Porsche Unveils 911 GT4 R as 718 Cayman Replacement
Photo: Porsche
Porsche has unveiled its new GT4 machine of choice, the 911 GT4 R, that will replace the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport beginning next year.
The 911 GT4 R, which is largely based on the German manufacturer’s high-performing new Type-992.2 Porsche 911 Cup car, will allow drivers to begin in single-make series and progress through the Porsche Motorsport pyramid, up to GT3 competition, all on a single 911 platform.
Powered by a 4.0 liter six-cylinder boxer engine that delivers up to 520 horsepower, the same powertrain found in the single-make car, the 911 GT4 R is expected to make its official race debut in January’s IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season-opener at Daytona International Speedway.
It will be eligible in all series than run to the SRO GT4 technical regulations, including GT4 European Series, Pirelli GT4 America, among numerous others.
Compared to the 718 Cayman, which has gone out of production as an internal combustion engined road-going model, the 911 GT4 R offers a more powerful engine, wider front and rear track widths and further developed motorsport electronics.
It marks Porsche’s first complete model change in GT4, after having produced more than 1,500 Cayman-based race cars since joining the class in 2016.
“With the new race car based on the Porsche 911 GT3, we are taking our successful GT4 program to a new level,” said Porsche Motorsport boss Thomas Laudenbach.
“The combination of iconic 911 DNA and the tried-and-tested GT4 concept creates a unique offering in the market.
“Our decision to bring the 911 platform into the GT4 category underlines the growing importance of this class in international motorsport.
“GT4 has evolved from an entry-level segment into a highly competitive, globally relevant racing platform.”
Porsche Motorsport North America President and CEO Volker Holzmeyer added: “In North America, the GT4 category is a strength of customer racing in open competition.
“The expansion of the 911 platform for use in GT4 allows for a simplified transition from Porsche one-make racing in to GT4.
“Race drivers and teams will benefit from a shared platform with the 911 Cup across our Porsche Motorsport one-make system and open competition Series across North America.”
The major differences between the 911 GT4 R and 911 Cup are predominately added weight (1,515 kg compared to 1,260 kg) and the use of more subtle rear wing to fit it within SRO’s prescribed performance window for the class.
Additionally, the wheels on the 911 GT4 R are one inch narrower than the Cup and use a five-bolt mounting pattern, per GT4 regulations.
Pricing in the U.S. is $375,000, including import and delivery, the same price as the 911 Cup car, with deliveries expected to begin in the third quarter of this year to Pilot Challenge teams taking part in Daytona according to Holzmeyer.
The new car will be on display at this weekend’s CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa.
Photo: Porsche
Photo: Porsche
Photo: Porsche
Photo: Porsche
Source: Sports Car 365