911 GT3-R racer
in the metal at the Autosport show. Designed to FIA GT3 regulations, the new GT3 R is also intended, as Porsche coyly puts it, to be "appropriate for the ambitious amateur racing driver rather than purely experienced professionals".
As a result the 480bhp, rear-engined monster is fitted with such niceties as traction control, anti-lock brakes and even an automatic throttle blip function to help smooth-out downshifts. All of which help, theoretically, to make it easier for drivers to get used to the car.
The GT3 R is based on the 911 GT3 Cup used for the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup one-make series, but has an engine enlarged from 3.8 litres to 4.0 litres.
Porsche originally announced its plans for the GT3 R back in November and, despite a base price of 279,000 euros plus taxes and Vat, there's been plenty of interest.
"Since we announced our intention to launch the 911 GT3 R, demand has been huge," says Uwe Brettel, head of motorsport sales. "The number of GT3 R vehicles we had planned for 2010 is almost sold out."
