Porsche 911 GT3 and GT3 Cup 2013

The Porsche 911 celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2013. Porsche is marking this anniversary year by starting a new chapter in the area of high performance sports cars for circuit tracks. Following the total production of 14,145 GT3 cars since 1999, the fifth generation of the 911 GT3, an all-round redevelopment, is set to take on the pole position among the thoroughbred Porsche sports cars with naturally aspirated engines. Both engine and transmission, as well as body and chassis are entirely new, and extend the 911 GT3 concept with an impressive performance leap. This is due to the new active rear-wheel steering, as well as other features.

This ensures that all successful characteristics of this racing-capable sports car are preserved, with even more dynamics, more sophisticated day-to-day suitability - and a highly emotional fun factor.
911 GT3 3.8-litre flat engine with 475 hp (350 kW); Porsche seven-speed Doppelkupplung (PDK); rear wheel drive; acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds; top speed 315 km/h (196 mph)

The powertrain of the new 911 GT3 is composed of a 3.8-litre flat engine that yields 475 hp (350 kW) at 8.250 rpm, a Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), and the high-traction rear-wheel drive. The six-cylinder engine is based on the 911 Carrera S engine, but shares only few common parts. All other components, particularly the crankshaft and valve train, were specially adapted or developed for the GT3. For example, Porsche is once again using titanium connecting rods and forged pistons. These basic modifications set the stage for an extreme high-revolution engine capable of reaching up to 9,000 rpm. The dual-clutch gearbox is another feature specially developed for the GT3, with characteristics inspired by the sequential gearboxes used in motor racing, thus granting the driver further benefits when it comes to performance and dynamics.

The new 911 GT3 is designed for further gains in precision and lateral dynamics throughout. Additionally, Porsche is using active rear-wheel steering for the first time. Depending on the speed, the system steers in the opposite or the same direction as the front wheels, thereby improving agility and stability. Among the other new driving dynamics features are the electronically controlled, fully variable rear differential lock, and the dynamic engine mounts. The height, toe and camber of the newly developed all-aluminium chassis is still adjustable. The new, 20-inch forged alloy wheels with central locking are used for optimal road contact.

Traditionally, the 911 GT3 comes as a two-seater based on the lightweight body of the current-generation 911 Carrera. However, the front and rear part are always model-specific. In addition, the 911 GT3 is 44 millimetres wider than a 911 Carrera S at the rear axle. Another clear identifying feature is the large, fixed rear wing. This makes a decisive contribution to the exemplary aerodynamics of the new 911 GT3, which combines low air resistance with a further increase in negative lift.

As a result, the new 911 GT3 once again sets fresh record performance values. At full acceleration from a standstill, the 100 km/h (62 mph) mark is passed after just 3.5 seconds, and 200 km/h (124 mph) in less than twelve seconds. The top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph) is reached in the seventh and thus the top gear of the PDK transmission. The lap time on the Nrburgring Nordschleife is even more impressive: the new 911 GT3 cracked this track, commonly regarded as the most difficult in the world, in less than 7:30 minutes. Around 80 percent of all 911 GT3 are also driven on race tracks.

Porsche GT3 Cup 2013

The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is the motorsport version of the new 911 GT3 (Type 991) and as such is the first race vehicle based on the seventh generation of the sports car icon from Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. For the 2013 season, the near standard race car will run exclusively in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. All rounds of this race series are held as support to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. In the following years, Porsche customers will field the 911 GT3 Cup worldwide in endurance racing, Grand Touring championships and in the national Carrera Cups.

The race version of the new Porsche 911 GT3 was not only designed in conjunction with the road legal car at the motorsport centre in Weissach but both are produced on the same production line at the Porsche factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. At the Motorsport Centre in Weissach, the race car gets a basic set-up for the circuits and is taken through its paces by a professional race driver.
The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is the world s best-selling race car. Since 1998 Porsche has produced more than 2,400 units of the near-standard race car based on the then current 911 for customer sport.

High downforce, enormous stiffness and outstanding fuel efficiency are the features of the bodywork and aerodynamics of new 911 GT3 Cup. The body of the race car is based on the new 911 GT3. Thanks to its smart aluminium-steel composite construction it combines highest rigidity with low weight. The latest racer for the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup weighs in at just 1,175 kilograms (2590 lb.).
During the design of the new race car, driver safety had a high priority. A newly calculated and constructed safety cage increases the stiffness of the body considerably and absorbs substantial amounts of energy in the event of a crash. The newly designed and positioned side impact bar of the roll cage in the door rounds out the protective effect of the cage and facilitates the recovery of the driver in case of an emergency. A rescue hatch in the roof provides easy access for primary medical attention and for the extrication of the driver.

The new, high quality designed cockpit assists the driver in the quick and intuitive orientation in the race car. All important elements for driving are located on the steering wheel. All other controls are found on the centre console tilted towards the pilot.
Like the Electrical System Control  the central display is redesigned and sets the benchmark both visually and for content. The efficient information tool provides the driver with an easy to read colour display with all relevant readings of the vehicle and indicates possible problems which affect the safety and durability of the car. The internal data memory of the system has a capacity of 32 MB and can be increased to 128 megabytes.

From a displacement of 3.8 litres, the six-cylinder aluminium boxer engine generates 460 hp (338 KW) at 7,500 revs per minute, making it ten horsepower stronger than its predecessor. With titanium rods, forged pistons, and tappets designed for high-revs, the normally-aspirated engine is characterised by instantaneous throttle response. Maximum engine speed is reached at 8,500 rpm. Thanks to the dry sump lubrication, reliable oil supply is guaranteed even under racing conditions. With a BOSCH MS 4.6 ECU, the 911 GT3 Cup now features a drive-by-wire system for the first time which together with the newly-developed electrical system architecture offers significant advantages. The redesigned air intake improves accessibility to the engine. In the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup a weight-optimised, modular racing exhaust system is used.

For the first time, drivers can activate the six-speed constant mesh gearbox in the 911 GT3 Cup using paddle shifts on the steering wheel. Experience gained from the successful RS Spyder sports prototype as well as the 911 GT3 RSR  the previous top model of the race car based on the 911 - has been utilised in the development of the new gearbox for the 911 GT3 Cup. The advantages of changing gears via a paddle shift are considerable: It is almost impossible to miss a gear and the gear shifts are performed with a very high speed and are gentle on the gearbox. And last but not least, drivers hands stay where they are supposed to be at high speed: on the wheel.
The very light and compact Porsche racing gearbox includes a mechanical limited slip differential. A triple-disc sintered metal race clutch and single-mass flywheel complete the racing-spec transmission of the 911 GT3 Cup.

With significant contributions from Porsche works driver and Le Mans winner Timo Bernhard, Porsche Motorsport designed the race suspension of the 911 GT3 Cup with the goal of providing even higher precision and easier handling at the limit.
The McPherson front axle and the rigidly mounted multilink rear axle are adjustable in height, wheel camber and track. Compared to its predecessor, the wheelbase grew by 100 millimetres and contributes substantially to excellent driving stability.
The 911 GT3 Cup features very precise power-steering with electro-hydraulic pressure feed.
Porsche Motorsport designed forged single-piece race rims with central locking. The new rims are considerably stiffer than the previously used three-piece wheels and, at the identical weight, provide 30 percent higher camber stiffness. With the wider wheels, the width of the tyres at the front axle increased by 30 mm to now measure 270 mm and at the rear axle by 10 mm to now measure 310 mm. The diameter of the rims at the rear grew by 30 mm to 710 mm.
The newly-developed dual circuit racing brake system ensures even better performances over long distances compared to its successful predecessor and the internally vented and slotted steel brake discs with a 380 millimetre diameter all round work together with forged aluminium six-piston racing callipers in the front, and four-piston units at the rear. Newly-designed ventilation with a 25 percent greater air flow keeps the operating temperatures for the brakes and drive shafts in a healthy range. The driver can adjust the brake balance between front and rear axle from the cockpit.

The delivery of the new 911 GT3 Cup to the registered teams in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup takes place end March. In preparation for their racing campaign, Porsche runs a workshop for the engineers and mechanics of its customer teams from 11 to 15 March. With the official season tests at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona (8/9 March) as well as at Monza (25/26 April), Porsche rounds out the preparation of the teams for the first season with the new race car.
During the year, the Porsche Race Service is on hand with experts and parts at all race tracks where the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup is contested.

Wallpapers : Porsche 911 GT3 and GT3 Cup 2013 (click on image to enlarge)

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