The Porsche 911 family has been getting a mid-life makeover, and it is not just the road cars that have been treated. Two of the brand’s factory-built racers, the 911 Cup and the 911 GT3 R, now sport updates for the coming racing seasons.
The 911 Cup, a familiar sight in the F1-supporting Carrera Supercup and numerous national series, gains subtle styling changes in line with the road-going GT3 facelift. It's naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six now delivers 513 bhp, an increase of 10 bhp. Aerodynamic revisions improve airflow and downforce, while uprated brakes, a sturdier clutch and a simplified cockpit aim to make it even more competitive.
For those graduating from the Cup to bigger challenges, the updated 911 GT3 R has been prepared for global GT3 competition, including the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Like its smaller sibling, it gets aerodynamic enhancements, revised ABS, improved power steering and ceramic wheel bearings. Several sensors that were previously optional are now standard. It's 4.2-litre flat-six produces up to 557 bhp, depending on series regulations.
Porsche will also offer upgrade kits for existing GT3 R models, allowing teams to bring older cars up to the latest specification. In motorsport, where margins are slim and reliability is paramount, that could be a strategic advantage.
With both cars sharpened and ready, the 911 racing lineage looks set to continue its long-standing habit of filling trophy cabinets.
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