Car of the Day - Porsche 911 GT3 R

Car of the Day - Porsche 911 GT3 R

Porsche have launched its latest contender for the GT3 title with the 2010 911 GT3 R. The development at Porsche never stops and which is just as well because the GT3 series is going to be filled this coming year with some extremely competitive cars including factory and privately developed Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Audi R8 LM, BMW Z4 and Alpina B6.

The lightweight GT3 R replaces the GT3 Cup and features a 4.0-liter flat-six pumping 480 horsepower (353 kW) to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential dog gearbox. Development focused on better durability and easier handling.

Weighing in at just 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) the same as the superceded model the R gets and additional 200cc to round it up to 4 litres. This gives an additional 30 bhp over the Cup model. Anti-lock brake system (ABS), traction control and an e-gas system with “throttle-blip” function make it a much easier car to drive at race speeds.

A wider track front and rear means new flared wheel arches that add a seriously purposeful look.

Rod Halligan