Porsche 997 GT3 Cup

TRG takes pride in its Porsche racing heritage, and Kevin Buckler has one of the most successful racing records in Porsche history. In 2006, TRG campaigned two Porsche 997's in selected Grand Am GT class races, with four GT3's running in the Rolex 24 at Daytona. In 2008, TRG brought seven GT3's to the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.

The all-new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 997) were introduced for the 2006 Carrera Cup and continue for 2007 and 2008 in a three-year programme. The previous model (Type 996) was used in the Carrera Cup GB since the championship was introduced in 2003. The combination of evocative sports coupe styling and characteristic rear-engine design makes the Porsche 911 a favourite for drivers seeking a precisely engineered, powerful race car, and one that is immediately recognisable by spectators and sponsors alike.

The engine

The engine is the well-known 3.6-litre six-cylinder boxer that has been the base for successful motorsport with near-standard vehicles for the last six years. It is an extremely free-revving unit that develops 400 HP (294 kW) at 7300 rpm. The maximum torque is 400 Nm at 6500 rpm. An air-collector located under the rear wing uses pressure built up there to supply extra intake air to the engine at high speeds, so that it reaches its maximum power output even more easily.

Bodywork

High downforce, low weight and the best possible cooling had priority when the classical body silhouette of the 911 was modified for racing. The adjustable rear wing of the new GT3 Cup gives a clear indication of the purpose of this vehicle. The carbon fibre wing is 2.34 inches wider and 1.37 inches higher than the wing of the 2004 911 GT3 Cup model. It increases downforce at the rear significantly. An intake on the carbon fiber rear lid directs air through a filter directly to the throttle.

The cockpit and dashboard feature a new layout with a central information display which informs the driver about all important functions. The light and ignition switches as well as the data recording control are positioned on the centre console with the starter button left of the steering wheel. The fuse-box can now be found in the place of the glove-box instead in the legroom area of the driver's side.

Sequential 6-speed gearbox

The sequential six-speed dog-type box of the latest 911 GT3 Cup features a power shift system with ignition cut for very quick upshifting at full throttle. Very close ratios ensure that the engine is used in its optimum rev range with the transmission being considerably shorter than in the road-going 911 GT3 RS. Top speed is reached at approx. 169 mph. Thanks to tailor-made gears, a single mass flywheel and the use of a 5.5 inch triple-disc sintered metal clutch, the rotating masses of the transmission are reduced. An oil-water-heat exchanger provides the reliable cooling of the system.