Porsche Releases 911 GT4 R
Porsche is expanding its customer motorsport portfolio with the new 911 GT4 R. For the first time, a car designed for global GT4 racing is based on the 911 platform. The race car is powered by a 4.0-liter six-cylinder boxer engine delivering up to 520 PS (382 kW). It is scheduled to make its racing debut in the 2027 motorsport season.
The new 911 GT4 replaces the outgoing Cayman GT4 program which is being discontinued with the ending of the Cayman/Boxster product line.
The new 911 GT4 is expected to exceed the performance of the outgoing Cayman Clubsports by offering more power and a wider track, while simplifying the Porsche motorsports program by having all product based racing models based on 911s.
911 GT4 vs 911 GT3
While the GT4 will feature 520 horsepower, higher than GT3 even, it will include a mandatory restrictor when used for spec competitions that will reduce the power output nearly 100hp.
The high-revving 4.0-litrer six-cylinder boxer engine is based on the unit used in the 911 GT3 and delivers up to 520 PS (382 kW) in the racing version. Maximum torque is up to 346 lb.-ft. The 911 GT4 R when using the factory air flow restrictors power is reduced to 430 PS (316 kW). Power is transmitted via a sequential six-speed dog-gearbox controlled with paddle shifters and a four-disc racing clutch.
Due to GT4 class requirements, the new 911 GT4 R chassis also differs from the 911 Cup: the wheels are one inch narrower than those of the 911 Cup and use a five-bolt mounting pattern rather than the center locking design on the one-make racer it is closely related to. Dual-adjustable dampers and three selectable spring rates offer a range of set-up options.
New Interior Electronics
One of the coolest features of the all new GT4 is the interior electronics, particularly the cockpit display. The driver receives all relevant information via a 10.3-inch color display. An integrated data logger and a precise GPS system support analysis and performance optimization during racing.
Racing Series You’ll See The 911 GT4
The new Porsche 911 GT4 R will race in the highly competitive IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and SRO Pirelli GT4 America championships in open racing, among others.
One major goal of the 911 GT4 is to allow customers who race both GT3 and GT4 to use a much of unified platforms. With all vehicles based on the same platform and engine, logistics can be streamlined.
The expansion of the 911 platform for use in GT4 allows for a simplified transition from Porsche one-make racing in to GT4. Race drivers and teams will benefit from a shared platform with the 911 Cup across our Porsche motorsport one-make system and open competition Series across North America.
Drivers on their motorsports journey can now use a variation of the Porsche 911 to participate in Porsche Sprint Trophy PCA, Porsche Sprint Challenge North America, Porsche Carrera Cup North America, IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and SRO GT4 America through the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and SRO GT America in GT3 competition.
Pictures courtesy of Porsche
