Racing cars
Many different race versions of the 911 GT3 have entered competition since 1998:
996 GT3
996 GT3 Cup (1998–2001)
The 996 GT3 Cup served as the basis for the 996 GT3 road car, featuring a 3.6 litre (bore×stroke: 100 mm×76.4 mm) boxer engine on based on the GT1 block rated at 265 kW at 7,200 rpm and 360 Nm at 6,250 rpm, with a redline of 8,000 rpm, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. For the 1999 season the engine output was increased to 272 kW and 370 Nm at 6,250 rpm. The fuel cell holds 64 litres of fuel and the car weighs in at 1140 kg. Slick tyres supplied by Pirelli measured 245/45-18 front to 305/645-18 rear, brake disks measured 330 mm and ABS was standard. The car can accelerate from 0-100 kph in four seconds and has a top speed of 286 kph. For the 2001 season the GT3 Cup received modified aerodynamics including an enlarged rear wing and improved cooling.[70][71]
996 GT3 R (1999–2001)
The 996 GT3 R was introduced in 1999 as a replacement for the 993 RSR. Before its introduction, it was extensively tested at Weissach and Paul Ricard. Reduction in weight over the GT3 road car was achieved by carbon fibre body panels and plexi-glass rear and side windows. The front nose section contained additional air inlets for engine and brake cooling. A steel roll cage was welded into the body and the car was fitted with an air-jack system, fire extinguisher and racing seat with safety harness.[72][73]
The suspension was similar to the GT3 road car in principle, but with variable springs, adjustable shocks, anti-roll bars and spherical joints. The car could be set up precisely for each track. Large brake discs (standard specifications: 350 mm front and 330 mm rear) were fitted but with no ABS brakes because they were not permitted in Le Mans GT class.[74]
The 3.6-litre engine (Type M96/77) developed 302 kW at 8,200rpm when fitted with a 43.1 mm air restrictor plate, thereby meeting class regulations. The engine was fitted with a Bosch Motronic 3.1 engine management system. Other engine modifications included titanium conrods and valves, a racing exhaust system, as well as a dry-sump lubrication with an oil-water heat exchanger. A 6-speed sequential manual transmission was installed.[75]
996 GT3 RS (2001)
The 2001 996 GT3 RS won the GTO Class in the 2001 British GT Championship at the hands of Parr Motorsport's Kelvin Burt and Marino Franchitti with 109 points.
996 GT3 Cup (2002–2004)
In 2002, the GT3 Cup received several changes, adopting facelift 996.2 features such as Turbo-style headlights. The new body significantly improves aerodynamics and cooling. Engine output was increased to 280 kW and 380 Nm of torque, further changes include improved transmission cooling, a lightened exhaust system and other light-weighing measures across the car. Slicks supplied by Michelin measured 24/64-18 front and 27/68-18 rear. Front brake disks increased to 350 mm in diameter, clamped by six-piston calipers. Weight remained at 1140 kg dry.[79]
For the 2004 season, the car received further upgrades. Engine output was increased slightly, to 287 kW at 7,200 rpm and 390 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Gear ratios of fourth, fifth and sixth gears were shortened. A 89-litre fuel cell improves endurance racing capabilities. Changes were made to the interior to enable the use of the HANS device.[80]
996 GT3 RSR (2004)
The 2004 Porsche 911 996 GT3 RSR was essentially an upgraded version of the motorsports oriented GT3 RS. It was the ultimate development of the 996 GT3 featuring a 331 kW 3.8-litre flat-6 engine and a 6-speed sequential manual transmission.[81] Reduction in weight was achieved by employing carbon fibre panels.[82] Only 37 cars were built. Accolades of the RSR include three victories in American Le Mans Series GT2 class and class wins at the 2004 and 2005 24 Hours of Le Mans.[83][84]
996 GT3 Cup (1998–2001)
The 996 GT3 Cup served as the basis for the 996 GT3 road car, featuring a 3.6 litre (bore×stroke: 100 mm×76.4 mm) boxer engine on based on the GT1 block rated at 265 kW at 7,200 rpm and 360 Nm at 6,250 rpm, with a redline of 8,000 rpm, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. For the 1999 season the engine output was increased to 272 kW and 370 Nm at 6,250 rpm. The fuel cell holds 64 litres of fuel and the car weighs in at 1140 kg. Slick tyres supplied by Pirelli measured 245/45-18 front to 305/645-18 rear, brake disks measured 330 mm and ABS was standard. The car can accelerate from 0-100 kph in four seconds and has a top speed of 286 kph. For the 2001 season the GT3 Cup received modified aerodynamics including an enlarged rear wing and improved cooling.[70][71]
996 GT3 R (1999–2001)
The 996 GT3 R was introduced in 1999 as a replacement for the 993 RSR. Before its introduction, it was extensively tested at Weissach and Paul Ricard. Reduction in weight over the GT3 road car was achieved by carbon fibre body panels and plexi-glass rear and side windows. The front nose section contained additional air inlets for engine and brake cooling. A steel roll cage was welded into the body and the car was fitted with an air-jack system, fire extinguisher and racing seat with safety harness.[72][73]
The suspension was similar to the GT3 road car in principle, but with variable springs, adjustable shocks, anti-roll bars and spherical joints. The car could be set up precisely for each track. Large brake discs (standard specifications: 350 mm front and 330 mm rear) were fitted but with no ABS brakes because they were not permitted in Le Mans GT class.[74]
The 3.6-litre engine (Type M96/77) developed 302 kW at 8,200rpm when fitted with a 43.1 mm air restrictor plate, thereby meeting class regulations. The engine was fitted with a Bosch Motronic 3.1 engine management system. Other engine modifications included titanium conrods and valves, a racing exhaust system, as well as a dry-sump lubrication with an oil-water heat exchanger. A 6-speed sequential manual transmission was installed.[75]
996 GT3 RS (2001)
The 2001 996 GT3 RS won the GTO Class in the 2001 British GT Championship at the hands of Parr Motorsport's Kelvin Burt and Marino Franchitti with 109 points.
996 GT3 Cup (2002–2004)
In 2002, the GT3 Cup received several changes, adopting facelift 996.2 features such as Turbo-style headlights. The new body significantly improves aerodynamics and cooling. Engine output was increased to 280 kW and 380 Nm of torque, further changes include improved transmission cooling, a lightened exhaust system and other light-weighing measures across the car. Slicks supplied by Michelin measured 24/64-18 front and 27/68-18 rear. Front brake disks increased to 350 mm in diameter, clamped by six-piston calipers. Weight remained at 1140 kg dry.[79]
For the 2004 season, the car received further upgrades. Engine output was increased slightly, to 287 kW at 7,200 rpm and 390 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Gear ratios of fourth, fifth and sixth gears were shortened. A 89-litre fuel cell improves endurance racing capabilities. Changes were made to the interior to enable the use of the HANS device.[80]
996 GT3 RSR (2004)
The 2004 Porsche 911 996 GT3 RSR was essentially an upgraded version of the motorsports oriented GT3 RS. It was the ultimate development of the 996 GT3 featuring a 331 kW 3.8-litre flat-6 engine and a 6-speed sequential manual transmission.[81] Reduction in weight was achieved by employing carbon fibre panels.[82] Only 37 cars were built. Accolades of the RSR include three victories in American Le Mans Series GT2 class and class wins at the 2004 and 2005 24 Hours of Le Mans.[83][84]
997 GT3
997 GT3 Cup (2005–2008)
The 997 Cup's 3.6 litre engine is rated at 294 kW at 7,000 rpm and 400 Nm at 6,500 rpm and is now mated to a six-speed sequential transmission. The 997 features significantly improved aerodynamics and lightweight CFRP parts, including doors, rear body panels, engine deck lid and rear wing. Parts of the suspension are adopted from the GT3 RSR. Brake discs are 380 mm front and 350 mm in the rear in diameter and ABS with four control settings is standard.[85]
997 GT3 RSR (2006–2012)
First introduced in 2006, the 997 RSR was built to comply with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, the FIA-GT and IMSA as well as VLN regulations. Based on the 997 GT3, the RSR features a 3.8-litre flat-6 engine with two 30.3 mm air restrictors as compared to the 3.6-litre engine of its predecessor with 29 mm restrictors. The increase in displacement was achieved through the enlargement of the bore to 102.7 mm with the unchanged stroke of 76.4 mm. With the mandatory air restrictors, the engine is rated at 335 kW at 8,500 rpm and 435 Nm of torque. The engine has a red-line of 9,000 rpm due to the increase in capacity and the corresponding reprogramming of the electronics. The new positioning of the mid-front radiator and the use of side radiators – shared with the Carrera GT – contribute to the thermal health of the engine.
997 GT3 Cup (2005–2008)
The 997 Cup's 3.6 litre engine is rated at 294 kW at 7,000 rpm and 400 Nm at 6,500 rpm and is now mated to a six-speed sequential transmission. The 997 features significantly improved aerodynamics and lightweight CFRP parts, including doors, rear body panels, engine deck lid and rear wing. Parts of the suspension are adopted from the GT3 RSR. Brake discs are 380 mm front and 350 mm in the rear in diameter and ABS with four control settings is standard.[85]
997 GT3 RSR (2006–2012)
First introduced in 2006, the 997 RSR was built to comply with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, the FIA-GT and IMSA as well as VLN regulations. Based on the 997 GT3, the RSR features a 3.8-litre flat-6 engine with two 30.3 mm air restrictors as compared to the 3.6-litre engine of its predecessor with 29 mm restrictors. The increase in displacement was achieved through the enlargement of the bore to 102.7 mm with the unchanged stroke of 76.4 mm. With the mandatory air restrictors, the engine is rated at 335 kW at 8,500 rpm and 435 Nm of torque. The engine has a red-line of 9,000 rpm due to the increase in capacity and the corresponding reprogramming of the electronics. The new positioning of the mid-front radiator and the use of side radiators – shared with the Carrera GT – contribute to the thermal health of the engine. The 997 RSR used the 6-speed sequential manual transmission of 996 RSR for the 2006 season. For the 2007 season, a new 6-speed sequential manual transmission was added which was shared with the RS Spyder.
The bodyshell with the welded-in safety cage is ten percent stiffer than the 996 RSR. Distinctive wheel arches widen the body by 50 mm on each side. The relocation of the supplementary oil tank, power steering components and battery to the front improve weight distribution. The front and rear lids, the front mudguards, the rear section, the doors as well as the front and rear panelling and wing are made of carbon fibre. Polycarbonate rear and side windows further aid in weight reduction.
The newly developed aerodynamic package improves aerodynamic efficiency by a total of around seven percent over the 996 RSR. In compliance with the FIA and A.C.O. regulations the new GT3 RSR features a flat underbody.
The RSR featured ZF-Sachs shock absorbers which have Through-Rod-System with considerably lower chamber pressure and hence generate less friction than conventional dampers. As a result, they offer a significantly improved response characteristic.
997 GT3 Cup S (2008–2010)
Homologated on basis of the GT3 RS road car instead of the GT3 and destined for international FIA GT3 customer racing. Suspension components were adopted from the GT3 RSR. [90]
997 GT3 Cup 3.8 (2009–2013)
Unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and based on the 997.2 GT3 RS, the GT3 Cup features a new 3.8 litre engine with an output of 331 kW at 7,500 rpm and an 8,500 rpm redline. Further changes include a 44 mm wider rear body, 15 mm lower front spoiler lip, an enlarged rear wing adopted from 911 GT3 Cup S measuring 1.70 m, new LED tail lights and a modified racing exhaust system. 9.5Jx18 front alloy wheels with 24/64-18 Michelin racing tyres and 12Jx18 alloy wheels with 27/68-18 tyres, additional Unibal joints on the track control arms and front and rear sword-shaped anti-roll bars with seven position settings each, additional vent in the upper part of the front lid, steering wheel mounted Info Display with 6 switches. The car weighs in at 1160 kg.
Deliveries began in the same year. The base MSRP of the European model was €149,850 (before tax).[91][92]
997 GT3 R (2010–2013)
Replacing the GT3 Cup S and built from the ground up for FIA GT3 regulations the GT3 R features a 4.0 litre, 368 kW boxer engine, a six-speed sequential transmission, a throttle-blip function, ABS and traction control. Base MSRP was 279,000 Euro (excl. taxes).[93]
For 2013 Porsche significantly modified the vehicle, changed the aerodynamics and increased the track, wheelbase and tyre width by several centimetres. An Evo conversion kit was offered to customers for 45,500 Euro (excl. taxes).[94]
997 GT3 R Hybrid (2010–2011)
The 997 GT3 R Hybrid made its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The hybrid technology featured in the car was developed by the Williams F1 Team and is based on their F1 kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) which they did not race in 2009.[95] Unlike other KERS that were developed for F1, the Williams system is based on using kinetic energy stored in a flywheel rather than batteries. The GT3-R has two electric motors, both developing a total output of at least 163 kW, driving the front wheels to supplement the 373 kW 4.0-litre flat-six engine at the rear.[96] The car was entered at the 2010 24 Hours Nürburgring.[97][98] As part of the buildup to the 24 hour race the GT3 Hybrid made its racing debut at the VLN 4 hour endurance 57th ADAC Westfalenfahrt at Nürburgring on 27 March 2010.[99] On 28 May 2011, it won its first VLN race.[100]
991 GT3
991 GT3 Cup (2013–2017)
Porsche introduced the 991 GT3 Cup for the 2013 Porsche Supercup season, based on the 991 GT3. Like the 991 GT3 road car, its improvements over the 997 model include revised aerodynamics, an improved rollcage, new wheels and a revised chassis. The direct-injection 3.8-litre flat six is rated at 338 kW at 8500 rpm and drives the rear wheels through a mechanical limited slip differential. The transmission includes a paddle-shift, race-bred, pneumatically activated six speed developed specifically for the track. It uses lightweight materials in its construction, and a stripped-out cabin complete with a full roll cage, racing seat and all the safety gear required for competition, weighing 1175 kg.[102][103]
991 RSR (2013–2017)
In 2013, Porsche introduced the newest version of the RSR based on the 991 model for the LM GTE category.[104]
991 GT3 Cup (2013–2017)
Porsche introduced the 991 GT3 Cup for the 2013 Porsche Supercup season, based on the 991 GT3. Like the 991 GT3 road car, its improvements over the 997 model include revised aerodynamics, an improved rollcage, new wheels and a revised chassis. The direct-injection 3.8-litre flat six is rated at 338 kW at 8500 rpm and drives the rear wheels through a mechanical limited slip differential. The transmission includes a paddle-shift, race-bred, pneumatically activated six speed developed specifically for the track. It uses lightweight materials in its construction, and a stripped-out cabin complete with a full roll cage, racing seat and all the safety gear required for competition, weighing 1175 kg.[102][103]
991 RSR (2013–2017)
In 2013, Porsche introduced the newest version of the RSR based on the 991 model for the LM GTE category.[104] Because the 991 GT3 was not in production at the time of the announcement, Porsche was forced to homologate it based on the 911 Carrera model. The 991 RSR includes revised aerodynamics, a lighter gearbox and a new, lower suspension.[105] For the 2013 season, Porsche retained the Mezger engine of the 997 GT3 RSR model. Manthey Racing was chosen to run the cars in the FIA World Endurance Championship; the team achieved its best success at the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans where the 991 RSR finished 1–2 in the GT class.[106]
For 2014, Porsche announced that it partnered with CORE Autosport to run two Porsche 911 RSRs in the United SportsCar Championship (under the Porsche North America team name) while AKB GT Raceline has announced that they would run a pair of 911 RSRs in the series. Team Falken Tire also announced that it would be running a 911 RSR from Sebring onwards. Manthey Racing will continue to run two 911 RSRs in the WEC.
991 GT America (2014)
Porsche also announced a variant of the 991 GT3 Cup car for the United SportsCar Championship known as the 911 GT America.[107] The car is homologated exclusively for the Grand-Touring Daytona category of the series. Upgrades over the regular Cup car include improved aerodynamics, a bigger 4.0 L flat-six engine, a new gearbox, a different safety cell, new brakes and reliability upgrades for endurance racing.
991 GT3 R (2016–2019)
In May 2015, Porsche announced the 991 GT3 R for Group GT3. The car is homologated based on the 991 GT3 RS road car, and uses the production car's 4.0-litre flat-six rated at around 373 kW, running through a six-speed paddle-shift sequential gearbox. The GT3 R features a double-bubble roof, and a wheelbase which had been lengthened by 8.3 cm. Engineers also "significantly optimised" the centre of gravity position versus the old R, using carbon-fibre composite material (CFRP) for the roof, front cover and fairing, wheel arches, doors, side and tail sections as well as the rear cover. All windows – and for the first time ever, the windscreen – are made from polycarbonate to cut weight. Race car essentials such as an integrated (welded) roll cage according to FIA Appendix J, safety fuel cell (approximately 120 litres, with fuel cut off safety valve in accordance with FIA regulations), removable roof escape hatch and an air jack system are present. The weight is 1220 kg.
The GT3 R has adopted the concept of the central radiator from the 911 RSR. By eliminating the side radiators, the position of the centre of gravity is improved, the radiator is better protected against collision damage, and the venting of hot air through louvres in the front cover is enhanced. The two-metre wide rear wing lends aerodynamic balance and distinctive wheel arch air vents on the front fairings increase downforce at the front axle. The GT3 R's front MacPherson strut suspension and multi-link rear suspension are adjustable in height, camber and toe, and there are adjustable anti-roll bar blades at both ends. All wheel hubs come with centre-lock wheel nuts. There are two separate brake circuits for the front and rear axles; driver adjustable via a brake balance bar system. The front brakes consist of six-piston aluminium monobloc calipers gripping 380 mm discs; the rears are four-piston items with 372 mm discs.[108]
991 RSR (2017–2019)
In November 2016, Porsche introduced the new version of the 911 RSR for the LM GTE category. The car has a rear mid-engined design, powered by a 4.0-litre flat-six boxer engine, rated at 375 kW depending on series air restrictor. Other new features include a new transmission, a new direct fuel injection, a new aerodynamic pack including a swan-neck wing and a larger rear diffuser, quick-change body panels and double-wishbone suspension with quick-change shim-system all around, Bertrandt-developed LED lights first developed for the 919 Hybrid and new cockpit with fixed seat, movable pedal box, multi-function steering wheel with integrated display, a rear-view camera and collision avoidance system. The new RSR made its competition debut at the 2017 24 Hours of Daytona.[109][110]
At the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans the Manthey Racing-entered Porsche GT Team 911 RSR #92 and #91 finished 1–2 in the LM GTE Pro class respectively. Both #92 and #91 carried a special livery marking the 70th anniversary of the marque with the liveries being from past racing cars built by Porsche. The #92 carries the "Pink Pig" livery, homage to the 917/20 which used the same livery, and the #91 carries the iconic Rothmans-inspired livery from the 80s 956 and the 962.
991 GT3 Cup (2017–2020)
Unveiled at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, the 2017 911 GT3 Cup is based on the 991.2 911 GT3. Improvements on the previous model include a larger 4.0-litre flat-six boxer engine rated at 357 kW, improved aerodynamics and an enlarged escape-hatch in the roof. The GT3 Cup is priced at 189,900 Euro excluding taxes.[113]
991 GT3 R (2019–2023)
In May 2018 Porsche introduced a new iteration of the 911 GT3 R based on the 991.2 GT3 RS for GT3 racing, available for customer teams for the 2019 season. Its 4.0-litre flat-six boxer engine, largely identical to the unit used in the GT3 and GT3 RS street cars and GT3 Cup and RSR race cars, develops approx. 405 kW. Improvements include a larger diffuser for more efficient aero, double wishbone front suspension adopted from the RSR, a shim system allowing setup changes without new alignment, larger front tyres, an electro-hydraulically actuated clutch allowing the removal of the clutch pedal, a fuel cell that can be configured to be refilled from left or right of the vehicle depending on circuit layout, a rear-view camera and collision avoidance system, a fixed seat with movable pedal-box and energy-absorbing impact elements placed in the doors for improved safety as well as air conditioning. The GT3 R is priced at 459,000 Euro excluding taxes.[114][115]
991 RSR (2019–2023)
In July 2019, Porsche introduced the new version of the 911 RSR for the LM GTE category at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It is an evolution of the 991 RSR (2017), and 95% of the car is new. The engine has larger displacement, 4194 cc. A more rigid sequential manual constant-mesh gearbox allows for faster shifts. The two exhaust pipes now exit on each side in front of the rear wheels, making space for an optimised diffuser. Aerodynamic efficiency is claimed to have been improved significantly. The car retains safety features such as a removable roof hatch and a rigidly mounted seat with movable pedal-box from the predecessor model along with additional impact protection elements.[116]
992 GT3
992 GT3 Cup (2021–2025)
On 12 December 2020 Porsche unveiled the 992 GT3 cup, replacing the 991 GT3 cup. The 992 GT3 Cup has a 4.0L naturally aspirated flat-six boxer engine developing 375 kW at 8,400 rpm and 470 Nm of torque at 6,150 rpm, with a redline of 8,750 rpm. The body is made up of 70% aluminium and 30% steel reducing the weight to around 1,260 kg. Inside the car, there are new racing seats, a new carbon steering wheel and a new 10.3 in screen for data and diagnostics. The 911 GT3 Cup is priced at 225,000 Euro (US$267,165) excluding taxes.[117]
992 GT3 R (2023–present)
In the summer of 2022, Porsche unveiled the 992 generation of the 911 GT3 R. The car featured a bigger 4,194 cc engine compared to its predecessor, producing up to 565 bhp.[118] The car made its global racing debut at the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona, where the car suffered from ABS and traction control problems. These issues were addressed by Porsche in the following months with new updates to the car.[119]
992 GT3 Cup (2021–2025)
On 12 December 2020 Porsche unveiled the 992 GT3 cup, replacing the 991 GT3 cup. The 992 GT3 Cup has a 4.0L naturally aspirated flat-six boxer engine developing 375 kW at 8,400 rpm and 470 Nm of torque at 6,150 rpm, with a redline of 8,750 rpm. The body is made up of 70% aluminium and 30% steel reducing the weight to around 1,260 kg. Inside the car, there are new racing seats, a new carbon steering wheel and a new 10.3 in screen for data and diagnostics. The 911 GT3 Cup is priced at 225,000 Euro (US$267,165) excluding taxes.[117]
992 GT3 R (2023–present)
In the summer of 2022, Porsche unveiled the 992 generation of the 911 GT3 R. The car featured a bigger 4,194 cc engine compared to its predecessor, producing up to 565 bhp.[118] The car made its global racing debut at the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona, where the car suffered from ABS and traction control problems. These issues were addressed by Porsche in the following months with new updates to the car.[119] In August 2025, Porsche announced a new version of the 992 generation of the 911 GT3 R. The upgrades include new front fender louvers, a new rear wing Gurney flap and modified rear axle kinematics.[120] Further improvements were made to the cooling of the power steering system, new ceramic wheel bearings, and new cooling ducts for drive shafts.[121] The new iteration made its competitive debut at the 2025 12 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, finishing second overall.[122]
992 GT3 R Rennsport
During the 2023 Rennsport reunion Porsche debuted the track-only 911 GT3 R rennsport. This car was created to celebrate Porsche's 75th anniversary. It is based on the 992 GT3 R, making it effectively an unrestricted GT3 car. Only 77 cars were produced.[123]
Racing history
Apart from numerous class wins, the 911 GT3 won major events overall:
- 24 Hours Nürburgring in 2000, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2018, 2021 by Manthey Racing team
- Various VLN races at the Nürburgring.
- Spa 24 Hours in 2003, 2010, 2019, 2020
- 24 Hours of Daytona in 2003
- Petit Le Mans in 2015
- Bathurst 12 Hour in 2019, 2024
- Dubai 24 Hour in 2021
Porsche Cup
Various national and regional Porsche Carrera Cup and Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge as well as the international Porsche Supercup one-make series – which serves as Formula One support series – utilise the 911 GT3 since 1998.
1999
Due to the absence of the official Porsche team in the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans, only privateers with the nearly obsolete air-cooled 993 GT2 Turbo were expected to represent the marque, with few chances to beat the Chrysler Viper for GTS class honors. Two new race versions of the water-cooled 996 GT3-R were entered in the GT class by private teams. The car entered by the German Manthey Racing team finished 13th overall.
2000s
The 996 GT3-R was made available to privateer teams. In the 24 Hours Nürburgring of the year 2000, a factory-backed effort of the local Phoenix team managed to beat the Zakspeed Chrysler Viper that dominated this race from 1998 to 2000. The improved 996 GT3-RS version of 2001 was entered in countless races in the years to follow, scoring not only many class wins, but also overall wins at Daytona and Spa in 2003. In 2004, the 996 GT3-RSR was made available, with numerous improvements to the RS, including a sequential gearbox, which allows for faster gearshifts.
VLN
In 2005, the new 997-generation racing vehicles began to debut with the GT3 Cup, followed by the launch of the 911 GT3-RSR at the 2006 Spa 24 Hours. In VLN endurance races, the Manthey entry won the last 4h race before the 24h event, and then the big event also. Their Porsche 997 GT3 RSR has a larger front splitter, taller rear wing and a 500 PS 4.0L Flat-6 engine.
24 Hours of Le Mans
After winning the 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans outright, Porsche dominated the GT/N-GT class at Le Mans. There were no major competitors and Porsche took seven consecutive class wins from 1999 to 2005. In 2006 the Porsches led for much of the race but one by one the competitors had problems and withdrew. Last minute mechanical issues threw the Seikel car back behind the surprising winner, the Panoz Esperante GTLMM.
2007 saw the debut of the 997 GT3 RSR. IMSA Matmut took pole by more than a second over the Ferrari (but lost it after breaching Parc Fermé rules). The new Porsche was now fitted with wider rear tyres and smaller restrictors than the rules allow. This was compensated by the car weighing 100 kg more. The Porsche now stood at 1220 kg and 485 PS. This was an advantage at Le Mans over the lighter and nimbler F430.
Le Mans Series
Felbermayr-Proton and IMSA Performance Matmut received the new 997 just before the 2007 season. Marc Lieb and Richard Lietz share the better of the two Felbermayr cars. Patrick Pilet and Raymond Narac share the IMSA car. Felbermayr-Proton won the championship in 2009 and 2010. In 2011, Nicholas Armindo won the GTE-Am class.
