Porsche has officially unveiled the 2013 911 GT3 Cup on the eve of the 15th anniversary of the GT3.
Based on the seventh generation 911 GT3, the racer car features an evolutionary design with a new front bumper, carbon fiber canards and a new rear wing. There's also a center-mounted dual exhaust system and single-piece racing wheels with wider Michelin race slick tires, which was increased by 20 mm to 27 cm at the front and by 10 mm to 31 cm at the rear axle.
Inside, the cabin has a newly-developed racing seat, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, a redesigned safety cage and a roof "rescue hatch" that provides easy access for primary medical attention and allows for easy extrication of the driver in the event of a crash.
Power comes from a 3.8-liter flat-six engine which produces 460 hp at 7,500 rpm - an increase of 10 hp compared to its predecessor. It is mated to a six-speed "dog-type" transmission that was developed by Porsche Motorsport and is operated via shift paddles at the steering wheel for the first time in a Porsche trophy race car.
"The new 911 GT3 Cup is much easier to drive at the limit," said Porsche works driver Timo Bernhard, who was significantly involved in the development of the new vehicle. "The car is excellently balanced. The new axle geometry is enormously positive for the handling. Apart from that, the new Cup 911 is great fun to drive."
The 911 GT3 Cup is priced at $234,245 (excluding tax) and will be run exclusively in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in 2013.
