- Powering the 911 GT4 R is the company’s 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated flat-six.
- The motorsport-spec engine delivers up to 513 hp and 346 lb-ft of torque.
- The car includes adjustable suspension and an upgraded aerodynamic package.
If you want to go racing, then Porsche may have just launched the perfect car for you. This is the new Porsche 911 GT4 R, built specifically for global GT4 racing, and it promises to deliver quicker lap times than the brand’s outgoing GT4 race cars based on the 718 Cayman.
Just like the current 911 Cup, which is based on the road-going 911 GT3, the new GT4 R is also based on the same car and uses the familiar 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six. It’s been upgraded to deliver 513 hp and up to 346 lb-ft (469 Nm) of torque, figures roughly on par with the GT3 RS.
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Importantly, power outputs vary by Balance of Performance classification, and when the GT4 R leaves the factory, it comes with 53.7-mm airflow restrictors, which reduce power to 424 hp. While the engine is mostly the same as the GT3, the race car uses a distinctive six-speed sequential dog-box and a four-disc racing clutch, sending power through the rear wheels.
A True Track Special
Although the GT4 R could be mistaken for the 911 Cup, its wheels are 1 inch narrower and use a more conventional five-lug setup rather than center locks. Porsche has also equipped the 911 GT4 R with dual-adjustable dampers and three selectable spring rates to suit different tracks and drivers.
As a dedicated race car, it has received plenty of focus on aerodynamics. The key upgrade is a new rear wing that can be adjusted across 11 different positions. Unnecessary weight has also been cut from the car thanks to the use of carbon fiber on the doors, engine cover, and the aero add-ons. The upgrades include an integrated data logger in the cabin and a new 10.3-inch cluster.
“The 911 embodies Porsche’s motorsport DNA like no other car,” Director GT Racing Cars at Porsche Motorsport, Matthias Scholz, said. “Transferring this to a GT4 car opens up new possibilities in terms of performance and driving experience. “The new 911 GT4 R benefits from the detailed work already carried out during the development of the 911 Cup.”
Porsche Motorsport will field its own 911 GT4 R models in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and the SRO Pirelli GT4 America championships. The car is also eligible to compete in series including the Porsche Sprint Trophy PCA, Porsche Sprint Challenge North America, Porsche Carrera Cup North America, and SRO GT America. US prices will start at $375,000.
