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Porsche 911 GT3 R (991.1) (2016 – 2018)

A customer sport race car for GT3 series around the world: The 911 GT3 R.

Porsche 911 GT3 R (991.1)
Model
Porsche 911 GT3 R (991.1)
Years
2016 - 2018
Production
N/A
Engine
4.0 L Watercooled Flat 6
Power
500 bhp @ 7500 rpm
Torque
N/A
0 - 60 mph
N/A
Top Speed
N/A

(2016-2018) Porsche 911 GT3 R (991.1) – Ultimate Guide

Date of unveil by Porsche AG: May 15, 2015 / Market launch: December 2015

Press Release

Based on the 911 GT3 RS production sports car, Porsche has designed a customer sport race car for GT3 series around the world: The 911 GT3 R. In developing the more than 368 kW (500 hp) racing nine-eleven, special attention was paid to lightweight design, better aerodynamic efficiency, reducing consumption, improved handling, further optimised safety as well as lowering service and spare parts costs.

Adopted from its production sibling, the 911 GT3 R features the distinctive double-bubble roof, and the wheelbase which had been lengthened by 8.3 centimetres compared to the previous generation. This ensures a more balanced weight distribution and more predictable handling particularly in fast corners corners in comparison to the previous GT3 R. By applying systematic lightweight solutions for the body, add-on parts, and suspension, the engineers significantly optimised the centre of gravity position of the GT3 R compared to the predecessor model. The lightweight body design of the 911 GT3 RS production sports car featuring intelligent aluminium-steel composite construction has proven to be the ideal basis for the race car. The roof, front cover and fairing, wheel arches, doors, side and tail sections as well as the rear cover are made of particularly light carbon-fibre composite material (CFRP). All windows – and for the first time even the windscreen – consist of polycarbonate.

Powering the new 911 GT3 R is a cutting-edge four-litre flat-six unit which is largely identical to the high-performance production engine of the road-legal 911 GT3 RS. Direct petrol injection, which operates at pressures up to 200 bar, as well as variable valve timing technology ensure a particularly efficient use of fuel. Moreover, the normally-aspirated engine offers significantly better driveability and a broader usable rev range. Power from the rear engine is transferred to the 310 mm rear wheels via a Porsche sequential six-speed constant-mesh gearbox. As in the GT road-going models of the 911, the driver changes gears via shift paddles conveniently positioned on the steering wheel.

The aerodynamics of the 911 GT3 R also follows the example of the road car. The distinctive wheel arch air vents on the front fairings increase downforce at the front axle. Measuring two metres in width by 40-centimetres in depth, the rear wing lends aerodynamic balance. From its 911 RSR big brother, the GT3 R has adopted the concept of the centrally-positioned radiator. By eliminating the side radiators, the position of the centre of gravity was improved, the radiator is better protected against collision damage, and the venting of hot air through louvers in the front cover was enhanced.

The brake system of the 911 GT3 R also underwent further modifications and, thanks to increased stiffness and more precise control of the ABS, is even better suited to long distance racing. At the front axle, six-piston aluminium monobloc racing brake callipers combined with ventilated and grooved steel brake discs with a diameter of 380 millimetres ensure outstanding braking performances. Fitted at the rear axle are four-piston callipers and discs measuring 372 millimetres.

Another development focus was on the safety features of the GT3 R. The capacity of the further-reinforced FT3 safety fuel cell was increased by twelve litres to now hold 120 litres, with the tank now featuring a fuel cut-off safety valve. The doors and the side windows can be removed, and the escape hatch in the roof is now larger. In the event of an accident, the new racing bucket seat offers pilots even better protection.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 R can be ordered immediately for 429,000 Euro plus country-specific VAT and will be delivered from December 2015.

Technical specification and comparison

Car 911 991.1 GT3 R 911 991.1 RSR
911 991.1 GT3 Cup
Purpose 2016-2018 FIA GT 2013-2015 FIA GTE Pro
Porsche Carrera Cup, Porsche Supercup
Engine 4000 cc, bore 102.0 mm, stroke 81.5 mm 3996 cc, bore 102.7 mm; stroke 80.4 mm
3800 cc, bore 102.7 mm, stroke 76.4 mm
Power 368 kW without restrictor 345 kW with restrictor 338
Gearbox Sequential 6-speed Sequential 6-speed
Sequential 6-speed
Front brakes 380 mm steel disc, 6-piston caliper 380 mm steel disc, 6-piston caliper
380 mm steel disc, 4-piston caliper
Rear brakes 372 mm steel disc, 4-piston caliper 355 mm steel disc, 4-piston caliper
380 mm steel disc, 4-piston caliper
Front tyres
wheels
30/65-18, 12.0×18 ET17 30/68-18, 12.5×18 ET25
27/65-18, 10.5×18 ET28
Rear tyres
wheels
31/71-18, 13.0×18 ET37.5 31/71-18, 14.0×18 ET50
31/71-18, 12.0×18 ET53
Tank L 120 94 100
Dimensions 4604 x 2002 4537 x 2002 4537 x 1851
Weight *1220 kg / 2689 lb *1220 kg / 2689 lb
1200 kg / 2645 lb

The Story

The suspension and brakes of the 991 GT3 R were tested at the VLN long distance race on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife on 17 October, 2015. The engine in the test car was the well-proven powerplant from predecessor models as the new DFI (Direct Fuel Injection) engine was undergoing test runs in Weissach and in the USA. Compared to the 997, the wheelbase is 3.3″/83 mm longer.

The 991 GT3 R became available from December 2015 for the 2016 racing season that had new FIA rules for GT cars. Despite the 2016 991.2 Carrera already launched, the 991 GT3 R customer racing cars retained the looks of the 991.1 generation (factory team did not use the GT3 R).

The body panels of the 991 GT3 R are naturally made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). All windows are made of polycarbonate and starting with the 991 GT3 R, also the windscreen. In accordance with the new FIA safety rules, the door windows are removable in addition to the slightly larger escape hatch in the roof. The doors are also removable. The engine is the same as in the street legal 991 GT3 RS, except the air for the engine is taken through the openings on the rear lid (the show-off side air intakes seen on the 991 GT3 RS are not used on the real racing car). The 120 litre FT3 cell has fuel cut off safety valve in accordance with FIA regulations. Like with the earlier racing versions, the air jack system with four jacks has been built into the car. The bucket seat can be adjusted fore/aft. The seat has adjustable padding system to suit individual drivers. With drivers under 80 kg, ballast has to be installed in the car.

The central front radiator is better protected against collision damage and has better cooling thanks to venting of hot air through louvers in the front lid© Porsche
Escape hatch on the double-bubble roof© Porsche
Direct drive wndscreen wiper© Porsche
No Porsche badge on this prototype© Porsche
 © Porsche
 © Porsche
The wheel arch air vents on the front fairings increase downforce at the front axle© Porsche
© Porsche
Brakes are supplied by PFC Performance Friction Corporation© Porsche
 © Porsche
The rear wing is 78.7″/2 m wide© Porsche
 © Porsche
 © Porsche
 © Porsche
The massive Michelin tyres mounted on BBS wheels measure 300 mm on front axle and 310 mm at the back© Porsche
The four extra xenon headlights in the front apron and the engine oil quick refilll system come with the optional Endurance Kit. Unjpainted body shows CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic).© Porsche
In the event of an accident, the new racing bucket seat offers pilots even better protection© Porsche
To make the switches easier to recognise in the dark, their colours are fluorescent and respond to a black light lamp situated above the driver’s helmet© Porsche
Although the display has PORSCHE written on it, it is supplied by Cosworth© Porsche

2016 FIA GT World Cup

On November 19-20, 2016, a racing event called Macau Grand Prix was held and a once-in-a-year FIA GT World Cup event within it. A pre-race comment from Porsche driver Kévin Estre (911 GT3 R #912): “The street circuit in Macau is one of my top 3 racetracks – it’s very fast and incredibly difficult, with many bumps and blind corners. There are no run-off areas, only walls and guard rails. You have to focus from start to finish and you can’t afford to make the slightest mistake. The many fans lend a great atmosphere. For the majority of drivers it’s the last race of the year, so they’ll be doing everything to head into the winter break with a victory under their belts.”

Macau city track map© Porsche
Nice shot made in Macau in 2016© Porsche
Beauty…© Porsche
2016 Macau: GT3 R and its rivals© Porsche

The Macau Grand Prix hosted the TCR International, three local (Macau/Chinese) series and 2 FIA races (GT and F3). The Macau street track is narrow, slippery and has no run-off areas, so the accidents happened all weekend long. The most spectacular crash happened during the FIA GT World Cup race when a second place Audi R8 landed on its roof. The GT race was terminated after this incident. Although the race was supposed to be 18 laps long, with many accidents only 1 or 2 timed laps could be counted. At the moment when the race was terminated, two Porsche 991 GT3 R were leading (1. Earl Bamber #911, 2. Kevin Estre #912). According to the rules the positions of the last full lap were accounted for the race and it meant that Laurens Vanthoor who landed his Audi R8 on the roof, was named as the winner of the race (Porsche didn’t bother to make a scene out of the situation as Vanthoor was already contracted to be a Porsche factory driver from next season). In addition to Earl Bamber not winning, he also got a time penalty for dangerous take-over. The take over was perfecty perfect, so the stewards must have had their nervs fully eaten up as the flying Audi was around 50th (!!!) car that crashed into the guardrails during this weekend. More crashes followed in the last race of the day, the Formula 3 World Cup.

2017 Dubai 24h victory

The 991 GT3 R took 1-2 victory at the 2017 Dubai 24 hour race. The fastest cars in the race were the A6-Pro class cars that included Porsche 991 GT3 R, Mercedes-AMG GT3, Audi R8 LMS and Lamborghini Huracan GT3. The race was won by Herberth Motorsport 991 GT3 R driven by Brendon Hartley, Robert Renauer, Ralf Bohn, Daniel Allemann, Alfred Renauer. The 991 GT3 R of Manthey-­Racing (driven by Sven Müller, Matteo Cairoli, Otto Klohs and Jochen Krumbach) had a puncture towards the end of the race and couldn’t fight for the victory.

2017 January 14, Dubai 24h winner Herberth Motorsport 991 GT3 R driven by Hartley/Renauer/Bohn/Allemann/Renauer© Porsche

2017 Daytona 24 class victory

Alegra Motorsports won the GTD (GT Daytona) class with the 991 GT3 R driven by Carlos de Quesada, Michael de Quesada, Daniel Morad, Jesse Lazare and Michael Christensen (Porsche factory pilot). The first five GTD cars (Porsche, Audi R8, Mercedes-AMG GT3, Audi, Acura NSX GT3) all covered 634 laps and were within 8 seconds after 24 hours! For Porsche, this was the 77th class victory at Daytona 24 hour race.

2017 Daytona 24 hours GTD class winner Porsche 911 991 GT3 R
2017 January 29, Daytona 24h GTD-class winner Alegra Motorsport 991 GT3 R driven by de Quesada/de Quesada/Morad/Lazare/Christensen© Porsche

2017 Bathurst 12 hour class victories

2017 was the first time when full professional driver teams (class APP) were allowed and the overall victory was taken with a Ferrari 488 GT3 (290 laps). Second place overall and pro-am class (APA) victory was taken by Patrick Long, Marc Lieb, Matt Campbell and David Calvert-Jones with 991 GT3 R (289 laps). Third place overall was taken with Bentley GT3. Fourth place overall and amateur class (AAM) victory was taken by Liam Talbot, John Martin and Davashen Padayachee with another 991 GT3 R (289 laps).

2017 Bathurst 12 hour APA class winner Porsche 911 991 GT3 R
2017 February 5, Mount Panorama Circuit, Bathurst 12 hour class APA winning 991 GT3 R #12 of Long/Lieb/Campbell/Calvert-Jones© Porsche
2017 Bathurst 12 hour AAM class winner Porsche 911 991 GT3 R
2017 Bathurst 12 hour class AAM winning 991 GT3 R #912 of Talbot/Martin/Padayachee© Porsche
2017 May 24, a few days before the Nürburgring 24 hour race: Manthey Racing, Frikadelli Racing, Falken Motorsport© Porsche

2018 upgrade

The parts kit, which can be used to update all 2016 and 2017 911 GT3 R, includes amongst other things a new front lid for the optimisation of thermal management and side flicks to improve the aerobalance.

© Porsche
2018 Manthey 911 GT3 R
Manthey Racing© Porsche
2018 Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 R
Front lid openings of the 2018 version look cool© Porsche
2018 Oschersleben, ADAC GT Masters start, Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini, Mercedes, BMW
2018 Oschersleben, ADAC GT Masters© Porsche
Manthey Racing Porsche 911 991 GT3 R, Monza 2018
2018 Monza, Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup© Porsche

2018 Nürburgring 24h

More than 200.000 spectators and more than 500 drivers in 148 cars – this is the craziest 24 hour race in the world, held at the Nürburgring’s combined tracks of Nordschleife and the GP track (combined length 25.3 km/15.7 miles). With 43 vehicles, Porsche was the most strongly represented manufacturer. The driver list included so many famous Porsche drivers: Andre Lotterer, Dennis Olsen, Dirk Müller, Dirk Werner, Earl Bamber, Fred Makowiecki, Jeroen Bleekemolen, Jörg Bergmeister, Kevin Estré, Lars Kern, Laurens Vanthoor, Lucas Luhr, Maro Engel, Matt Campbell, Matteo Cairoli, Michael Christensen, Nick Tandy, Nicki Thiim, Patrick Pilet, Rene Rast, Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas, Sven Müller, Wolf Henzler and others (to be correct, not all of them drove Porsches in this race).

2018 Nürburging, Porsche 911 991.1 GT3 R
Amazing line-up of the GT3 R© Porsche
2018 Nürburging, Porsche 911 991.1 GT3 R
Qualification: the 911 #912 achieved 6th result (but three days later won the race)© Porsche
2018 Nürburging Nordschleife jump, Porsche 911 991.1 GT3 R
Airborne. Among the drivers of #12 were Dennis Olsen (2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Germany winner) and Lars Kern (known for setting Nordschleife street legal car record with 991 GT2 RS).© Porsche
2018 Nürburging Nordschleife jump, Porsche 911 991.1 GT3 R
Top 30 qualification: the flying #17 was shared by famous drivers Andre Lotterer, Jörg Bergmeister, Michael Christensen and Matteo Cairoli© Porsche
2018 Nürburging 24h start, Porsche 911 991.1 GT3 R
2018 May 12: the cars are lining up for the start. The pole-setting 911 #911 led the field from the start of the race. During the night the car hit oil, slid from the track and crashed into the barriers, putting an end to the strong, dominant charge of Kévin Estre, Romain Dumas, Laurens Vanthoor and Earl Bamber. The Falken Motorsports GT3 R #44 finished 9th after 24 hours as the second best Porsche. One of its drivers, Dirk Werner, said after the race: “It’s always a great feeling to race in the Green Hell. Anything can happen here and it usually does.” True, true.© Porsche
2018 Nürburging 24h, Porsche 911 991.1 GT3 R
© Porsche
2018 Nürburging 24h, Porsche 911 991.1 GT3 R
Manthey Racing 991 GT3 R #912© Porsche
2018 Nürburging 24h, Porsche 911 991.1 GT3 R
Glowing exhaust of 911 #2© Porsche
2018 Nürburging 24h, Porsche 911 991.1 GT3 R
© Porsche
2018 Nürburging 24h, Porsche 911 991.1 GT3 R
It’s a miracle the #912 won – it had had bad luck, had suffered a puncture in the beginning of the race© Porsche
2018 Nürburging 24h, Porsche 911 991.1 GT3 R
The winning 4-litre Porsche between the two 6.3-litre AMGs. Those V8-engined mercs make mega sound and are therefore called as the “monsters” by the drivers of slower cars. The feeling inside the “slower car” is like it’s about to shatter into pieces when the rumbling Mercedes passes.© Porsche
2018 Nürburging 24h, Porsche 911 991.1 GT3 R
2018 Nürburgring 24h winners: Manthey Racing, Fred Makowiecki, Nick Tandy, Richard Lietz, Patrick Pilet© Porsche

2018 Silverstone, Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup, Manthey Porsche 911 991.1 GT3 R
2018 Silverstone, Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup, Manthey garage. Flat underbody minimizes the aerodynamic lift.© Porsche
2018 Silverstone, Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup, Manthey Porsche 911 991.1 GT3 R
Manthey Racing GT3 R© Porsche
2018 Silverstone, Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup, Herberth Porsche 911 991.1 GT3 R
Herberth Motorsport GT3 R© Porsche
2018 Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup Barcelona, Porsche 911 991.1 GT3 R
2018 Barcelona, Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup© Porsche
2018 Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup Barcelona, Porsche 911 991.1 GT3 R
2018 Barcelona, GT Series Endurance Cup© Porsche
2018 Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup Barcelona, Porsche 911 991.1 GT3 R
The diffusor-like design of the lower rear end is actually useless with a rear-engined car as there’s not enough room for the proper diffusor (that’s why 991.2 RSR got the midmounted engine – to free the rear space under car for the diffusor).© Porsche
2018 Macau FIA GT World Cup, Porsche 911 991.1 GT3 R
Idyllic shot from 2018 Macau FIA GT World Cup© Porsche
2019 Bathurst 12 hour winning Porsche 911 GT3 R
2019 February 3, Bathurst 12 hour winning GT3 R was driven by Dirk Werner, Matt Campbell and Dennis Olsen© Porsche