Porsche Motorsport Archives

Track-only Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport to debut at LA Auto Show

Besides the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS, Porsche will also unveil another model at the coming LA Auto Show this weekend. It’s the track-only GT4 RS Clubsport which is for those who want to go racing with a Cayman. Not being street-legal has allowed the engineers to take development to the limit in extracting maximum performance.

The most significant change is the 4-litre 6-cylinder boxer engine, a high-revving powerplant which comes from the 911 GT3 Cup racing car. Installed in the GT4 RS Clubsport, it develops 500 ps – 75 ps more than the previous GT4 Clubsport model.

In addition to many upgraded details, the focus in developing the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport was on further improving overall performance. The standard 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) fitted to the car now uses all 7 forward gears, rather than 6, and all gears have shorter ratios than in the previous model.

Depending on the track and series-specific regulations, the new racing is said to be able to achieve lap times that are over 2% quicker than the previous model. The homologated vehicle is track-ready straight from the factory.

*2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS and-GT4 RS Clubsport*

3 years of GT4 Clubsport experience
“We have incorporated our experience of the last 3 years of running the previous GT4 Clubsport as well as customer wishes into the development of the new car,“ said Michael Dreiser, Manager of Sales and Distribution at Porsche Motorsport. “Faster lap times combined with a further improvement in driveability offer our customers a competitive product for the upcoming racing seasons in GT4 class racing competitions around the world.“

Porsche began offering the Cayman GT4 Clubsport of the 981 generation in 2016, entering into this new customer racing format early with a competitive car. A total of 421 units were built prior to 2018. The next generation model, which was based on the 718 Cayman GT4, debuted in 2019. It was also an extremely success car, with around 500 units produced to date.

One of the reasons for the strong demand for these vehicles is due to the low running costs. The use of well-proven series production technology combined with racing-specific components significantly reduces the costs for customer teams.

Improved competitiveness
The latest 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, priced at US$229,000 (about RM957,000) continues this tradition with better competitiveness. The more powerful engine is almost 18% more powerful than the 3.8 litre engine that was used in the previous model. Thanks to an optimized air intake, maximum power is achieved at 8,300 rpm – 800 rpm higher than before. The new engine, which can spin up to 9,000 rpm, develops 465 Nm at 6,000 rpm instead of the previous 425 Nm at 6,600 rpm. This gives the driver a much wider usable speed band, which makes driving the car much easier for pro-racers and amateur drivers alike.

The Porsche Stability Management System (PSM) is designed specifically for motorsports and includes a switch for traction control, ABS and an updated stability control system.

Modifications to the chassis have also improved the handling. The damper technology has been totally revised to achieve an optimized vehicle responsiveness and better body control. This has had a significant impact on the overall performance of the vehicle and handling. Upgrades include the use of 2-way adjustable shock absorbers with improved characteristics, in addition to adjustable sword-type anti-roll bars front and rear.

The height of the vehicle, along with wheel camber and toe are also adjustable. Furthermore, 3 different spring rates for front and rear axles are now available. Special NACA ducts in the bonnet are designed to direct the airflow more efficiently to the large racing braking system fitted with 380 mm steel brake discs.

Aerodynamics ensure precise handling
Aerodynamics plan an important role in having precise and controllable handling, and this aspect has been given a lot of attention. Front dive planes and an extended front spoiler lip increase downforce at the front axle, with the wheelarch vents in the wings (inspired by the 911 GT3 R) and air curtains specifically designed to calm the air turbulence around the front wheels. The fully enclosed underbody optimizes airflow to the diffuser at the rear of the car.

The previous 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport was the first ever production racing car to use body parts made of renewable natural-fibre composite material. In the case of the new GT4 RS Clubsport, even more extensive use of this material is made as a whole. In addition to the doors and the rear wing, the bonnet, the wings, the aerodynamic components at the front end and the steering wheel are now made of this material.

The use of this flax-based fibre as an alternative to carbonfibre composite material can now be tested in motorsports for its use in road cars. Porsche has been using motorsports as a test bed for technology, processes and materials potentially capable of being used in road cars for over 70 years now.

Race-ready from factory door
The GT4 RS Clubsport is equipped to enable the owner to go racing with minimum work done. It has a welded-in roll cage and fore and aft adjustable Recaro racing seat, along with 2023-compliant 6-point racing safety harnesses and safety nets as well as a fire extinguisher system. There is also a built-in air jack system with 3 jacks for quick wheel-changes. The new safety foam on the driver’s side meets the international requirements of the SRO racing series.

The FT3 safety fuel cell can take up to 115 litres of fuel, making it suitable for endurance racing. Additionally, Porsche offers two different exhaust systems, allowing the GT4 RS Clubsport to compete at tracks with stricter noise limits. The car is also prepared for the later addition of homologated headlights or openings in the bonnet for fast refueling to enable the car to be converted quickly for nighttime endurance racing.

Porsche Mission R is ‘just a vision’ – but it is ready to race too

New Porsche 911 GT3 offers pure racing technology

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Porsche goes racing to bring back technology that transfers into production models and with the new 911 GT3, this is very clearly evident. The seventh edition of the sportscar, developed in close collaboration with Porsche Motorsport, transfers pure racing technology into the model that customers can buy.

Example: the double wishbone front axle layout and sophisticated aerodynamics with swan neck rear wing and striking diffuser originate from the successful 911 RSR GT racing car 911 RSR. Likewise, the 510 ps 4-litre 6-cylinder boxer engine is based on the drivetrain of the 911 GT3 R, tried and tested in endurance racing.

Faster than before
The distinctive strength of the 911 GT3 lies in the sum of its characteristics. With a top speed of 320 km/h (318 km/h with PDK), it is even faster than the previous 911 GT3 RS. With a 6-speed manual transmission, it has a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds.

Sophisticated aerodynamics
The sophisticated aerodynamics benefit from the experiences gained from racing and generate significantly more downforce without noticeably affecting the drag coefficient. In the performance position, the manually set wing and diffuser elements significantly increase the aerodynamic pressure for high cornering speeds. This is, however, reserved strictly for circuit use.

Despite a wider body, larger wheels and additional technical features, the weight of the new GT3 is on a par with its predecessor. With a manual gearbox, it weighs 1,418 kgs (slightly heavier with the PDK). The weight-savings come from a front bonnet made of carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), lightweight glass windows, optimised brake discs and forged light-alloy wheels, along with the cover for the rear seat compartment. The lightweight sports exhaust system also reduces the weight by no less than 10 kgs.

Race-oriented instrumentation
The cockpit is in line with the current model generation. A new feature is the track screen; at the touch of a button, it reduces the digital displays to the left and right of the central tachometer, which reaches up to 10,000 rpm, to information such as tyre pressure indicator, oil pressure, oil temperature, fuel tank level and water temperature – essential when driving on the circuit. It also includes a visual shift assistant with coloured bars to the left and right of the tachometer and a shift light derived from Porsche Motorsport.

Customers who desire more customised equipment can refer to Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur’s range which includes the new 911 GT3. It is supplemented by GT 3-specific options such as a lightweight roof made of exposed carbonfibre.

As exclusive as the 911 GT3 itself is the individual chronograph that Porsche Design offers exclusively to those who buy the sportscar. Like its motorised role model, it boasts a dynamic design, consistent performance and high-quality workmanship. Its housing reflects its Motorsport genes. Just like the connecting rods of the GT3 engine, it consists of robust, lightweight titanium. The coloured ring of the dial can be customised in the paint colours of the 911 GT3.

Bookings by Malaysian customers for the new 911 GT3 are now accepted by Sime Darby Auto Performance. For more details, click here.

Porsche to assemble in Malaysia for regional market?

Redesigned Porsche 911 RSR ready to defend world championship title [w/VIDEO]

The brand-new Porsche 911 RSR – the most spectacular 911 of all time – is ready to defend its World Endurance Championship (WEC) title. In developing the new Porsche 911 RSR, substantial insights were garnered and adopted from the extremely successful race outings of its predecessor.

“Since 2017, the 911 RSR has yielded us more than 20 class wins in the world championship as well as at long-distance series in North America and Europe. Our job in the development was to make a very good car even better. The engineers at Weissach have perfectly implemented this in every aspect,” says Fritz Enzinger, Vice-President Porsche Motorsport.

“We never rest on our laurels,” added Pascal Zurlinden, Director GT Factory Motorsport, explaining that the development team extensively analysed all factory and customer campaigns with the 911 RSR. “Our engineers noticed room for improvement in a number of areas. We have made significant progress in the development of our car for the next three-year homologation period, especially in the complex areas of driveability, efficiency, durability and serviceability. 95% percent of the car is new. The only components that we’ve kept unchanged from the predecessor are the headlights, brake system, clutch, driver’s seat and parts of the suspension. Tests so far have run excellently. We’re already looking forward to the first races of the 2019/2020 FIA WEC season.”

Biggest boxer engine in a 911 ex-works
In terms of the drivetrain, Porsche remains faithful to its chosen path. The latest 911 is also powered by a 6-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. The highly efficient boxer unit positioned in front of the rear axle has a displacement of 4194 cc and – depending on the size of the restrictor – produces around 515 bhp.

The new power unit is the largest ever boxer engine to be mounted in a 911 ex-works, and offers even better driveability over a wider rev-band compared to the predecessor’s proven 4-litre aggregate. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a weight-optimised, more rigid sequential six-speed constant-mesh gearbox.

The new powertrain ensures faster gearshift times and increased efficiency. The two exhaust pipes now exit on each side in front of the rear wheels. The new exhaust gas ducting saves weight and is aerodynamically advantageous.

With the repositioning of the tailpipes, space has been made for an optimised diffuser. The distinctive component at the rear now generates even more downforce. Thanks to the optimisation of airflow at the front and the sides, aerodynamic efficiency and stability have increased significantly, thereby further improving the use and durability of the tyres during racing.

Improvements for usability in long-distance racing
Driveability and serviceability are critical factors in long-distance racing. For this reason, Porsche placed particular emphasis on these aspects when developing the new 911 RSR. The cockpit has been reworked with the focus on better usability.

In this regard, extensive feedback from the Porsche drivers proved invaluable. Like with the predecessor, the body made of carbonfibre reinforced plastic can be swapped out quickly and thus ensures efficient pit processes in long-distance racing.

To give drivers added protection, the active and passive safety elements in the 911 RSR have been improved. The proven collision warning system allows drivers an even better overview to detect other approaching cars early enough. The optimised roll cage, the FIA side impact panel in the door and cage as well as additional impact protection for the legs improve the passive safety in the event of an accident. Other features include the removable roof hatch and the rigidly-mounted racing seat featuring a 6-point safety harness for the driver.

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