Porsche has won the Bathurst 12 Hour (Australia) for the first time, and has added another chapter to the impressive success story of the Porsche 911 GT3 R in its final performance at a major endurance race. Works driver Dirk Werner (Germany) as well as the two Porsche Young Professionals Matt Campbell (Australia) and Dennis Olsen (Norway) brought the GT3 car fielded by EMB over the line in first place. The fledgling customer team managed by Porsche works driver Earl Bamber (New Zealand) triumphed at its maiden outing on an international stage in the fight against experienced teams from eight manufacturers.

In a breathtaking finale on the Mount Panorama Circuit, local hero Campbell ultimately beat his top-league rivals, to the great delight of his fellow compatriots in the grandstands. In the final 20 minutes of the 12-hour endurance race, the Porsche Young Professional picked off three vehicles one after the other and with perfectly-executed manoeuvres swept into the lead with the No. 912 Porsche 911 GT3 R. His teammates, Werner and Olsen, drove strong stints and his EMB team worked flawlessly with a perfect strategy to lay the foundation for this victory.

Lady Luck, however, was not shining on their team colleagues Romain Dumas (France), Sven Müller (Germany) and Mathieu Jaminet (France). From the half-way point of the race, the driver trio in the Porsche 911 GT3 R swapped the lead with the sister vehicle over long stretches, however the No. 911 car did not see the finish. With three hours left to go, a problem with the power steering hampered the charge of the fast and consistent GT3 vehicle and forced it into the pits.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R fielded by the customer team Competition Motorsport/McElrea Racing retired after an accident of David Calvert-Jones (USA) early on in the race. Jaxon Evans gave an impressive performance at his maiden outing as a Porsche Junior. The New Zealand shared the No. 12 vehicle with works driver Kévin Estre (France) and Calvert-Jones. The identical GT3 car of the Black Swan Racing squad could not contest the race due to an accident during practice.

For the opening round of the 2019 Intercontinental GT Challenge 2019, the 2018-spec version of the ca. 500 hp GT3 car was campaigned for the final time, as stipulated by the rules. Included on the Weissach racing car’s extensive list of successes is an overall victory at the Nürburgring 24-hour race as well as titles in the ADAC GT Masters and the North American Pirelli World Challenge. From the second race of the season in Laguna Seca (USA), customer teams will again race the new version of the vehicle, which celebrated its race debut last weekend at Daytona (USA). The new Porsche 911 GT3 R features numerous improvements in terms of driveability, aerodynamics and kinematics.

In the Class B of the 12-hour race in Australia, the customer team Grove Racing scored a comfortable lights-to-flag victory. Ben Barker (Great Britain) and the father-son team Stephen and Brenton Grove (Australia) secured first place with the No. 4 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup ahead of the same model vehicle run by the Carrera Cup Asia squad.

Comments on the race
Fritz Enzinger (Vice President Motorsport): “What a banner day for Porsche Motorsport. Congratulations to all drivers and particularly to the team principal, Earl Bamber, who has impressed me greatly with his fortitude and meticulousness over the years. Earl is not only a world-class racing driver, he’s also a top team boss. He underlined this today. It’s perfect that the fledgling EMB team has handed us the first victory at Bathurst at the swan song of the Porsche 911 GT3 R after three very successful years. Now we are looking forward to the second race of the season at Laguna Seca. We aim to bring home the next win with the new car.”

Pascal Zurlinden (Director GT Factory Motorsport): “We still had some unfinished business at Bathurst, and now it’s settled. For our proven Porsche 911 GT3 R to win at its last major race, we couldn’t have dreamed for a more wonderful finish. I take my hat off to our drivers, who had to fight in sweltering heat. And we mustn’t forget the customer team Earl Bamber Motorsport. This was the first race at this level for EBM, they tackled it with a top-class, experienced crew and promptly won. This could be the first chapter of an epic story. We look forward to further joint outings. Now we’re looking ahead and preparing ourselves for the next two big events for Porsche Motorsport: the doubleheader in Sebring with the WEC and IMSA and the next round of the IGTC in Laguna Seca.”

Sebastian Golz (Project Manager 911 GT3 R): “This finale was breathtaking. We focussed our entire race strategy on this last stint. The team prepared for it perfectly, and the drivers implemented it perfectly. At the end we fitted fresh tyres, filled the tank and put Matt Campbell in the car – then full attack to the finish line. This victory at the last big race is a fair reward for the very successful Porsche 911 GT3 R. Such a farewell before the car heads into the Museum rounds off the success story perfectly. The EBM team did a sensational job, as well. The squad was put together at short notice with unflagging commitment and great meticulousness. The fact that they promptly scored a victory is phenomenal and a consequence of the professional work.”

Earl Bamber (Team Principal EBM): “We only began putting the team together at the beginning of December. Since then we’ve invested a huge amount of work into this project – not just me, but my brother Will and many other supporters, as well. Our goal was to be able to offer the drivers two equal cars at the very highest level. We succeeded. The No. 911 led over long stretches but then fell back. But we had a second iron in the fire. The No. 912 stepped up to the mark. What Matt achieved in his last stint is film worthy. The fact that we now send this car into the Museum with a victory makes it all the more emotional. I’m completely over the moon.”

Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 GT3 R #912): “I knew without doubt in the finale where the strengths of our car lay – and I then used them consequently. I eyed up my competitors, I made my overtaking moves resolutely and never backed off. That was an important key to this victory and I’m overjoyed. Bathurst is a legendary race, and it’s my home race. It was the first GT3 race for Earl Bamber’s team. To win at the first outing and in this manner is simply brilliant.”

Dirk Werner (Porsche 911 GT3 R #912): “This is a great victory. I’ve waited a long time for such a success at a major race. There are so many special stories from this race. It was the maiden GT3 race for Earl’s team, it was the last race for the Porsche 911 GT3 R and not least there was Matt Campbell’s performance, he really turned up the heat at the end. It was an incredible achievement from everyone involved. I’m absolutely thrilled.”

Dennis Olsen (Porsche 911 GT3 R #912): “Incredible! That one word actually sums it all up. We all worked hard for this win. Ultimately, it was about Matt’s performance in the final stint. How he fought for the lead was nothing less than amazing. I still can’t quite put my feelings into words. I guess it first has to all sink in.”

Romain Dumas (Porsche 911 GT3 R #911): “We were fast, constant and strategically well positioned with our Porsche 911 GT3 R. I drove a double stint early this morning with one set of tyres. That would have given us the benefit of fresh tyres at the end. Unfortunately we couldn’t reap the rewards of the entire team’s hard work. The fact that something breaks at such a gruelling long distance race is simply part of racing. You can’t do anything about that.”

Sven Müller (Porsche 911 GT3 R #911): “The Bathurst track is awesome. It’s a little like the Nürburgring-Nordschleife – I like it. I had some exciting, tough duels during my stint and it was great fun. At times we were in the lead. Unfortunately we got the news that the power steering had a defect. And unfortunately we were out. Congratulations to our colleagues in the No. 912 car.”

Mathieu Jaminet (Porsche 911 GT3 R #911): “We started into the race from twelfth on the grid and ploughed our way up the field. We kept out of trouble and drove our laps flawlessly. That earned us the lead. Unfortunately, about three hours before the flag, the power steering went. Luckily I managed to keep the car on the track. It’s too bad that we were thrown out of contention. But we’ll tick this off and look ahead.”

Kévin Estre (Porsche 911 GT3 R #12): “The most important thing is that our teammate “CJ” is doing okay. It was a really hard impact in a passage where you reach over 200 km/h. Even if something small goes wrong there, it’s over. For me it’s a shame, of course, because this is the second time in four years that I didn’t get a chance to drive here at Bathurst because of an incident.”

Jaxon Evans (Porsche 911 GT3 R #12): “I enjoyed my first race as a Porsche Junior. I found the first stint at dawn particularly impressive. We were going well in the race and our pace was good, but unfortunately my teammate had an accident. That’s Bathurst, something like that can happen to anyone here. One tiny mistake often has big consequences. Of course I’m sorry for Kévin who didn’t get to drive a single lap in the race.”

Brenton Grove (Porsche 911 GT3 Cup #4): “We did a flawless job. There’s not one scratch on our car after twelve hours of racing. And that’s exactly what makes the difference in this race. We were totally concentrated, we simply let the heavy GT3 traffic go, and got the most of our car in the gaps that appeared. That’s how you score a class win at Bathurst.”

Race result
1. Werner/Olsen/Campbell, Porsche 911 GT3 R #912, 312 laps
2. Dennis/Vaxiviere/Kirchhöfer, Aston Martin #62, 312 laps
3. Buhk/Marciello/Götz, Mercedes #999, 312 laps
16. Grove/Grove/Barker, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup #4, 299 laps
19. Tresidder/v.d. Drift/ Bao/Hamprecht, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup #23, 279 laps
DNF Dumas/Müller/Jaminet, Porsche 911 GT3 R #911, 234 laps
DNF Studderd/Fillmore/Muscat, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup #43, 134 laps
DNF Estre/Evans/Calvert-Jones, Porsche 911 GT3 R #12, 37 laps

This is the Intercontinental GT Challenge
The 2019 Intercontinental GT Challenge calendar is made up of five endurance race on five continents. While the teams are only permitted to field 2018-spec GT3 cars at the season-opening round in Bathurst (Australia), the latest generation is allowed at the following races in Laguna Seca (USA), Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), Suzuka (Japan) and at the season finale in Kyalami (South Africa). Porsche will not compete with a factory squad in the international racing series for GT3 vehicles, but will instead support different customer teams in their campaign.

The Porsche GT Team was rewarded for a strong performance with a place on the podium at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Under difficult conditions on the Daytona International Speedway (USA), the two Porsche 911 RSR racers achieved positions three and five. The ca. 510 hp sports cars from Weissach had clearly dominated the first half of the long-distance classic. However, heavy rain, numerous caution phases, interruptions and incidents threw the two factory cars in the legendary Brumos design into a rainy game of chance in the final hours. The new Porsche 911 GT3 R achieved eighth place at its race debut.

Heading into the race on Saturday afternoon (local time) in dry conditions, Nick Tandy (Great Britain) made perfect use of his pole position, with the No. 911 Porsche 911 RSR holding the lead over many laps. His French teammates Patrick Pilet and Frédéric Makowiecki retained the top spot into the night. Torrential rain early on Sunday morning proved to be a watershed moment in a perfect race. With deep water on the track, the 911 of the polesitter fell back into fifth place.

The sister car shared by Earl Bamber (New Zealand), Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium) and Mathieu Jaminet (France) experienced bad luck early on in the race. The repairs to a defect in the front splitter mounting threw the trio in the No. 912 Porsche 911 RSR back by four laps. Thanks to a flawless drive and perfect strategy, the gap was quickly closed so that both factory cars were back amongst the frontrunners. The No. 912 vehicle was relegated to fourth place in arguably the worst conditions in the 57-year history of the endurance classic, but was classified third when a penalty was handed to a competitor when the race was finally stopped after 24 hours and 50 minutes.

In the GTD class, the new Porsche 911 GT3 R run by the Park Place Motorsports customer team achieved eighth place. After several setbacks, works driver Patrick Long (USA), Porsche Young Professional Matt Campbell (Australia) as well as the two American racing drivers Patrick Lindsey and Nicholas Boulle repeatedly fought their way up the order. Over long stretches, the team from Texas and its experienced drivers underlined the immense potential of the new GT3 car from Weissach and led the race in the final stages. However, the interruption immediately after a pit stop foiled the tactics and thus the chance of a victory.

Bad luck also plagued the customer teams Black Swan Racing and Pfaff Motorsports, with accidents throwing their ca. 500 hp vehicles into retirement. The squads from the USA and Canada managed to match the pace of the frontrunners and were at times on course for a podium spot. A technical defect threw the Porsche 911 GT3 R fielded by NGT Motorsport out of contention early in the race.

Round two of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will also be held in Florida. On 16 March, the 12 Hours of Sebring (USA) will be contested as a doubleheader with the FIA WEC.

Comments on the race
Pascal Zurlinden (Director GT Factory Motorsport): “If you ignore the weather, then you have to admit that was a great race. We witnessed some top-class racing from all manufacturers. It was a great show for the fans. We were really strong in dry conditions, in the wet, however, things didn’t really go as we’d hoped. The result might look a little disappointing at first glance, but the potential shown and the perfect teamwork make me very optimistic.”

Steffen Höllwarth (Program Manager IMSA SportsCar Championship): “That was a gripping race, from which we’re very happy to take home a podium result. We led the field over long stretches, we coped impressively with a setback for our No. 912 car and we regained lost time. There were many highs and lows. We were very fast in the dry with a setup designed for high top speeds on the straights, but unfortunately not quite so in the wet. To achieve a podium result under such difficult conditions is a great effort. Now we’re looking ahead with optimism to the next race in Sebring. We are keen to repeat our victory there from last year.”

Patrick Pilet (Porsche 911 RSR #911): “I’m very disappointed, because we were really strong in the practice sessions and the first half of the race. We couldn’t quite maintain the performance in the rain. A collision cost us two laps in the race, but that wasn’t the decisive factor. I’m focussing on the positive aspects. Our car was extremely fast on a dry track. Our team and the driver trio are strong. So I’m heading to the upcoming race in Sebring feeling optimistic.”

Nick Tandy (Porsche 911 RSR #911): “The first hours were great fun. Our car was fast and reliable, I enjoyed thrilling duels against drivers of other brands. But then torrential rain came. Having to drive at Daytona in such conditions is a very different experience. But we can’t complain. It could have been much worse.”

Frédéric Makowiecki (Porsche 911 RSR #911): “I think we can be very proud of our performance this weekend. In the practice and qualifying sessions we were at the front, and in dry conditions we led the race over long periods. Unfortunately that changed completely once the rain set in. We experienced serious aquaplaning and therefore couldn’t quite maintain the pace. At the end of the day I’m left with many positive impressions.”

Earl Bamber (Porsche 911 RSR #912): “What a crazy race. We were extremely fast, we coped impressively with a bitter setback and we had a car to beat in dry conditions. The situation was different in the rain. We were no longer the fastest out there. All in all, we’ve started the season well with a podium result.”

Laurens Vanthoor (Porsche 911 RSR #912): “Everything was going fine until late at night. We’d set up our car for a high top speed and this worked perfectly in the dry, but we lacked downforce in the wet. I enjoy big challenges and I’m a fan of old-school racing, but these conditions were just crazy. When you’re driving at 290 km/h and you can only see two metres in front of you and you’re flying blind with 30 other cars on your tail all going the same speed, well, that just goes too far. I don’t ever want to experience something like this again.”

Mathieu Jaminet (Porsche 911 RSR #912): “Had it stayed dry, we would definitely have been able to fight for victory. Unfortunately we lacked a bit of speed in the wet. Third place was certainly the most we could do under these conditions. We can be proud of our performance and result. We’ve earned many points to start the season and are on the podium.”

Dennis Olsen (Porsche 911 GT3 R #9): “It’s such a shame. We never let ourselves become disheartened by the setbacks, instead we fought back time and again. We were on course for a podium finish, but then everything went wrong. First a minor problem with the electrics hampered us, then came the crash. At the restart, my teammate couldn’t see a thing and was unable to avoid a collision with another car. Unfortunately the damage to the vehicle was too extensive. I’m certain that Pfaff Motorsports will soon earn the reward they deserve.”

Patrick Long (Porsche 911 GT3 R #73): “Sometimes the right timing is everything in motorsport. Unfortunately this didn’t work for us today. This wasn’t because of the team’s performance, the interruptions due to the heavy rain cost us a better result. Still, we’ve earned some decent points. The season is still very long, and every point counts. The new Porsche 911 GT3 R is fast. That makes me confident for the upcoming races.”

Sven Müller (Porsche 911 GT3 R #99): “Well, we hadn’t really expected it to be like this. During the race week we worked together brilliantly and made constant improvements. It’s extremely disappointing, of course, when the car is out of the race after less than two hours. But that’s how it is sometimes in motor racing. I’ll now tick this off and hope that we’ll be back in this constellation this coming year to successfully complete our mission.”

Dirk Werner (Porsche 911 GT3 R #540): “Retiring from a race is always disappointing, but that’s racing sometimes. We didn’t just experience changeable weather, we also had many ups and downs as a team. We were one lap down several times, but again and again we fought our way back into the top group. When a rival hit the rear of our car in heavy rain this morning the car was beyond repair – it’s a great pity.”

Race result
GTLM class
1. Farfus/De Philippi/Eng/Herta (BMW #25), 571 laps
2. Rigon/Molina/Pier Guidi/Calado (Ferrari #62), 571 laps
3. Bamber/Vanthoor/Jaminet (Porsche #912), 570 laps
4. Briscoe/Westbrook/Dixon (Ford #67), 570 laps
5. Pilet/Tandy/Makowiecki (Porsche #911), 569 laps
6. Magnussen/Garcia/Rockenfeller (Corvette #3), 563 laps
7. Hand/Müller/Bourdais (Ford #66), 559 laps
8. Gavin/Milner/Fässler (Corvette #4), 555 laps
9. Krohn/Edwards/Mostert/Zanardi (BMW #24), 553 laps

GTD class
1. Ineichen/Bortolotti/Engelhart/Breukers (Lamborghini #11), 561 laps
2. Morad/Mies/Vanthoor (Audi #29), 561 laps
3. Montecalvo/Bell/Telitz/Segal (Lexus #12), 561 laps
8. Long/Campbell/Lindsey/Boulle (Porsche #73), 560 laps
16. Werner/Cairoli/Seefried/Pappas (Porsche #540) 545 laps
19. Kern/Olsen/Robichon/Hargrove (Porsche #9), 470 laps
23. Müller/Bachler/Renauer/Häring/Görig (Porsche #99), 47 lap

This is the IMSA SportsCar Championship
The IMSA SportsCar Championship is a sports car race series that has been contested in the USA and Canada since 2014. The series originated from the merger of the American Le Mans Series and the Grand-Am Series. Sports prototypes and sports cars start in four different classes: GTLM (GT Le Mans), GTD (GT Daytona), Dpi (Daytona Prototype international) and LMP2 (Le Mans Prototype 2). The Porsche 911 RSR runs in the GTLM class, and the Porsche 911 GT3 R contests the GTD class.

Porsche has presented the new 911 on snow and ice. After the world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show at the end of November 2018, the eighth generation of the sports car icon was presented yesterday, Friday, at the Areit-Alm high above Zell am See in Austria. It was the first appearance of the vehicle away from a motor show. For this, a helicopter flew the new 911 to the Alm, which is located at an altitude of 1,408 metres. The presentation was accompanied by Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Porsche AG, Albrecht Reimold, Member of the Executive Board responsible for Production and Logistics, the brand ambassadors Walter Röhrl and Mark Webber as well as the works drivers Timo Bernhard and Richard Lietz.

More powerful, faster, digital: the new 911
The new 911 will also set standards in the future in terms of exclusive sportiness, and unmistakably features the Porsche design DNA. Intelligent control and chassis elements as well as innovative assistance systems combine the uncompromising dynamics of the classic rear-engine sports car with the demands of the digital world. The now launched Carrera S models are equipped with further developed flat-six turbocharged engines producing an impressive 331 kW (450 PS). The power is delivered by a newly developed eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Both S models beat the four-second mark for acceleration from zero to 100 km/h: with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the rear-wheel-drive Coupé needs just 3.5 seconds, while the 911 Carrera 4S with all-wheel drive completes the sprint in 3.4 seconds. The top speeds are 308 km/h (911 Carrera S) and 306 km/h for the all-wheel-drive version.

The 911 Carrera S costs from 120,125 euros in Germany, the 911 Carrera 4S from 127,979 euros; the corresponding Cabriolet variants are available from 134,405 euros or 142,259 euros respectively. The prices include value-added tax and country-specific equipment.

Legend on your wrist: 911 Chronograph Timeless Machine Limited Edition
Porsche Design is honouring the new generation of the 911 with a strictly limited special-edition watch: the 911 Chronograph Timeless Machine Limited Edition. Like the legendary sports car, the chronograph impresses with purist design, uncompromising functionality and absolute performance. The chronograph will be available from April 2019 at a price of 4,911 euros (RRP) in Porsche Design Stores, Porsche Centres, specialist shops and also online at www.porsche-design.com.

Motor sports spectacle on snow and ice
The presentation took place before the “GP Ice Race” in Zell am See. This is the new edition of the ice race held from 1937 to 1974. The event, which is taking place this Saturday and Sunday at Zell sports airport, offers spectators plenty of motor sports action with historic and current race and rally vehicles – including numerous Porsche models. The around 130 participants who will drift around the 600-metre long ice track include the Le Mans winner Hans-Joachim Stuck as well as the Porsche brand ambassadors Mark Webber and Walter Röhrl.

Six weeks after the Coupe launch, attention now turns to the Porsche 911 Cabriolet. The open-top 911 continues a decades-long tradition, established when the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer unveiled the prototype of the first 911 Cabriolet at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in September 1981: customers and fans alike were instantly captivated. The first fully open-roof 911 variant rolled off the production line in 1982, and it has been a constant feature in the model range ever since.

The new model echoes the timeless and contemporary design of the Coupe, remaining unmistakably a Porsche 911 in Cabriolet form. The fully-automatic soft top has an integrated glass rear window and the roof structure contains magnesium surface elements, known as ‘bows’, which reliably prevent ballooning of the roof at high speeds. The top can be opened or closed at speeds up to 30 mph; and new roof hydraulics reduce opening time to around twelve seconds – quicker than ever – while an electrically extendable wind deflector ensures high comfort for the driver and passenger.

The 911 Cabriolet is initially available as a Carrera S with rear-wheel drive and Carrera 4S with all-wheel drive. Both use the charismatic flat-six cylinder, 2,981 cc, twin-turbocharged ‘boxer’ engine producing 450 PS (331 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 530 Nm torque between 2,300 and 5,000 rpm. The drive efficiency has been increased and emissions reduced by way of an improved fuel injection process; other optimisation measures have also been implemented, such as a new layout for the turbochargers and charge air cooling system. The power is delivered by a newly-developed eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission.

The Carrera S accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds (with optional Sport Chrono Package: 3.7 seconds) and, where permitted, can reach speeds up to 190 mph. The Carrera 4S attains a top speed of 188 mph and achieves 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds (with optional Sport Chrono Package: 3.6 seconds). The fuel consumption (NED-correlated) of the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet is 31 mpg (208 g/km CO2 equivalent) and for the Carrera 4S Cabriolet is 31.3 mpg (207 g/km CO2 equivalent).

The new mounting position for the flat-six engine makes the Cabriolet even more rigid torsionally than its predecessor. For the first time, the sport chassis configuration with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is available for the 911 Cabriolet. The springs are shorter and stiffer, the front and rear anti-roll-bars toughened, and the ride height overall has been lowered by ten millimetres. These adjustments give the 911 a more neutral feel on the road, with better weight distribution.

An exterior design that draws on earlier generations of the 911
The new 911 Cabriolet looks wider, more self-assured and altogether more muscular than its predecessor. Wider arches envelope the large 20-inch diameter wheels at the front and 21-inch diameter wheels at the rear. The rear-wheel-drive models now match the bodywork width of the existing all-wheel drive versions, being broader by 44 mm. The nose – generally 45 mm wider across the front axle – revives a traditional feature from earlier 911 generations: a forward-extended bonnet with a distinctive recess in front of the windscreen. Both elements lengthen the front of the car and lend further dynamic purpose.

The rear of all models is dominated by the significantly wider, variable-position aerodynamic spoiler and the seamless, elegant light bar. With the exception of the front and rear sections, the entire outer skin is now made from aluminium.

Redesigned interior with clear lines
The interior is distinctive, with clear, straight lines and recessed instruments defining the dashboard. As it does in the original 911, the new dashboard covers the entire width between two horizontal wing levels. Alongside the centrally positioned rev counter, two thin, frameless freeform displays deliver information to the driver. Now 10.9 inches in size, the centre screen of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) can be operated quickly and without causing distraction.

Sophisticated assistance systems enhance safety and comfort
In a world first, Porsche has developed Wet Mode, which is included as standard. This function detects water on the road, preconditions the control systems accordingly and warns the driver, who can then set the car up to focus on safety, by simply pushing a button or using the mode switch on the steering wheel (in combination with Sport Chrono Package). The camera-based warning and brake assist system, also fitted as standard, detects the risk of collision with vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, and initiates a warning or emergency braking procedure if necessary. A park assistant system including reversing camera completes the standard configuration of the Cabriolet. Options for the 911 include Night Vision Assist with thermal imaging camera, as well as adaptive cruise control with automatic distance control, stop-and-go function and reversible occupant protection.

The new models are available to order from Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland from today. The 911 Carrera S Cabriolet is priced from £102,755.00 RRP and the 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet from £108,063.00 RRP.

Customers will also be invited to explore the potential of their new car, and further develop their own skills behind the wheel, by participating in a bespoke driving experience around the unique tracks at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.

Three years after the premiere of the first Cayman GT4 Clubsport, Porsche now unveils its successor. The new 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport represents a consequent further development of the successful model from Weissach.

In developing the new 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, the focus was put not only on further improved driveability and faster lap times but also on the sustainable use of raw materials. The 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport is the first ever production race car to feature body parts made of natural-fibre composite material. The driver and passenger doors and the rear wing are made of an organic fibre mix, sourced primarily from agricultural by-products such as flax or hemp fibres and feature similar properties to carbon fibre in terms of weight and stiffness.

Powering the 718 GT4 Clubsport is a 3.8-litre flat-six engine producing 425 bhp (313 kW). Compared to its predecessor, this represents a 40 bhp increase in performance. The power is transferred to the rear wheels via a Porsche dual-clutch gearbox with six gears and mechanical rear axle differential lock. The lightweight spring-strut front suspension is taken from its big 911 GT3 Cup brother. The impressive racing brake system features steel brake discs all round measuring 380 mm in diameter.

Tipping the scales at 1,320 kg, the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, delivered ex-works with a welded-in safety cage, a racing bucket seat as well as a six-point harness, is a real lightweight.

For the first time, the near-standard mid-engined racer comes in two versions ex-works for global track driving excitement: the “Trackday” model and the “Competition” variant for national and international motor racing. Only the “Competition” edition is offered in the UK.

The “Competition” model – which is available in the UK via the Porsche Cars GB Motorsport department – features a raft of details relevant for racing. The shock absorbers can be adjusted in three stages. The safety fuel tank with a capacity of 115 litres is suitable for long-distance events. Thanks to a brake balance system, the balance bias can be infinitely adjusted between the front and rear axle. An integrated air jack system guarantees fast pit stops. The quick-release racing steering wheel adopted from the 911 GT3 R ensures a range of adjustment options for the individual needs of the drivers. An automatic fire extinguishing system adds another safety feature for the racetrack. The 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport “Competition” is priced at £130,300.00 plus VAT, and is not homologated for road use.

“The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport possesses significantly more racing genes than its successful predecessor,” says Porsche’s head of motorsport Fritz Enzinger. “The power of the engine has increased considerably. At the same time, we were able to increase the downforce and the cockpit is now even better suited to drivers’ needs. I’m confident that we can build on the excellent sales figures of the predecessor, of which we have delivered 421 cars.”

The car is available to order immediately and will be delivered to teams and drivers around the world from February.

Technical description Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport (Type 982)

Concept
• Single-seater, near-standard production-based race car, not road homologated

Engine
• Aluminium six-cylinder mid-positioned boxer engine with rigid mounting
• 3,800 cc; stroke 77.5 mm, bore 102 mm
• Max. power: 425 bhp (313 kW ) at 7,500 rpm
• Max. rpm: 7,800 rpm
• Max. torque: 425 Nm at 6,600 rpm
• Compression ratio: 12.5:1
• Racing optimised water cooling with thermal management for engine and gearbox
• Four-valve technology with adjustable camshaft phasing and variable valve timing VarioCam Plus
• Fuel quality: Super Plus unleaded, minimum 98 octane
• Racing optimised electronic engine management (Continental SDI 9)
• Integrated dry sump lubrication
• 100-cell metal catalytic converter complying with DMSB specifications

Transmission
• Rear wheel drive
• 6-speed PDK gearbox with rigid suspension and electronic control unit optimised for racing
• Reinforced dual mass flywheel
• Internal pressure oil lubrication with active oil cooling
• Differential lock optimised for racing

Bodywork
• Lightweight body in aluminium-steel composite construction
• Welded-in roll cage, certified according to FIA Art. 277
• Front bonnet with quick release fasteners
• Rear hood with quick release fasteners
• Fixed rear wing with “swan neck” mount made of natural-fibre composite materials, including the sideblades, black aluminium wing supports with integrated carbon fibre Gurney flap
• Driver and co-driver doors of natural-fibre composite materials
• Roof including escape hatch, certified according to FIA Art. 275a
• Recaro race bucket seat with longitudinal adjustment and padding system, adjustable to the individual needs of the drivers (in accordance with FIA Standard 8862/2009 – the latest FIA requirements)
• Three-piston air jack system
• Provision for safety net
• FIA-certified towing loops, front and rear
• Motorsport centre console with enhanced functionality and adapted usability
• Six-point safety harness
• 115-litre FT3 safety fuel cell with “Fuel Cut Off” safety valve complying with FIA regulations

Suspension
Front axle:
• MacPherson suspension strut, adjustable in height, camber and track
• Forged suspension links: optimised stiffness, double shear mounting, high-performance spherical bearings
• 5-bolt wheel hubs
• Racing 3-way shock absorbers with rebound and 2-stage compression adjustment, high and low speed
• Electromechanical power steering with variable steering ratio
• Anti-roll bar, 3-hole design

Rear axle:
• MacPherson suspension strut, adjustable in height, camber and track
• Forged suspension links: optimised stiffness, double shear mounting, high-performance spherical bearings
• 5-bolt wheel hubs
• Racing 3-way shock absorbers with rebound and 2-stage compression adjustment, high and low speed
• Adjustable blade-type anti-roll bar

Brake system
Front axle:
• Aluminium, mono-bloc six-piston racing callipers with “Anti Knock Back” piston springs
• Steel brake discs, multi-piece, ventilated and grooved, 380 mm diameter
• Racing brake pads
• Brake balance adjustment via a balance bar system

Rear axle:
• Aluminium, mono-bloc four-piston racing callipers with “Anti Knock Back” piston springs
• Steel brake discs, multi-piece, ventilated and grooved, 380 mm diameter
• Racing brake pads
• Brake balance adjustment via a balance bar system

Electrics
• COSWORTH instrument cluster ICD with integrated data logger
• Upgraded fault diagnosis with PIWIS motorsport tester
• Porsche Track Precision Race App
• Integrated lap trigger via GPS signal
• Electronic throttle system
• Lightweight lithium-ion (LiFePo) battery, 60 Ah, leak-proof, mounted in passenger footwell
• Emergency cut-off switch in cockpit and outside left of the windscreen
• Driving stability system PSM (Porsche Stability Management) with ABS, traction Control (TC) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), able to be completely deactivated
• Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
• Central fire extinguishing system in accordance with FIA regulations
• Air conditioning
• Electric wing mirror adjustment
• Multifunctional CFRP motorsport steering wheel with pit speed limiter and quick release coupling
• Centre console with map switch to adjust the ABS, ESC, TC and switch between preset tyre circumferences

Weight/dimensions
• Total weight: 1,320 kg
• Total length: 4,456 mm
• Total width: 1,778 mm
• Total height: 1,238 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,456 mm

Rims/Tyres
Front axle:
• One-piece light-alloy forged wheels in new weight-optimised rim design, 9J x 18 offset 28 with 5-bolt mounting
• Delivered with Michelin transportation tyres, dimension: 25/64-18
• Michelin slick/wet tyres, dimension: 25/64-18

Rear axle:
• One-piece light-alloy forged wheel in new weight-optimised rim design, 10.5J x 18.5 offset 53 with 5-bolt mounting
• Delivered with Michelin transportation tyres, dimension: 27/68-18
• Michelin slick/wet tyres, dimension: 27/68-18

Colours
• Water-based paint
• Exterior: white C9A
• Interior: white filler-coat, without lacquer

Delivery
Starting in February 2019