Drifting

I've been wondering about the most likely targets for weight loss with the 991.2 GT3 and I have a couple questions about the weight and structure of the current GT3.

As far as I understand things with the current 991 GT3, there isn't much on the GT3 that is constructed lighter than a 991.1 911 other than the GT3 doesn't have rear seats, doesn't have the power assembly for the rear spoiler, and has less sound insulation.

1-I believe just like the 991 911, the GT3 has rear quarter panels and A/B pillars made from steel but almost everything else covering the car is aluminum just like a regular 991 911, correct?
2- One small covering difference for the GT3, I think, is that the GT3 wing is constructed from carbon fiber, but I think the part that it connect to (the engine cover) is still made of aluminum on the GT3, right?
3-Is there any other weight that is removed in a 991 GT3 compared to a base 991 911?

Looking ahead to the 991.2 GT3/RS, where do you all think the further weight reductions will come from?

The RS has carbon fiber frunk cover, engine cover, and front fenders. Those three things seem to be easy and relatively inexpensive to produce in carbon fiber for further .2 GT3 weight reduction.
I don't think the GT3 will get a magnesium roof, too expensive and hard to manufacture for anything but the RS, but I did notice you can already order a 2016 GT3 with the same lightweight battery that is available for the RS.

Speaking of the RS, where else can they cut weight for the .2 RS?
How about carbon fiber for exterior of the doors, carbon fiber interior door pieces, and carbon fiber wheels? Any other weight reduction you realistically see happening in the .2 RS?

I assume the front and rear bumpers won't ever become carbon fiber because its too easy to break with a low impact collision and/or can't take the heat from the engine and front radiators?

Appreciate hearing the collective wisdom of the group--

ipse dixit

I believe our stereo is lighter than even the base system in the 991.1 911

fxz

I don t see any realistic weight saving from exterior

opposite i would replace back the mag roof with GT3 one
or a carbon one which is perfect to resist
i cant imaging the replacement cost of mag roof
after an ice rain

the way to really justify a 200k price of .any RS
is to get a real lightweight motorsport gearbox
around 50 60kg
and keep the rest as it is in 991.1 GT3 ( increased to 4.4L)

911_RS

Carbon fiber interior door panels, no carpet, lighter wheels like BBS RI-D weight, no side mufflers, lighter gearbox, Li ion battery will be standard… Should be around 80-90kg less! Plus 15-20hp more

bronson7

I believe on the .1 GT3, aluminum is used only on the doors and frunk lid. All fenders and roof are steel. The rear wing including the engine lid is not carbon fibre but a plastic type material.

Mike in CA

Actually, bronson, as Drifting mentioned in addition to the doors and frunk lid on the 991 GT3, the front fenders and roof are also aluminum. If you have a magnet, give it a try....

bronson7

Mike you are correct, I was busy doing office work at the time of posting and obviously my mind is not good enough to think about two things at once. Thanks for correcting me.

Drifting

interesting about the radio. I hadn't heard that. I'm wondering how much weight the .2 GT3 could realistically lose? Anybody know how much weight you save with a carbon fiber frunk cover, engine cover and front fenders? 20kilos?

Anyone know the answer whether it is realistic to ever expect carbon fiber front and rear bumpers or would those be too susceptible to even low speed collisions and engine/radiator heat damage?

Seems like the only way to really lower the weight would be to manufacture a carbon fiber tub like Mclaren, but I don't know if Porsche will ever go for that, it would cut into their precious profit margins.

Mike in CA

True. Base audio on the normal 991 is an 8 speaker 150 watt unit while base in the GT3 is 4 speakers and 50 watts, so it is a lighter system. Of course if you have NAV in your 991 GT3 then you have the sound plus option too which means 9 speakers and a 235 watt amp so.....

sccchiii

I think CF hood is approximately 1/2 the weight of aluminum unit.

CF would not save much if any weight for front and rear bumper "covers" (if that's what you meant)...they are already made of lightweight urethane. The actually bolt on impact assembly I don't think would hold up in either crash test or 5 mph test well if made in CF.

Nick Yoskin

Lets look @ GT350R....carbon fiber rims. Now that would be cool if next gen. GT3/RS had as an option!

Drifting

thanks mike, that makes perfect sense, and why you have to accept sound package plus if you get PCM, which I did, as it was a nonbrainer option to have nav and PCM in my car. So for the majority of us who took that option, the only weight reductions in the 991 GT3 compared to a regular 991 911 seem to be 1-rear seats gone, 2- plastic rear wing in place of the heavier mechanical assembly to raise the spoiler, and 3- reduced sound insulation.

Thanks for everyone thoughts on the bumpers, I was thinking that CF didn't make sense there.

I really hope the .2 GT3 does get a carbon fiber frunk cover, front fenders, and engine cover, and titanium exhaust. Those seem like easy ways to reduce weight, and they already did it on the last RS, so it's now the turn for the next gen GT3.

Regarding CF wheels, it's time that Porsche does this. Hell they are available for the GTR and a freaking Ford Mustang, Porsche can't be left behind and not offer this option on their GT cars.

I could see CF wheels happening on the .2 RS (only), and then CF wheels being offered for all GT cars, GT4, GT3, RS with the 992 generation.

MileHigh911

Yes it would. I called CR 6 months ago. They were ramping up production for Ford, and mentioned that they will be able to offer many OEM choices in the future.

ipse dixit

If I recall correctly (and I may not), When Matt Moreman (aka MattMoney) did his DIY stereo upgrade and install, he noted how light the OEM amp was in the GT3.

Just food for thought.

Drifting

Reviving my old thread-

I'm curious about carbon fiber rims and a track car. Can any of you engineers, architects, and gearheads comment on the feasability and durability of carbon fiber wheels on a GT3/RS? Seems like a great way to reduce unsprung weight, as long as it will hold up on the track.

Does Ford know something that Porsche engineers don't, or does Ford just assume that GT350Rs won't see repeated, frequent track visits like GT3s do?