STUTTGART: The 911 Cup is the official name for the new racing car based on the 911 for Porsche’s one-make cups and series.
With this, the Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer is streamlining and standardising the naming of its customer racing vehicles.
From now on, only cars intended for open-brand racing series or specific segments will carry the ‘GT’ suffix combined with a number in their designation, as is the case with the new evolution of the 911 GT3 R, which also makes its debut.
The 911 Cup is largely derived from the road-approved 911 GT models and is produced alongside the series-production cars at Porsche’s main plant in Zuffenhausen.
“Like its successful predecessors, the new 911 Cup pushes boundaries. It combines series components from our GT sports cars with pure racing technology to create a coherent and performance-based overall concept,” emphasises Porsche Motorsport vice president Thomas Laudenbach.
“Driving the 911 Cup has always been regarded as a challenge. And we want to keep it that way because it also serves as the training platform for our Porsche Juniors. The success of this concept is evident in its countless race and championship victories.”
The 911 Cup already sets itself apart visually from its predecessor, most notably with a front end that now reflects the design of the 992.2-generation 911 GT3.
The front spoiler lip is now made up of three separate parts, allowing only the damaged sections to be replaced after contact, which also helps lower packaging and shipping costs for spare parts.
The removal of the daytime running lights serves a similar purpose: in the event of a collision, they can no longer damage the radiators behind them, nor do they require replacement afterwards.
The fenders feature integrated louvre vents, which aid airflow through the wheel arches and enhance aerodynamic downforce on the front axle.
The water-cooled, high-revving six-cylinder engine continues to rely on natural aspiration.
The visceral-sounding 4.0-litre boxer engine remains based on the unit used in the Porsche 911 GT3.
In its latest racing version, now delivering 382 kW (520 PS), it incorporates additional components from the series production engine, including flow-optimised individual throttle valves and camshafts with extended valve opening times.
This design eliminates the need for a centrally positioned throttle valve, which in turn allows for the installation of an air restrictor – a requirement for competing in other motor racing championships.
Despite the ten PS increase, the engine’s service life remains unchanged: it only requires an overhaul after 100 hours of track time.
A more robust four-disc sintered metal racing clutch now handles power transmission to the sequential six-speed dog gearbox.
This upgrade allows the engine speed, previously limited to 6,500 rpm during a standing start, to be increased, further enhancing the acoustic theatrics at the beginning of a race.
An automatic engine restart function has also been introduced.
This activates as soon as the driver depresses the clutch pedal after an accidental stall.
Adjusted steering stops enable the electronically assisted power steering to achieve a tighter turning radius, making manoeuvring through narrow city streets easier.
The increased steering lock also allows drivers to counteract oversteer in the 911 more effectively.
On the subject of steering, the redesigned, now higher-quality multifunction steering wheel combines a more attractive design with practical advantages.
For example, central rotary controls are used to adjust ABS intervention and traction control.
In developing the 911 Cup, Porsche Motorsport once again partnered with Michelin to create a new generation of tyres for the one-make cup car.
