Porsche launches 2010 911 GT3 R with 480bhp for GT racing
The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R debuts with a 4.0-litre flat-six, 480bhp, and a focus on driveability for both professionals and ambitious amateurs in international GT racing.
Porsche has revealed the 2010 911 GT3 R, a purpose-built customer race car developed for international GT competition. The new model, unveiled in early 2010, is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six producing 480bhp and is priced at €279,000 before tax.
The 911 GT3 R replaces the previous Cup S model in Porsche's customer racing line-up. It is designed to be more accessible to less experienced drivers, as well as professionals, thanks to a suite of electronic driver aids. The car features anti-lock braking, traction control and an electronic throttle with an automatic blip function on downshifts. Porsche's aim was to make the GT3 R easier to drive and more forgiving for amateur racers entering GT3 competition.
Technical changes from the Cup S
The new 4.0-litre engine marks an increase in displacement and output over the Cup S, which ran a smaller engine. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a sequential gearbox. Porsche lists a kerb weight of 1,200kg, giving the GT3 R a strong power-to-weight ratio for the class.
Aerodynamic improvements include a fully covered underbody, a rear diffuser and increased adjustment range for the rear wing compared to the outgoing model. These changes are aimed at maximising downforce and stability at speed, which is essential for endurance racing and sprint events alike.
Suspension is upgraded to height-adjustable MacPherson struts at the front, with variable SACHS two-way dampers and double coil springs. At the rear, the car uses a rigidly mounted subframe with a height-adjustable multi-arm axle, again with adjustable SACHS dampers and double coil springs. These components allow teams to fine-tune the car for different circuits and conditions.
Focus on driveability for customer teams
Porsche has made driveability the core of the GT3 R's development. The combination of electronic aids and chassis improvements is intended to reduce the learning curve for amateur drivers, making the car suitable for a wider range of competitors in FIA GT3 series and similar championships. This approach follows feedback from customer teams seeking a car that is competitive yet approachable for drivers stepping up to international GT racing.
Price and availability
The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R is available to customer teams at a list price of €279,000 before local taxes. This positions it as a direct competitor to other GT3-class customer race cars from rival manufacturers. Deliveries began in early 2010, with the car eligible for a range of international and national GT championships.
