FOR THE 2002 season: More power, larger brakes and optimised aerodynamics. These are the most important news at the near-standard 911 GT3 Cup racing sports car for the coming season.

A moderate 10 hp increase to 380 hp (279 kW), delivered by the 3.6-litre engine at 7200 rpm, is predominantly reached through the use of the Bosch motronic 3.1, which by now was reserved for the stronger 911 GT3 RS. Maximum torque increased by 10 Nm to 380 Nm at 6250 rpm.

Braking performances of the 2002 Cup-Carrera not only surpass the performance of all predecessors thanks to the optimised ventilation of the front wheel housing. For the first time in Cup-car history, the front axle features six-piston fixed callipers, and front brake discs measuring 350 mm in diameter (2001: 330 mm).

The front section displays the headlight design of the 911 Turbo. With its newly-shaped air-inlets, the cooling-air flow at the front increased by 15 percent. The air extraction from the front wheel-houses underwent further optimisation. The newly-designed standard body reduces uplift at the front axle by 25 percent, and at the rear axle by 40 percent

Jesper Carlsen, one of the 2001 Cup-drivers. explains about the new car:

“The GT3 for the 2002 Cup looks very much like the 2001-racer. You notice the facelift with the Turbo-spoiler and the new headlights. But this is not the exciting part – the fun comes from inside.”
“The new more aerodynamic front gives more down force, that secures more grip to the front wheels. To keep the balance the rear wing is optimised.”
“One of the big problems this years car was the breaks. The coming 2002 version is improved, the pads are 40 percent bigger which will improved the car especially under heavy breaking from top speed to tight chicanes, e.g. at Monza.”
“I think the Super Cup car is improved; but I am not sure if is easier to drive. One thing is for sure – it’s not more boring to race...,” says Carlsen, who wants to go on in the series next year.

FACTS
· Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 2002
· Six-cylinder boxer
· Four valves per cylinder
· 3598 cc, stroke 76.4, bore 100 mm
· 380 hp (279 kW) at 7250 rpm
· Max. torque 380 Nm at 6250 rpm
· Max. revs 8000 pm
· Front 9J x 18, 245/645-18
· Rear 11J x 18, 305/660-18
· Internally ventilated, perforated brake discs
· Front 350 mm, six-piston alu-callipers
· Rear 330 mm, four piston alu-calipers
· 4 channel standard ABS, modified for racing


Images:
1) 2002 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racing car – new headlights and front spoiler. 2) GT3 Cup – now with 380 hp. 3) 9J at the front, 11J at the rear. 4) New logotype. 5) Jesper Carlsen, Super Cup driver: “I wonder if the new car is easier to drive”.