This year, AO Racing is again racing the new the Porsche 911 GT3 R (type 992), a high-performance racing car produced by Porsche Motorsport, the motorsport division of Porsche AG. It is the second Porsche race car built on the platform of the newest generation of Porsche 911, the type 992, the first being the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car.
The 911 GT3 R features a lightweight body made of aluminum and carbon fiber, which reduces weight and improves aerodynamics. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine that produces around 565 horsepower, depending on the series and regulations.
The car also features a six-speed sequential gearbox, rear-wheel drive, and a racing suspension system with adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars. It has a top speed of over 180 mph (290 km/h) and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 2.9 seconds.
The 911 GT3 R is designed for endurance racing, with features such as a large fuel tank, a reinforced chassis, and a cockpit that is optimized for driver comfort and safety. It has been homologated for various racing series around the world, including the IMSA GTD classes, FIA GT3 class, and ADAC GT Masters, among others.
The car has achieved notable success in various racing series, including several wins in the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Spa 24 Hours, and Dubai 24 Hours. It is highly regarded for its balance of performance, reliability, and driver-friendliness, making it a popular choice for privateer teams and professional racing outfits alike.
The Oreca LMP2 prototype car seamlessly melds performance, technology, and safety. Its carbon fiber and honeycomb monocoque chassis, measuring 4.745 mm in length, 1.895 mm in width, and 1.045 mm in height, ensures a lightweight yet robust foundation, weighing only 930 kg.
The heart of this marvel is the Gibson GK-428 engine – a 4200 cc normally aspirated 90-degree V8, producing an astounding 603 bhp with a max rev limit of 9,000 RPM. Controlled by a Cosworth engine electronic unit, it features a dry sump and staged oil pump.
The suspension system employs double wishbones with pushrod technology and adjustable PKM shocks. Customizable tire choices (30-68/R18 front, 31-71/R18 rear) adorn 12.5″ x 18″ front rims and 13″ x 18″ rear rims.
Efficient power transmission comes from the Xtrac six-speed sequential gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles and a pneumatic paddle shift system. Ventilated carbon discs and six monobloc calipers provide formidable braking power.
Safety is prioritized with a six-point harness adapted for the HANS system and a safety rubber fuel tank. The carbon/kevlar light lamination of the bodywork enhances structural integrity and aerodynamic efficiency.
In essence, this prototype car defines a new era in high-performance automotive innovation, combining advanced technology, precision engineering, and unwavering safety standards.
The Porsche 911 GT3 R (type 992) is a high-performance racing car produced by Porsche Motorsport, the motorsport division of Porsche AG. It is the second Porsche race car built on the platform of the newest generation of Porsche 911, the type 992, the first being the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car.
The 911 GT3 R features a lightweight body made of aluminum and carbon fiber, which reduces weight and improves aerodynamics. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine that produces around 565 horsepower, depending on the series and regulations.
The car also features a six-speed sequential gearbox, rear-wheel drive, and a racing suspension system with adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars. It has a top speed of over 180 mph (290 km/h) and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 2.9 seconds.
The 911 GT3 R is designed for endurance racing, with features such as a large fuel tank, a reinforced chassis, and a cockpit that is optimized for driver comfort and safety. It has been homologated for various racing series around the world, including the IMSA GTD classes, FIA GT3 class, and ADAC GT Masters, among others.
The car has achieved notable success in various racing series, including several wins in the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Spa 24 Hours, and Dubai 24 Hours. It is highly regarded for its balance of performance, reliability, and driver-friendliness, making it a popular choice for privateer teams and professional racing outfits alike.
Swap Shop: Rolex 24 at Daytona
AO Racing made its IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship debut with a tribute livery at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. The livery honored the 1983 race-winning Porsche, the No. 6 Swap Shop ANDIAL Porsche 935, driven by Preston Henn, AJ Foyt, Bob Wollek and Claude Ballot-Lena. The livery has a personal connection to not one, but two of the 2023 drivers. PJ Hyett currently owns the historic 935 on which Gunnar Jeannette’s father, Kevin, was the crew chief. The car was built by motorsport legend Alwin Springer, former president of and now consultant to Porsche Motorsport North America.
Rexy: Twelve Hours of Sebring and Beyond
At the iconic Twelve Hours of Sebring, the second round of the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, AO Racing’s Porsche transformed from its Swap Shop livery to Rexy, the now famous Porsche 911 GT3 Rawr.
The inspiration came from Team Principal and Driver PJ Hyett, in honor of his children. Hyett proudly sported a T-Rex for his son and a unicorn for his daughter on his helmet, taking his family with him as he races. When conferring with AO Racing Motorsport Director Gunnar Jeannette, the pair came up with Rexy, the new fan favorite in sports car racing.
With a grill full of sharp teeth, Rexy the GT3 Rawr looks fierce, hungry to take down the competition, but wins fans over with his short arms and strong legs. The livery was a hit with race fans, and stayed on the car for all but two races of the 2023 championship.
