STUTTGART: Porsche is expanding its customer motorsport portfolio with the new 911 GT4 R.
For the first time, a car designed for global GT4 racing is based on the 911 platform.
The race car is powered by a 4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine delivering up to 520PS (382kW).
It is scheduled to make its racing debut in the 2027 motorsport season.
In North America, the new Porsche 911 GT4 R will race in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and SRO Pirelli GT4 America championships in open racing, among others.
The new 911 GT4 R builds on the technical foundation of the current 911 Cup, which is based on the road-legal Type 992.2 911 GT3.
Compared with the previous Clubsport models based on the 718 Cayman, it offers a more powerful engine, wider front and rear track widths and further-developed motorsport electronics.
These factors are designed to improve lap times, drivability and stability in racing conditions in particular.
“With the new race car based on the Porsche 911 GT3, we are taking our successful GT4 program to a new level. The combination of iconic 911 DNA and the tried-and-tested GT4 concept creates a unique offering in the market,” says Porsche Motorsport vice president Thomas Laudenbach.
“Our decision to bring the 911 platform into the GT4 category underlines the growing importance of this class in international motorsport. GT4 has evolved from an entry-level segment into a highly competitive, globally relevant racing platform.”
The high-revving 4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine is based on the unit used in the 911 GT3.
Maximum torque is up to 346 lb-ft (469Nm).
As is standard under GT4 regulations, these performance figures vary depending on the Balance of Performance (BoP) classification.
For example, the 911 GT4 R is delivered from the factory with air flow restrictors (53.7mm), which reduce power to 430PS (316kW).
Power is transmitted via a sequential six-speed dog-gearbox controlled with paddle shifters and a four-disc racing clutch.
Due to GT4 class requirements, the new 911 GT4 R chassis differs from the 911 Cup: the wheels are one inch narrower than those of the 911 Cup and use a five-bolt mounting pattern rather than the centre locking design on the one-make racer it is closely related to.
Dual-adjustable dampers and three selectable spring rates offer a range of set-up options.
The 911 GT4 R adopts key body structures from the 911 Cup and makes targeted use of its aerodynamic optimisation.
The rear wing is manually adjustable to 11 positions. The car uses natural-fiber-reinforced plastic in combination with epoxy resin extensively.
Components including the doors, engine cover and aerodynamic parts, as well as parts of the cockpit, are made from this material.
Inside the cockpit, the driver receives all relevant information via a 10.3-inch colour display.
An integrated data logger and a precise GPS system support analysis and performance optimisation during racing.
Additional ballast components allow the car to be adapted to the respective weight classification specified by the BoP.
