Porsche unveils 2009 GT3 RSR with 450-hp
Porsche has just unveiled an upgrade to its GT2 racing class with the upgraded 2009 Porsche GT3 RSR. Appearance and aerodynamical upgrades include a new front spoiler, a front underfloor and an adjustable rear-wing. Inside you get new bucket-type racing seats with flame-resistant seat covers, 6-point seat belt and an electric fire-extinguishing system.
The GT3 RSR weighs in at 2,739 pounds with a 4.0L 6-cylinder boxer engine that has been upgraded to make a total of 450-hp with a maximum torque of 317 lb-ft. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with sequential jaw-type shift that transfers power to the rear-wheels. Other performance upgrades include an upgraded suspension and brakes with 380 mm in diameter with 6-piston calipers in the front and 355 mm 4-pistons in the back. The 2009 Porsche GT3 RSR rides on 18-inch 3-piece BBS light-alloy wheels.
Besides the from GT3 Cup and the GT3 Cup S, the GT3 RSR is the third race car based on the Porsche 911. Pricing starts at €380,000 ($494,083 USD). Production is limited to just 20-units.
Check out the press release and the high-res image gallery after the jump.
2009 Porsche GT3 RSR:
Press Release:
The successful Porsche 911 GT3 RSR takes off into the new model year with extensive modifications. The most powerful race car based on the Porsche 911, which last season secured wins in the American Le Mans Series and at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, competes in the GT2 class at international long distance races. The most distinguishing feature of the new GT3 RSR is the redesigned front with large air outlets on the front hood. Under the light-weight bodyshell, as well, major changes were made to the quickest 911.
Noticeable at first sight are the air outlet slots, or the so-called louvers, on the front hood: an indication of the completely redesigned air ducting of the radiators, which became necessary through the new design of supply and discharge air with the installation of an optional air-conditioning unit. The aerodynamics under the rear underwent further optimisation. The rear wing now features a wider adjustment range. The weight-optimised brake system and the lighter wiring harness contribute to further improved handling, compared to the predecessor model.
The capacity of the well-known six-cylinder boxer engine increased from 3.8 to 4.0-litres. After another reduction in the size of the air restrictors for the 2009 season, the engine now delivers around 450 hp (331 kW) at 7,800 revs per minute and develops a maximum torque of 430 Nm at 7,250 rpm. The rev limiter of the efficient six-cylinder unit kicks in at 9,000 rpm. Compared to the forerunner, the rev level for a given power output was significantly lowered. Thanks to this, the engine features an optimised torque curve and offers better driveability.
In the cockpit, a new multi-function display located above the dashboard indicates the opti-mum moment to change gears. Another new feature is the programmable multi-function, onboard supply system control device, giving teams the choice of many individual functions. One of these is the infinitely adjustable blinking frequency of the lights in the front apron, which helps to immediately recognise race cars when they enter the pits in the dark. For eas-ier servicing under race conditions, other modifications were made. The GT3 RSR now fea-tures a new air-jack system with overpressure valve. The oil refill with fast filling function has now moved to the rear lid, giving mechanics better access.
Aside from GT3 Cup and the GT3 Cup S, the GT3 RSR is the third race car based on the Porsche 911 offered by Porsche Motorsport. About 20 of the successful long distance racers have been built in Weissach and are now being delivered to customer teams around the world. The GT3 RSR costs 380,000 Euro plus VAT specific to each country.
