What's the news?

The first racing version of the 991-generation Porsche 911, the 911 GT3 Cup, has been revealed. It will compete in the one-make Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and previews the road-going GT3 and other competition 911s due next year. Unveiled at Porsche Motorsport's 'Night of Champions' at Weissach, the GT3 Cup is priced in Euros at the equivalent of £145,860 before tax.

Exterior

The shape is familiar 911 but with a variety of additions for safety, aerodynamics and to accommodate wider tyres. Perhaps the most striking feature is the high-level rear spoiler. To help the driver receive medical attention quickly in the event of a crash or make a quick escape the GT3 Cup has a roof hatch as well.

Interior

To improve driver safety Porsche has developed a new safety cage. There is also a new driver's seat to give extra protection to the head and shoulders.

Mechanicals

A 3.8-litre flat-six engine is fitted developing 460hp at 7,500rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels by a six-speed gearbox operated by paddles behind the steering wheel. The rear slicks are 31 centimetres wide with 27 centimetre slicks at the front. Braking is taken care of by 15-inch steel disks with six-pot callipers at the front and four-pot callipers at the rear.

Anything else?

Future racing models in the pipeline include the 911 GT3 R and 911 GT3 RSR - the latter has been confirmed for both the 2013 World Endurance Championship and 2013 Le Mans 24-hour race.

John Lambert - 13 Dec 2012