Frédéric Makowiecki and Julien Andlauer achieved a podium finish in the first trial run of the newly developed Porsche 911 GT3 R. At round seven of the Nürburgring Endurance Series, the two Frenchmen finished third. The new 911 GT3 R is the second Porsche racing car based on the 992 generation.

The latest generation of the Porsche 911 GT3 R unwound its first few kilometers of racing without any problems. The new challenger for worldwide use in GT3 series started on Saturday at round seven of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) in the SP-X class. It is reserved for vehicles that have not yet been homologated for motorsport. The up to 416 kW (565 hp) strong rear-engined rear-wheel drive drove on Michelin racing tires to third place in the overall standings. Frédéric Makowiecki clocked the fastest lap of 7:58.942 minutes on the 24.458-kilometre combination of Nordschleife and short version of the Grand Prix circuit. The French works driver shared the Porsche with his compatriot Julien Andlauer. Tests are also planned for the last two NLS races of this year, then on racing tires from Falken and Pirelli. The new 911 GT3 R will make its official debut in the hands of customer teams in mid-January at the 24-hour race at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida (USA).

“In summary, we experienced a very successful race premiere with our new Porsche. I'm proud of everyone who worked on this project," summarizes project manager Sebastian Golz. “Yesterday's test laps on the Nordschleife and today's race show that the basis of the vehicle is right. Thanks to the good preparation and cooperation with the ADAC, we delivered a good performance and were able to collect a positive picture with a lot of data. With a very consistent performance, we finished third and thus secured a podium finish, although new racing cars like our 911 GT3 R have to stop 30 seconds longer per pit stop in test races.”

The development of the new 911 GT3 R already started in 2019. The main focus was on improved drivability for professionals and so-called gentleman drivers as well as larger power reserves depending on the "Balance of Performance" (BoP) classification. Simplified handling of the racing car for the teams and optimized running costs were also the focus.

"The new 911 GT3 R is following in big footsteps," emphasizes Michael Dreiser, Head of Sales at Porsche Motorsport. “His predecessor has won just about everything there is to win in the GT3 scene in four seasons since 2019. His achievements include overall victories in the 24-hour races at the Nürburgring and Spa-Francorchamps, as well as the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12-hour Sebring. The new model looks forward to an even more extensive range of work in the hands of our customer teams.” After the GT3 class in the North American IMSA series was also announced as a professional category, the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC is following suit: From 2024, GT3 racing cars like the new 911 GT3 R will start at the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time.

After the 911 GT3 Cup, the new 911 GT3 R is the second racing car developed by Porsche Motorsport to be based on the current 992 generation. Its lightweight body in intelligent aluminium-steel composite construction is based on the series, but has been heavily modified. Including the front and bonnet, doors, side panels, rear wing and roof, almost all body components are made of lightweight carbon. Aramid is used for the wheel arches.

One of the key elements of the new racing vehicle is the near-series engine, which is also based on the 911 generation 992. Like the previous model, it is a water-cooled six-cylinder boxer with four-valve technology and direct fuel injection. Above all, the displacement is new: like the 911 RSR, the new 911 GT3 R has increased by a good five percent from 3,997 to 4,194 cm3. As a result, the peak power of the engine can reach up to 416 kW (565 hp). First and foremost, however, Porsche has optimized the torque and power curve over the entire speed range. The new 4.2-litre six-cylinder engine is therefore particularly suitable for gentleman drivers.

The high-revving naturally aspirated engine is located in the rear, where it has a positive effect on traction and braking. It was tilted forward by 5.5 degrees to create more freedom for the underfloor diffuser. Auxiliary units such as the generator and the air conditioning compressor were moved a good meter further forward and deeper into a free space in front of the engine and transmission. This has a positive effect on the weight balance of the 911 GT3 R. The sequential six-speed constant-mesh gearbox is derived from the current 911 GT3 Cup.

The chassis of the new 911 GT3 R, which has been modified in many details, supports drivability and makes steering behavior more precise. It ensures less wear on the rear tires and reduces the time required for set-up changes. On the front axle, a state-of-the-art double wishbone layout controls the wheels. The optimized positioning of their central pivot points creates space for the aerodynamic "Race Underfloor" concept, which, with its higher underbody, aims for a smoother flow of the rear diffuser. The multi-link rear axle has moved back a little further and extends the wheelbase of the 911 GT3 R from 2,459 to 2,507 millimeters. This also ensures that less weight is placed on the rear tires to maintain their consistent performance in competition at the end of longer stints.

When it comes to safety, the new 911 GT3 R also follows an uncompromising approach. The seat moved further into the center of the vehicle. As a result, Porsche was able to optimally adapt the more ergonomic seating position to the improved roll cage and the newly developed FIA side impact protection. As with the previous model, adjustment to the driver takes place via the longitudinal adjustment of the steering wheel and the pedals. The steering wheel concept represents a further development from the previous model. It also combines elements that have proven themselves in the current 911 GT3 Cup and the 911 RSR. The 10.3-inch display, for example, comes from the successful one-make cup car and the multi-switch concept from the Le Mans class winner.

“After the start, the track was very wet at first before it kept drying out. We then used slicks for my second stint and I was able to set a few quick laps,” describes Julien Andlauer. “I think Porsche has developed a pretty good racing car. It is very nice to drive. Everything went according to plan. The car is actually already a bit better than its predecessor in all areas - this applies in particular to braking behavior, cornering characteristics and the greater torque from the now 4.2-liter engine. We still have work to do, but the performance is already right and things are going in the right direction.”

"The conditions today with the changeable weather were a bit tricky," explains Frédéric Makowiecki. “In general, the new Porsche ran very well. Our goal was to learn as much as possible – for example, how to get through the lapping traffic by car. Now we have a comprehensive impression of where we stand with the new 911 GT3 R. The car offers many positive qualities and a very good base. However, we still have a few tasks to solve.”