Porsche Motorsport launches two new models ahead of 2026 season

Revealed on Friday, August 8, both cars provide exciting new options for teams competing in single-make racing and against cars from other manufacturers in both IMSA and SRO. 

The improved 911 GT3 R builds on the success of the existing model, introduced at the beginning of 2023. Since its debut, the current model has scored numerous victories and titles in more than 500 starts around the world. 

Last season alone, it finished first in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD Pro class and won the unofficial GT3 World Championship for manufacturers in the Intercontinental GT Challenge. 

It also won the inaugural Endurance Trophy for LMGT3 teams and drivers in the FIA World Endurance Championship, including class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and retained the crown at this year’s edition of the French classic.  

The new 911 Cup will take over duty in Porsche Carrera Cup North America in 2026, one of only four Porsche One-Make series globally to get the new car in its inaugural season. Its new name simplifies and standardizes the model designations of Porsche customer sports cars. 

From now on, only vehicles for multi-make racing or a specific segment will bear the suffix ‘GT’ in combination with a number in the designation - as is the case with the evolution of the 911 GT3 R. 

The 911 Cup is largely based on the road-legal 911 GT vehicles and rolls off the production line together with the series models at the main plant in Zuffenhausen. 

911 GT3 R

The newly evolved Porsche 911 GT3 R, refined by Porsche Motorsport in numerous key areas, now follows in the footsteps of its highly successful predecessor. The primary focus of the evolution was on the suspension and aerodynamics, with the goal of achieving an even more balanced handling and improved drivability – particularly for non-professional drivers – even under variable conditions. The most striking visual feature of the new 911 GT3 R is the addition of louvers on the front wheel arches to improve aerodynamics. Coupled with the optimized kinematics of the double wishbone front suspension, which provides an anti-dive effect by enhancing force resistance, the louvers help to counteract front-end compression during deceleration, thereby maintaining aerodynamic balance. This reduces the tendency of the car to tilt forward during braking, also known as pitch sensitivity. As a result, the new 911 GT3 R offers more precise and predictable braking behavior, improving overall control. Modifications to the rear of the vehicle, including a four-millimeter-high Gurney strip on the rear wing and a change to the multi-link rear axle prevent the rear end from squatting under heavy acceleration. 

In combination with an adapted fifth-generation Bosch racing ABS, these enhancements result in more balanced handling. Further detailed improvements are also based on the experience gained by Porsche Motorsport and its customer teams at a wide variety of racing events around the world. 

These include additional liquid cooling to the electro-hydraulic power steering and new ceramic wheel bearings which are cooled directly - now independently of the brakes - by their own air supply to improve reliability. 

Numerous options packages are now part of the standard equipment, such as the Sensor Package, Endurance Package, Pitlane Left-hand Side Package and Camera Package. 

The 4.2-liter six-cylinder boxer engine with up to 565 PS (416 kW), depending on the Balance of Performance (BoP) classification, and the drivetrain of the current 911 GT3 R remain largely unchanged. 

Volker Holzmeyer, Chief Executive Officer of Porsche Motorsport North America, said: ‟Alongside the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, Porsche offers highly competitive cars for every level of multi-manufacturer sportscar racing. The updates we announced today consider driver feedback and aim to refine this formula in the name of easier usability, refined performance and the pursuit of more championships.” 

Development of the new 911 GT3 R began in August 2024, with Porsche Motorsport using its own test track in Weissach and permanent racetracks such as Sebring, Paul Ricard, Spa-Francorchamps and the Nürburgring-Nordschleife for testing. 

An important test run took place in mid-April under competitive conditions: A test vehicle entered by Herberth Motorsport took part in the Michelin 12H Spa-Francorchamps on the Belgian Grand Prix circuit. 

Laurin Heinrich, former Porsche Junior and reigning IMSA champion in the GTD Pro class, finished the two-part race together with his German compatriots Ralf Bohn and Alfred Renauer in second place overall. 

911 Cup

The new 911 Cup car will provide enhanced performance for the successful one-make cup model, offering more power, quicker lap times and revisions for improved user friendliness. 

The newest 911 cup model combines extensive updates with the design of the Type 992.2 generation 911. 

Ongoing development efforts focused on improved performance and smart changes designed to maintain reasonable operating costs as well as simplified vehicle management for the drivers and teams. 

The output of the 4.0-liter six-cylinder boxer engine has been increased by 10 PS to 520 PS (382 kW). 

"Like its successful predecessors, the new 911 Cup is a front-runner. Here, series components from our GT sports cars merge with thoroughbred racing technology to create a coherent and very high-performance overall concept," emphasizes Thomas Laudenbach, Head of Porsche Motorsport. 

"The 911 Cup has always been seen as a challenge for those behind the wheel. And that's how it should stay. Because it is also the training platform for our Porsche juniors. And the success of this concept can be seen in the countless race and championship victories.” 

The 911 Cup stands out visually from its predecessor - primarily through the front section, which takes design cues from the 992.2 generation 911 GT3. 

Aerodynamic tweaks also enable an even sharper response from the front axle, especially at high speed, and make it easier for the driver to position the racing car from corner to corner. 

The water-cooled, high-revving six-cylinder engine continues to be based on the engine of the Porsche 911 GT3. 

The braking system has been comprehensively upgraded, with larger cooling channels for self-ventilation and improved heat dissipation. Meanwhile, a brake fluid reservoir larger than the one used in previous model makes the new 911 Cup suitable for long-distance races. 

Adapted steering stops allow for tighter cornering that better prepares the new model for navigating tight city circuits.  

The cockpit features simplified operation, with a redesigned, multifunction steering wheel that combines a more visually appealing design with practical advantages - for example, centralized dials to adjust ABS interventions and traction control. 

Volker Holzmeyer explains, “The latest 911 Cup car is stronger, faster, and more practical, with refined cockpit ergonomics and updated electronics. It maintains — or even extends — service intervals despite enhanced performance and incorporates recycled materials where suitable." 

Real-world testing was conducted at Italy’s Grand Prix circuit in Monza, Italy, the Lausitzring in Brandenburg, Germany, and Porsche’s in-house track at the Weissach Development Center. Three former Porsche Juniors participated in the development process: Laurin Heinrich and Klaus Bachler, who are currently competing in IMSA GTD Pro, and Bastian Buus, all joined by seasoned racing driver Marco Seefried.

Interested customers can contact Porsche Motorsport North America directly at info@porschemotorsport.com.