Porsche reveals 911 GT3 Cup racer for Frankfurt Auto Show

Last week, Porsche unveiled the new 911 GT3 RS for well-heeled drivers who like to test their mettle on the track during the weekend. Now, we get the full-bore race version of the car, the GT3 Cup, to be shown at the Frankfurt auto show next month.

The GT3 Cup car is similar to the GT3 RS. Both use Porsche's new 3.8-liter flat-six engine, rated at 450 hp. Displacement increases from 3.6 liters, and it makes 30 hp more than the previous model. The revised motor revs to 8,500 rpm, and the transmission is a sequential six-speed manual.

The rear bodywork is nearly two inches wider to accommodate wider racing tires, which are set on three-piece alloy rims. And the high-mounted rear wing on the GT3 Cup car is nine inches wider than the wing on the RS version, for more downforce. Ceramic-carbon brakes are an option. The car checks in at a lithe 2,646 pounds.

The racer is also marked by LED lights and front body panels that carry over from the street version. The lower lip in front is half an inch lower to add more downforce on that axle.

The 911 GT3 Cup car is one of the most decorated and commonly used sports-car racers, having claimed seven GT2 manufacturers' and eight drivers' titles in ALMS, as well as seven GT championships in Grand-Am.

Want one? The base price in Europe, without value-added taxes, is a bit more than $200,000. U.S. pricing has not been announced.

By Dale Jewett