This is the third instalment of a trilogy of hot racing cars we're reporting on from today's (14th January 2010) Autosport International show in Birmingham, which is sometimes known, erroneously, as 'the Midlands' NAIAS'. The other two are based on the
Chevy Cruze and the
Lotus Evora, but this is the most expensive and most mentalist.
By Porsche cup car standards, though, driving one will be like manning a tricycle, such is the level of electronic safety. It has anti-lock brakes, gearbox management for automatic heel and toe downshifts and a set of driver coaching sessions bundled into the asking price.
Peak power is 480bhp from its 4.0-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine and it weighs about the same as the Lotus Evora racer, at 1,200kg, which means it'll be fast. A wider track than the
standard car, a nice smooth under-body, a rear diffuser and an adjustable rear wing all contribute to huge cornering speeds and stability. The GT3 R also boasts adjustable SACHS shock absorbers and double coil springs.
£250,000 is the asking price if you want to take part in the FIA GT3, but you better hurry up because most of them are sold already.
Mark Nichol - 14 Jan 2010