Porsche Enhances the Handling and Performance of its 911 Racing Cars for an Even More Thrilling Drive Experience
Porsche has announced significant updates for its iconic 911 GT3 R and 911 Cup race cars, designed to enhance performance and drivability for endurance and one-make racing series.
Porsche 911 GT3 R (2026)
The updated Porsche 911 GT3 R focuses on aerodynamics, suspension, cooling, durability, and electronics.
Aerodynamics
New front-arch "louvre" vents reduce pitch sensitivity under braking, improving stability. A new 4mm Gurney flap on the swan-neck rear wing adds downforce and allows better aerodynamic balance adjustments. The underbody is now fully enclosed and reinforced for improved stability.
Suspension and Handling
Revised front and rear suspension geometry improves load distribution and drivability. The rear multi-link axle has increased anti-squat to reduce compression. Front double wishbone suspension reduces dive under braking.
Cooling and Durability
Enhanced cooling for power steering and rear brakes, plus new ceramic wheel bearings for higher durability. Redesigned centering pins simplify driveshaft installation.
Cockpit Features
Redesigned cockpit airflow with an improved driver air vent and a Remote Logger Unit USB stick allows mid-race data swaps without a laptop. More electronic aids like sensors for ride height, brakes, track temperatures, water bottle mounts, pit lane links, and cameras come standard.
Engine
The core platform and engine remain unchanged but proven and highly successful in global racing. An update kit will be available for existing 992-gen GT3 R models starting at €41,500, enabling teams to upgrade current cars to the new specifications.
Initial testing at the 12 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps resulted in a second-place finish, affirming the competitiveness of the updated GT3 R.
Porsche 911 Cup (2026)
The new 911 Cup features improvements in aerodynamics, handling, electronics, and wheel and tire development.
Aerodynamics and Handling
Adapted bodywork design with improved aerodynamics and handling tuned through extensive testing at Monza, Lausitzring, and Porsche’s Weissach Development Center. The 4.0-liter six-cylinder boxer engine now produces 520 hp (+10 hp).
Electronics and Monitoring
Upgraded electronics including a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that displays tire air temperatures on the dashboard. A new powerful GPS antenna replaces the infrared system for more accurate lap timing and position tracking. Additional features from the GT3 R are integrated, such as lap time measurement for pit lane passages and the "pre-kill" function that automatically shuts off the engine when stationary during pit stops. A new electronic monitor checks the fire extinguisher battery charge.
Wheel and Tire Development
Collaboration with Michelin on a new generation of tires specifically for the 911 Cup to enhance race performance.
Driver Involvement
Development input from professional Porsche drivers and former Porsche Juniors to optimize drivability.
The new 911 Cup will feature in Porsche’s global one-make series from 2026 onwards, standardizing model designations for Porsche customer sports cars.
In summary, the 2026 Porsche 911 GT3 R emphasizes aerodynamic and mechanical refinements for endurance racing competitiveness and durability, while the new 911 Cup race car boosts power, electronics sophistication, and aerodynamic efficiency to advance one-make series performance.
Teams can directly access the car's settings from a menu page in the 911 Cup, removing the need for a laptop connection. The driver air vent in the GT3 R has been modified for improved air circulation. The rear wing's swan-neck supports in the 911 Cup have been revised for easier adjustment.
[1] Porsche Press Release [2] Road & Track [3] Motor1 [4] Car and Driver [5] Autocar
- The updated Porsche 911 GT3 R vehicle focuses on enhancing aerodynamics, suspension, cooling, durability, and electronics for improved performance in endurance and one-make racing series.
- New front-arch "louvre" vents in the Porsche 911 GT3 R reduce pitch sensitivity under braking, improving stability, while a new 4mm Gurney flap adds downforce for better aerodynamic balance adjustments.
- The underbody of the Porsche 911 GT3 R is now fully enclosed and reinforced for improved stability and aerodynamics.
- Revised front and rear suspension geometry in the Porsche 911 GT3 R improves load distribution and drivability, with the rear multi-link axle featuring increased anti-squat to reduce compression.
- Enhanced cooling for power steering and rear brakes, along with new ceramic wheel bearings, aims to increase durability in the Porsche 911 GT3 R.
- The new Porsche 911 Cup features improvements in aerodynamics, handling, electronics, and wheel and tire development for enhanced one-make series performance.
- Collaboration with Michelin is underway to develop a new generation of tires specifically for the 911 Cup, aiming to further boost race performance in the automotive industry.
