The Porsche 911 GT3 R, introduced at the beginning of 2023, has quickly become a formidable contender on the racetrack, achieving numerous victories and titles across over 500 race starts globally. In the previous season, customer teams clinched the unofficial GT3 World Championship for manufacturers in the Intercontinental GT Challenge, alongside securing wins in all three GTD Pro categories of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
In the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), this latest GT3 R model has emerged victorious in six out of eight races at the iconic Nordschleife, with Porsche Motorsport delivering 106 units to customer teams so far. The car also achieved a significant milestone by winning the first-ever Endurance Trophy for LMGT3 teams and drivers in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), including a class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, outpacing eight competing sports car manufacturers. This season, the Porsche 911 GT3 R continued its undefeated streak at the historic French race, while DTM champion Thomas Preining reignited his title pursuit for 2025 with a successful run at the Norisring.
This newly enhanced race car, developed by Porsche Motorsport, builds on the achievements of its successful predecessor. The latest evolution primarily focuses on refining suspension and aerodynamics to achieve better handling balance and enhanced drivability, especially beneficial for non-professional drivers, even in varied conditions.
“We concentrated on optimization with this update. Minor adjustments can lead to significant improvements when based on a solid, tested foundation,” stated Sebastian Golz, Project Manager for the Porsche 911 GT3 R. “Positive driver feedback from our initial race outing during development in April confirmed our approach. We are optimistic that this evolution will empower our customer teams to maintain their global competitive edge.”
Michael Dreiser, Director of Sales for Porsche Motorsport, emphasized the vehicle’s performance, noting, “The Porsche 911 GT3 R stands out with over 420 podium finishes. It completes our lineup of GT customer racing cars. Coupled with the 718 GT4 RS Clubsport, an ideal entry into international GT racing, this new evolution presents a compelling package for the 2026 season. Our update kit for existing 911 GT3 R models offers a great option for customer teams looking to enhance their capabilities.”
Improvements in Chassis and Aerodynamics
The 911 GT3 R features significant visual enhancements, including “louvres” positioned on the upper front wheel arches, which significantly aid in aerodynamics. Combined with an optimized double wishbone front suspension designed to reduce front-end compression during deceleration, these modifications result in improved braking precision and overall vehicle control.
At the rear, a swan-neck wing with a four-millimeter Gurney flap increases aerodynamic downforce and allows for better adjustments to aerodynamic balance. The underbody is fully enclosed and reinforced, while new modifications to the multi-link rear axle improve stability during acceleration. Coupled with an updated Bosch fifth-generation racing ABS, these refinements contribute to a more balanced driving experience.
