New car news

14 January 2010 - 14:00

Yet another new 911

If you think you've seen this car before, don't worry, you haven't. We think. This is Porsche's new 911 GT3 R out-of-the-box racer.

It succeeds the 911 GT3 Cup S as Porsche's competition car for the (rich) people and is an evolution of the 911 Cup we showed you a few weeks' back. Like we said, déjà vu.

Anyway, it's a lightweight (1,200kg), stripped-out special based on FIA GT3 regulations with a 357kW, 4.0-litre engine.

It's designed with a series of driver aids to help out the amateur racer, including an electronic throttle that blips on the down-change, anti-lock brakes, traction control and a front-wheel-drive hatchback that's less likely to drag a novice backwards into the gravel trap. That last bit's not true.

The GT3 R also features a wider track with pumped up arches and a smooth under-body with rear diffuser. That huge rear wing is adjustable, as is the suspension.

Fancy one? Then head up to Autosport International this weekend for a closer look - and get ready to write Porsche a cheque that could fund the Yanky bank buy out...