Porsche performance in a track-competitive vehicle returns in a new yet familiar form with the new 911 GT3 Cup. The top-selling racing powerhouse now has more power and is the first Cup version of the 992 model.

It’s refreshing to know that the GT3 Cup racer can now run on synthetic fuels, which means lower carbon-dioxide emissions on the track. Depending on the course layout, Porsche claims the all-new 911 GT3 Cup will have around a 1% improvement in lap times. In the racing world, that’s definitely a significant gain.

With its predecessors boasting an illustrious history in Carrera Cup and Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, the new-generation race car is built to truly satisfy racing customer expectations. Since the first Cup car in 1990 with the 264hp 964 model, no other race car has garnered as much customer satisfaction as the 911 has. After six generations, production has totaled 4,251 units with a goal of surpassing the 5,000-unit mark with the latest iteration.

Since its development in 2019, the 911 GT3 Cup has numerous improvements to consider. One of which is optimized aerodynamics along with the car’s more muscular shape. Better airflow and downforce are made possible by a larger, 11-stage adjustable rear wing with swan-neck mountings, front air ducts, and a front apron consisting of a spoiler and separation edges. Combined with a wider front track of 1,920mm, 12-inch-wide front and 13-inch-wide rear wheels, the handling and the drivability of the 911 GT3 Cup have greatly evolved.

The body of the GT3 Cup is now made of more aluminum than steel (70:30 ratio). Aluminum makes repairs easier and more cost-effective. Despite the presence of more lightweight materials, the new race car is interestingly heavier than its predecessor by 35kg. That weight increase, however, is from additional struts reinforcing the steel safety cell. Speaking of safety, a quick-release roof escape hatch complies with the latest FIA regulations, while a new fire-extinguishing central nozzle improves the distribution of the retardant within the cockpit. The engine hood, the doors and the rear wing are made of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic, while the windows are fashioned from lightweight polycarbonate and lined with a hard-coat, scratch-resistant glazing.

Drivers will appreciate the improved ergonomics of the cockpit. The GT3 Cup now comes with a new racing seat and an adjustable steering column to better accommodate the pilot. In addition, an array of padding thicknesses help improve the driver’s fitment within. The steering wheel comes from the 911 GT3 R, with rearranged switchgear to better suit driver needs. The 919-inspired Rubber Switch Panel along with a 10.3-inch color display allows easy access to vehicle functions.

At the heart of this race car’s performance is a tried-and-tested naturally aspirated, water-cooled 4.0-liter flat-six engine that comes with three exhaust system options. All 510hp is reached at 8,400rpm with maximum torque of 470Nm available at 6,150rpm. This is mated to a snappy six-speed sequential gearbox through a single-mass flywheel and a three-plate racing clutch. Married to all this Porsche muscle is the best racing chassis technology derived from the 911 RSR and the 919 Hybrid, with a fully electromechanical steering system integrated into the Cup car for the first time.

With the performance improvements of the 911 GT3 Cup, this car is definitely something to look forward to for Porsche racing customers and fans alike. Expect to catch this German bruiser blasting through the racetrack in the beginning of the 2021 season.