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2008 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is entering the 2008 motorsport season with engine output increased to 420 bhp. The car will be raced in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup, the world’s fastest international brand trophy, and worldwide in national Porsche Carrera Cups and GT3 Cup Challenges. 265 units of this production-based racing car developed in Weissach will be built on Porsche’s production line in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, marking a new record for a car of this category.

The most significant modification compared with last year’s model is the new rear end following the design of the production model. Air venting slits ensure better dissipation of heat at the rear. The 3.6-litre six-cylinder boxer engine developed in Weissach is also based on the street-legal GT3 and develops maximum output of 420 bhp, 20 horsepower more than on the previous model. The sequential six-speed transmission with interruption of engine power enables the driver to shift up under full throttle without disengaging the clutch. The transmission itself has been optimised and the gear ratios adjusted to the characteristics of the engine. Weighing 1,150 kg in race trim, the new 911 GT3 Cup has a power-to-weight ratio of 2.7 kg per horsepower.

The 26 units of the 911 GT3 Cup built for the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup feature a special exhaust system with an even more striking sound pattern reminiscent of the Formula 1 racing scene as well as PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes as exclusive highlights. Compared with conventional brake discs, PCCB reduces unsprung masses by 20 kg and sets new standards in terms of responsiveness, resistance to fading, and a long service life. The racing cars entered worldwide in the Carrera Cup feature a modified exhaust system and steel brake discs.

Porsche’s Racing Department in Weissach is responsible for the fine-tuning and running in the 911 GT3 Cup cars. Deliveries will be directly from Weissach, depending on the country of destination and the schedules to be observed. While the cars for the Carrera Cup New Zealand have already been shipped, delivery of the racing cars for the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup and the Carrera Cup Germany is scheduled for early March 2008.

In Detail

submitted by Richard Owen
type Series Production Car
engine Boxer-6 w/Dry Sump Lubrication
fuel feed Multi-point, Sequential Injection
bore 76.4 mm / 3.0 in
stroke 99.98 mm / 3.9 in
power 313.2 kw / 420 bhp
bhp/weight 365.22 bhp per tonne
torque 420 nm / 309.8 ft lbs
redline 8400
body / frame Unit Steel w/CFP Body Panels, Rear Subframe
driven wheels RWD w/LSD
wheel type Three-piece BBS light-alloy
front tires 24/64-18
rear tires 27/68-18
front brakes PCCB Ceramic Composite Discs w/6-Piston Calipers
rear brakes PCCB Ceramic Composite Discs w/4-Piston Calipers
front wheels F 45.7 x 22.9 cm / 18 x 9 in
rear wheels R 45.7 x 27.9 cm / 18 x 11 in
f suspension McPherson Struts w/Sachs Gas-Pressure Dampers, Double Coil Springs, Adj Sword-type Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension Multi-Arm w/Sachs Gas-Pressure Dampers, Double Coil Springs, Adj Sword-type Anti-Roll Bar
curb weight 1150 kg / 2536 lbs
transmission 6-Speed Sequential
tran clutch 5.5-inch three-plate sintered metal