Porsche has unveiled its new 911 GT3 Cup model – its LMP1 prototype – that is set to take part in a number of high-profile races during 2013.
The manufacturer is keen to test its mettle against the best racers in the world and as such, it is set to enter the LMP1 in next year’s Le Mans 24-hour race, as well as the upcoming sports car World Endurance Championship.
“The first roll-out of our new LMP1 car is planned for mid-2013,” announced Wolfgang Hatz, Porsche AG board of management member for research and development.
The custom-racing version of the 911 GT3 Cup will aim to build on the manufacturer’s fine performance in 2011, with the GT3 R having achieved 41 wins from 131 starts in all competitions last year.
Porsche factory race driver Timo Bernhard – who was closely involved in the development of the new model – commented: “The car is excellently balanced. The new axle geometry is enormously positive for the handling. Apart from that, the new Cup 911 is great fun to drive.”
The new 911 GT3 Cup will deliver excellent performance, utilising its 3.8-litre six-cylinder flat-six engine to the full to deliver 460 bhp – surpassing its predecessor by a further 10 bhp.
It will be produced at the manufacturer’s Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen plant and is to be built on the same assembly line as Porsche’s standard road cars.
Meanwhile, the manufacturer also recently unveiled its new Panamera Sport Turismo concept at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, with the model garnering plenty of attention from visitors and members of the automotive industry.
Capable of maintaining speeds of up to 130 mph over a 30-mile distance while running solely on its in-car battery, the new Panamera has been heralded as a sports car of the future due to its combination of excellent performance and sustainability.
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Posted by Mark Thompson
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