If they're going to use the 9A1 in the GT3 and the Mezger in the RS, then they should put a Flat-8 version of the 9A1 in the GT3. Cheaper to build than Mezger with much more appeal than Flat-6 9A1 (and it will mate to PDK).

If this happens, likely won't be until facelift.

 

The FIA homologation for the 997 CUP expires in 2019..


http://www.fia.com/sites/default/fil...09.10.2012.pdf

http://www.fia.com/sites/default/fil...06.2012%29.pdf

http://www.fia.com/sites/default/fil...16.03.2012.pdf

 

They are making Two different 991 GT3 versions...
One for track use with the good ole GT1 motor and a manual gearbox
The other will be a C&C version with the DFI motor, PDK & leather wrapped vents.
My hunch is that #2 will outsell #1 given the current trend of P.showroom visitors

 

That's obviously an option.

If it's the case that the GT3 does not homologate the racing car, but -rather - that only the RS does, then there are several interesting implications.

The GT3 could be faster than the RS, as the 9A1 is a lighter engine. The RS could be much, much more expensive than the GT3 since it will be lower volume than the 997 versions (and not have the regular GT3 over which to amortize the costs). How many people will pay a huge premium for 997 GT3 running gear in a 991 body with a big wing and some decals? Would they deliberately keep it slower than the 4.0? Would they just use the 4.0 again? They can't go larger...

 

There is a Porsche move that will surprise me:

a) Release the 991 GT3 with 9A1 and both trannies: 7-speed manual and PDK
b) Release the 991 GT3 RS with Mezger and 6-speed manual

If they do (b), resale on 4.0RS gets adjusted, and mark-up on 991 GT3 RS is going to be awesome for U.S. car dealers.

 

They can call the second one the "GT3" then; the RS version should just be called the Porsche 911 RS, as the GT3 badge is apparently worthless.

 

Drop GT3 name all together. The new car will be a GTS, to mirror the rest of Porsche's model lineup of "sportiest" variants.

 

I was always in the "Mezger or bust" camp. The GT3s I've driven were phenomenal in the powerplant department. However, after thinking more about gravimetric power density, I am starting to embrace the "new" engine.

Why do we still want the old Mezger when:

1. The 9A1 will make the same power and weigh less. (Isn't it 50+ pounds less?)

2. It will be cheaper to rebuild/replace.

3. No dry sump, but aren't people already racing Carrera S's with the sophisticated integrated dry (wet) sump?

To me adding navigation to a GT3 is more of a departure than moving ahead with engine technology. GT3 = basic 911 with low weight and track day oriented suspension, aero, brakes, transmission, and engine.

 

they could make the 9A1 engine dry sumped, couldn't they?

 

Longevity, robustness, race winning provenance. If the 9A1 engine can win its class at Le Mans (I'm not even asking for an outright victory like the GT1 provided in 1998), then why are they NOT putting that engine in their racing cars?

 

I just hope they figure out how to get better gas mileage out of the Metzger, because currently in race trim, both the R8 LMS and 458 GT3 spec with their DFI are much better on fuel consumption. That's a problem when your race car is built for endurance racing. Weissach knows this, and I'm sure they will address it, as it's one of the current car's biggest weaknesses.

 

Yes, there are aftermarket products to convert all sorts of lesser motors to dry-sump, so I'm sure it can be done.

 

An article in the October Panorama spoke to precisely your point, which is why, among other reasons, the author said that the Porsche teams were anxious for the new 991 chassis with DI engine. Continuing to use the Mezger, either for the street or as a factory racing powerplant anytime beyond, at best, the immediate future, seems unlikely to me, despite Harris' tweet......

 

Yes, it makes sense that they would start to use the DFI motor in racing for several reasons. However, the new info could be credible if the 9A1 was suffering from reliability issues under racing conditions.

 

What I've heard....
Nov US intro tho people on Rennteam say March
Who really knows

Price $137,00
450+ hp
Rear wheel steering as well
Close to a cup car