The racing version of the 911 GT3 RS has been unveiled in the form of the single-seater
911 GT3 R. The car features extensive use of lightweight aluminium-steel construction along with a body consisting of mainly carbonfibre composite panels on the roof, front cover and fairing, wheel arches, doors, side and tail sections and the rear cover. The windows are made from polycarbonate to shave off weight.
The GT3 R's wheelbase is 8.3cm longer compared to its predecessor, resulting in an optimised centre of gravity. The aerodynamics of the car have been improved with the use of front wheel arch air vents to increase downforce at the front, while the 2m wide rear wing lends aerodynamic balance. The GT3 R also features a centrally mounted radiator as with the 911 RSR to improve balance and stability as well as reducing chances of the radiator getting damaged.
The 911 GT3 R is powered by the 4.0-litre flat-six engine from the road-legal 911 GT3 RS. It features a direct petrol injection, as well as variable valve timing technology to generate 493.5bhp, transferred to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox.
The car gets its stopping power from upgraded six-piston aluminium monoblock brake calipers paired with ventilated and grooved discs up front and four-piston calipers at the back. The GT3 R will go on sale in the international market with deliveries to start by 2015-end.