the rear underwent further optimisation. The rear wing now features a wider adjustment range. The weight-optimised brake system and the lighter wiring harness contribute to further improved handling, compared to the predecessor model.

    The capacity of the well-known six-cylinder boxer engine increased from 3.8 to 4.0-litres. After another reduction in the size of the air restrictors for the 2009 season, the engine now delivers around 450 hp (331 kW) at 7,800 revs per minute and develops a maximum torque of 430 Nm at 7,250 rpm. The rev limiter of the efficient six-cylinder unit kicks in at 9,000 rpm. Compared to the forerunner, the rev level for a given power output was significantly lowered. Thanks to this, the engine features an optimised torque curve and offers better driveability.
    In the cockpit, a new multi-function display located above the dashboard indicates the opti-mum moment to change gears. Another new feature is the programmable multi-function, onboard supply system control device, giving teams the choice of many individual functions. One of these is the infinitely adjustable blinking frequency of the lights in the front apron, which helps to immediately recognise race cars when they enter the pits in the dark. For eas-ier servicing under race conditions, other modifications were made. The GT3 RSR now fea-tures a new air-jack system with overpressure valve. The oil refill with fast filling function has now moved to the rear lid, giving mechanics better access.

    Aside from GT3 Cup and the GT3 Cup S, the GT3 RSR is the third race car based on the Porsche 911 offered by Porsche Motorsport. About 20 of the successful long distance racers have been built in Weissach and are now being delivered to customer teams around the world. The GT3 RSR costs 380,000 Euro plus VAT specific to each country.

    Technical Description Porsche GT3 RSR (2009)

    Engine:
    Water-cooled, six-cylinder boxer engine; four valves
    per cylinder; dry sump lubrication; individual throttle
    butterflies; fuel injection; air restrictors 2 x 29.5 mm.

    Bore:
    102.7 mm

    Stroke:
    80.4 mm

    Capacity:
    3,996 cc

    Power output:
    331 kW (450 bhp) at 7,800 rpm

    Max. Torque:
    430 Nm at 7,250 rpm

    Max. revs:
    9,400 rpm

    Transmission:
    Six-speed gearbox with sequential jaw-type shift;
    oil/water heat exchanger; single-mass flywheel;
    hydraulic disengagement lever; three-plate carbon-fibre
    clutch; rear wheel drive; limited-slip differential 45/65%.

    Body:
    Monocoque body (basis GT3 RS) of hot-galvanised steel;
    aerodynamically optimised front end with front spoiler;
    aerodynamically optimised front underfloor; adjustable
    rear wing; 90-litre safety fuel tank with fast filling function;
    air jack; welded-in safety cage; bucket-type racing seat
    (on driver’s side only) with flame-resistant seat cover;
    six-point seat belt adapted for use of the HANS
    Head and Neck Support; electric fire-extinguishing system.

    Suspension:

    Front:
    McPherson spring strut axle; Sachs four-way gas
    pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and ancillary
    spring); front axle arms adjustable for camber; adjustable
    sword-type anti-roll bar on both sides; power steering.

    Rear:
    Multi-arm axle with rigidly mounted axle sub-frame;
    Sachs four-way gas pressure dampers; double coil springs
    (main and auxiliary spring); rear axle tie-bar reinforced
    and infinitely adjustable; adjustable sword-type anti-roll
    bar on both sides.

    Complete suspension infinitely adjustable (height,
    camber, track).

    Brakes:
    Brake system with balance bar control.

    Front:
    Single-piece six-piston aluminium fixed callipers;
    inner-vented, 380 mm in diameter; racing brake pads.

    Rear: Single-piece four-piston aluminium fixed callipers;
    inner-vented, 355 mm in diameter; racing brake pads.

    Wheels:

    Front:
    Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (11J x 18-34);
    central bolt;

    Rear:
    Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (13J x 18-12.5);
    central bolt.

    Electrical System:
    Motec display with integrated data recording; multi-function
    display with integrated gearshift indicator; adjustable
    traction control; battery: 12 volt, 50 Ah, 140 Ah alternator.

    Weight:
    Approx. 1,220 kg complying with A.C.O. regulations,
    1,245 kg complying with FIA regulations.