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The new 2009
specification Porsche 911 GT3 RSR heads into the
forthcoming racing season with significant
mechanical and body upgrades designed to help it
defend its crown against increased competition.
The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (2009)
features a redesigned front end with larger air
outlets on the hood. Under the lightweight bodyshell,
many other evolutionary changes were made as well;
keeping the 911 GT3 RSR the fastest racing Porsche
911 that Porsche builds. Noticeable at first sight
are the air slots on the front hood. The
result of the completely redesigned radiator air
ducting, which became necessary with installation of
the new air conditioning unit, added to comply with
the ACO 2009 regulations. The aerodynamics under the
rear also underwent further fine-tuning. The rear
wing now features a wider adjustment range. The
weight-optimized brake system and the lighter wiring
harness contribute to further improved handling for
2009.
The capacity of the legendary
Porsche six-cylinder boxer engine increased
from 3.8 to 4.0-litres at mid-season last year, and,
after an air restrictor size reduction for 2009, the
power plant now delivers approximately 450
horsepower at 7,800 RPM and develops a maximum
torque of 430 Nm at 7,250 rpm, with a maximum engine
speed of 9000 RPM. As a result of these changes, the
engine features an optimized torque curve, producing
more power at lower RPM, and which offers better
driveability.
In the cockpit, a new
multi-function display located above the dashboard
indicates the optimum moment to change gears. Another new feature is the
programmable multi-function, onboard supply system, giving teams the choice of many
individual functions, including infinitely adjustable blinking frequency of the front
lights, which helps pit crews recognize their race cars as they enter the pits in the dark.
For
easier servicing under race conditions, the GT3 RSR features a new air-jack system with an
over-pressure valve, and the oil refill inlet with fast filling function has now moved to the rear lid,
giving mechanics better access. The GT3 RSR, along with the GT3 Cup and GT3 Cup S, are the
three Porsche 911 race cars offered by Porsche Motorsport, with the RSR version being
hand built from the ground up in Weissach, Porsche's Motorsport Headquarters. About 20 of
these GT3 RSR endurance racers are completed and are now being delivered to
customer teams around the world. Porsche is the world's largest manufacture of racing cars,
with 265 built last year.
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