Porsche Unveils New 911 GT3 R 480HP Racer

Building on the 911 GT3 Cup, Porsche has developed yet another racing car for the 2010 motorsport season. The new 911 GT3 R is based on the international FIA GT3 regulations and its designed to replace the 911 GT3 Cup S. The 'R' model is powered by a larger-displacement four-liter six-cylinder boxer engine that delivers an output of 480-horsepower driving the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox.

Weighing in at just 1,200 kg or 2,646 lb, Porsche's new racer makes use of the extra-wide body of the 911 GT3 RS street-legal sports car.

The German firm says that it has equipped the car with an anti-lock brake system (ABS), traction control and an electronic throttle with 'blip' function on gearbox down-changes in order to make the new GT3 racer easier for drivers to get used to than its predecessor.

According to Porsche, the new model is more appropriate for the ambitious amateur racing driver rather than purely experienced professionals.

The 911 GT3 R will make its world debut on 14 January 2010 at the Birmingham Motor Show with first cars to be delivered to Customer Teams from spring 2010. The base price of the 911 GT3 R is €279,000 (US$ 415,000) plus local sales tax/VAT.