24 Hours of Le Mans

Porsche introduces its 2008 GT2 weapon

© Porsche Motorsport

The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR launches into the new model year with extensive modifications, with its North American debut scheduled next month at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring – round one of the 2008 American Le Mans Series.

The most powerful race car based on the Porsche 911, which last year scored wins at the 24 hour races of Le Mans and Spa, the GT2 class win at Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, and an overall victory at the Nuerburgring 24 hours, competes in the GT2 class at international long distance races. The most distinguishing visual feature of the new GT3 RSR is the front end which received major improvements to the aerodynamics. The majority of innovations, however, are hidden under the weight-optimized body.

The first American team to announce that it will compete with the 2008 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR is the Sonoma, Calif.-based Flying Lizard Motorsports squad, which will enter the GT2 class of the American Le Mans Series with three of the new 911 race cars. Porsche factory drivers Joerg Bergmeister, Wolf Henzler and Patrick Pilet will join veteran Darren Law and Lizard owners Seth Neiman, Lonnie Pechnik and Johannes van Overbeek in the team’s effort to win its first ALMS GT2 championship.

Other American Le Mans Series Porsche 911 GT3 RSR entrants plan to announce their plans and driver teams shortly.

© Porsche Motorsport

Aside from the additional spoilers on the front apron, new flicks, optimized air ducting with newly-designed side air outlets, generate more downforce and reduces drag. The rear end including the rear wing was taken from last year’s race car. Extensive changes to the suspension dynamics increase mechanical grip considerably. The range of possible suspension set-ups have been increased.

The 3.8-liter boxer engine of the GT3 RSR remains unchanged apart from slight improvements to details. It delivers 465 hp (342 kW) at 8,000 revs per minute and delivers a maximum torque of 430 Nm at 7,250 revs. The rev limiter of the efficient six-cylinder kicks in at 9,400 rpm.

Much of the know-how in the GT3 RSR’s totally new gearbox has come from the Porsche RS Spyder LMP2 prototype. The sequential six-speed unit, developed by Porsche engineers, is considerably lighter than its predecessor. Internal friction was substantially reduced. The flat angle of the drive shafts allows teams a wider range of suspension set-ups.

Including the GT3 Cup and the GT3 Cup S, the GT3 RSR is the third race car based on the Porsche 911 offered by Porsche Motorsport. Thirty-five units of this fastest and most powerful 911 long distance racer are being produced in Porsche’s R&D and Motorsports headquarters Weissach, Germany, and are currently being delivered to customer teams around the globe. The price of the GT3 RSR is 349,800 Euro plus VAT ($510,065 at one Euro = $1.45816).

Technical Specifications Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (2008)

© Porsche Motorsport

Engine

Six-cylinder aluminium boxer engine, water-cooled;
3,795 cc;
stroke 76.4 mm;
bore 102.7 mm;
465 bhp (342 kW) at 8,000 rpm;
max. torque 430 Nm at 7,250 rpm;
air restrictors 2 x 29.5 mm;
maximum engine speed 9,400 rpm;
four valves per cylinder;
dry sump lubrication;
individual throttle butterflies;
central air intake;
electronic MS 4.0 engine management;
fuel injection;
fuel grade: RON 98 Super Plus unleaded; ALMS E-10 Ethanol mix

Power transmission

Six-speed gearbox with sequential jaw-type shift;
oil/water heat exchanger;
single-mass flywheel;
hydraulic disengagement lever;
three-plate carbon-fiber clutch;
rear wheel drive;
limited-slip differential 45/65 percent.

Body

Monocoque body (basis GT3 RS road car) of hot-galvanised steel;
aerodynamically optimized front end with front spoiler;
aerodynamically optimised front underfloor;
adjustable rear wing;
90-litre safety fuel tank with fast filling function;
air jack;
welded-in safety cage;
bucket-type racing seat (on driver’s side only) with flame-resistant seat cover; six-point seat belt adapted for use of the HANS Head and Neck Support;
electric fire-extinguishing system.

© Porsche Motorsport

Suspension

Front:
McPherson spring strut axle;
Sachs four-way gas pressure dampers;
double coil springs (main and ancillary spring);
front axle arms adjustable for camber;
adjustable sword-type anti-roll bar on both sides;
power steering.

Rear:
Multi-arm axle with rigidly mounted axle sub-frame;
Sachs four-way gas pressure dampers;
double coil springs (main and auxiliary spring);
rear axle tie-bar reinforced and infinitely adjustable;
adjustable sword-type anti-roll bar on both sides.
Complete suspension infinitely adjustable (height, camber, track).

Brakes

Brake system with balance bar control.

Front:
Single-piece six-piston aluminium fixed callipers;
inner-vented, 380 mm in diameter;
racing brake pads.

Rear:
Single-piece four-piston aluminium fixed callipers;
inner-vented, 355 mm in diameter;
racing brake pads.

Wheels

Front: Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (11J x 18-34); central bolt;
Rear: Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (13J x 18-12.5); central bolt.

Electrical System

Motec display with integrated data recording; adjustable traction control; battery: 12 volt, 50 Ah, 140 Ah alternator.

Weight

Approx. 1,225 kg complying with A.C.O. regulations;
1,200 kg complying with FIA regulations.

(Porsche Motorsport)