Porsche 911 GT3 R Looks Ready to Crush 2019
Porsche has further refined their GT racer with improved efficiency, reduced running costs, and driver comfort in mind.
Evolution of the Species
Porsche recently released their ready-to-race 2019 911 GT3 R with numerous improvements over the outgoing model. For those unfamiliar with the GT3 R, it is a production racer that Porsche builds specifically for pro-am racing series that sees various manufacturers compete with homologation racecars that are closely competitive with one another through a balancing of power. Essentially, customers purchase a complete turn-key car and campaign them at various events with factory support from Porsche. If the spec sheet is any indication of the new car's potential, drivers and spectators alike are in for a real treat come the 2019 season.
No Turbos Here
Prior to the new 2019 car, the 911 GT3 R was last updated in 2015 to fall in line with the current 991-generation 911. Instead of a complete overhaul, Porsche has collected data and feedback from motorsports competition over the past several seasons to further refine the GT3 R. Despite the numerous changes, one steadfast component is the harmonious 550 horsepower 4.0L naturally-aspirated flat-six (which Porsche claims is nearly identical to the road-going GT3 RS engine) that remains out back behind the rear axle in true 911 fashion.
Sweet Suspension & Brawny Brakes
Perhaps some of the most notable improvements are in new suspension and brake components. The front end has been revamped with a new double wishbone suspension setup that can accommodate tires that are 1.2" larger in circumference. The brake system has an evolved ABS setup and now also utilizes 2 separate circuits which will allow drivers to adjust the brake bias front-to-rear on the fly. The 6-piston monobloc front calipers clamp down on larger 390mm floating steel rotors while the 4-piston rear calipers pinch 370mm discs. Enhanced cooling ducts also seek to prevent heat soak in the brake system.
The Driver's Office
The cockpit has undergone various changes to improve driver comfort and safety. Racers will finally benefit from air-conditioning that moves cool air directly into the driver's helmet and seat. Having the seat now hard mounted to the floor makes way for improved side-impact reinforcements in the driver door. The tire-pressure monitoring system, heated windshield, Bosch Collision Avoidance System, interior lighting, a larger escape hatch, and supplementary LED headlights show that Porsche is committed to making the car as safe a possible.
Curvaceuos Carbon Body
Various exterior enhancement has been made, although nearly every piece of the body is still of a carbon-fiber construction. The front fascia has ditched the auxiliary lights, added a set of dive planes, and altered the grille to give the car a bit more overbite. The front bonnet has done away with the large louvers in favor of one large extractor vent, and now also allows for fueling the car from either side. The mirrors are larger square units that offer more rear visibility. Side-intakes in the rear fenders have been added as well as a redesigned rear bumper cover with an aggressive six-blade diffuser.
Pre-Order Now
Porsche is already taking orders for the 2019 911 GT3 R, with the first units expected to be delivered by December 2018. Pricing in Europe is currently set at €495,000, which translates to $582,000 USD; however, PMNA suggests sales in the US will be market-driven, thus it is subject to change. In any case, Porsche preparer Alex Job Racing has already secured the first cars in North-America as they have placed orders on behalf of Weathertech Racing and Team Seattle. Look out for the new GT3 R to take GT3 racing series by storm in 2019!