2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

If you had the cash, a 911 GT3 RSR would have to be right up there as the track-day weapon of choice. Of course, the cost, at around AU$750K, is pretty high, so only captains of industry need apply. Anyway…

This new RSR has a fully revised 4.0 litre engine. It seems a bit odd seeing a 911 with an engine capacity that isn’t 3.x litres, but who am I to argue. I certainly wouldn’t be complaining about the 331kW on offer, although peak torque is not especially high at 430Nm (7250rpm). All the same, with a 9400rpm redline and an approximate weight of 1245kg (FIA-spec) you’ll be sure to progress rapidly enough.

Porsche says peak revs are down from the previous RSR and this has improved the torque curve which has, in turn, improved driveability. Great news if you need to pop down to the shops in your RSR to pick up a litre of milk.

Apart from the excessivly flared rear guards, the most striking feature of the latest RSR iteration are the louvres on the bonnet. Apart from aiding the RSR’s aerodynamic and cooling capabilities there is the added bonus of keeping your briefcase at optimum temperature. The car just looks the business, and I can only imagine the joy one would experience if you were to be let loose in one of these on an empty racetrack.

Porsche is getting into the spirit of Australia Day by giving the 911 GT3 RSR its world debut at Sebring International Raceway on Monday, 26 January, as part of the three-day American Le Mans Series Winter test.

Around 20 new RSRs are already on their way to some of Porsche’s dearest customers, although it looks like AUSmotive may have to wait some time yet for our order to be fulfilled. And tonight’s lotto numbers are…

New Porsche 911 GT3 RSR offers more engine capacity and improved aerodynamics

The successful Porsche 911 GT3 RSR takes off into the new model year with extensive modifications. The most powerful race car based on the Porsche 911, which last season secured wins in the American Le Mans Series and at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, competes in the GT2 class in international long distance races. The most distinguishing feature of the new GT3 RSR is the re-designed nose with its large air outlets on the front panel. Furthermore, major changes were made to this quickest 911 beneath its light-weight bodyshell

Noticeable at first sight are the air outlet slots, the so-called louvres, on the nose panel which otherwise would cover the luggage area on the road car. This is an indication of the completely re-designed air ducting for the radiators, which became necessary through the new design of supply and discharge air with the installation of an optional air-conditioning unit. The aerodynamics beneath the rear of the car also underwent further optimisation. Up above, the rear wing now features a wider adjustment range. And the weight-optimised braking system and the lighter wiring harness contribute to further improved handling, compared to the prior model.

The capacity of the well-known six-cylinder horizontally-opposed ‘boxer’ engine has been increased from 3.8 to 4.0-litres. After another reduction in the size of the air restrictors for the 2009 season (as mandated by governing body of world motor sport), the engine now delivers around 450 bhp (331 kW) at 7,800 rpm, and develops a maximum torque of 430 Nm at 7,250 rpm. The rev limiter of the efficient six-cylinder unit kicks in at 9,000 rpm. Compared to its forerunner, the rev level for a given power output has been significantly lowered. Thanks to this, the engine features an optimized torque curve, which results in better driveability.

In the cockpit, a new multi-function display located above the dashboard indicates the optimum time to change gears. Another new feature is the programmable multi-function, on-board supply system control device, giving teams the choice of many individual functions. One of these is the infinitely adjustable blinking frequency of the lights in the front apron, which helps to immediately recognise race cars when they enter the pits at night-time in long distance endurance events. For easier servicing under race conditions, other modifications were made. The GT3 RSR now features a new air-jack system with over-pressure valve. The oil re-fill with fast filling function has now moved to the rear lid, giving mechanics better access.

Aside from GT3 Cup and the GT3 Cup S, the GT3 RSR is the third race car based on the Porsche 911 offered by Porsche Motorsport. About 20 of the successful long distance racers have been built in Weissach and are now being delivered to customer teams around the world. The GT3 RSR costs 380,000 Euro plus VAT specific to each country.

Technical Description Porsche GT3 RSR (2009)

Engine: Water-cooled, six-cylinder boxer engine; four valves per cylinder; dry sump lubrication; individual throttle butterflies; fuel injection; air restrictors 2 x 29.5 mm.

Bore: 102.7 mm

Stroke: 80.4 mm

Capacity: 3,996 cc

Power output: 331 kW (450 bhp) at 7,800 rpm

Max. Torque: 430 Nm at 7,250 rpm

Max. revs: 9,400 rpm

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

Body: Monocoque body (basis GT3 RS) of hot-galvanised steel; aerodynamically optimised 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.

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; multi-function display with integrated gearshift indicator; adjustable traction control; battery: 12 volt, 50 Ah, 140 Ah alternator.

Weight: Approx. 1,220 kg complying with A.C.O. regulations,1,245 kg complying with FIA regulations.