Automobiles Review

Tag: GT3

  • Alpina B3 GT3 408 HP 0-309 km/h [HD video]

    Cool video with the new Alpina B3 GT3 race car tested by Sport Auto’s drive editor Christian Gebhardt.

    The B3 GT3 is based on BMW 3-Series E92 335i, which is boosted to 408HP (300 kW) and 540Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque, which is 102HP and 140Nm more than the original factory power. The car also comes with an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system. 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 309 km/h (192 mph), which you can see in the video below.

    The B3 GT3 can be ordered with an optional Comfort Package including BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation System and PDC (Park Distance Control).

    The price will be exactly €90 000 in Germany. In the clip you’ll also see a sensational acceleration from stand still to 309 km/h (192 mph)

    Enjoy the video.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xJYTJWoC54

    Alpina B3 BMW E92 GT3
    Alpina B3 BMW E92 GT3
    Alpina B3 BMW E92 GT3

    Source: cc8186 via Youtube

  • 2012 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge GB on April 7th and 8th

    Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge will be held this weekend – April 7th and 8th at Snetterton, Norfolk, UK.

    Lining up will be pre-season pace setter James Birch, who previously ran strongly in the Formula Renault BARC Championship. The 22 year-old racer from Amersham set the pace during the recent pre-season test day at Silverstone and his IN2 Racing entry should be right at the head of the action at Snetterton.

    Fresh from the opening races in the Carrera Cup GB at Brands Hatch, Team Parker Racing will field three cars at Snetterton for Steven Liquorish, Neil Houston and Justin Sherwood. Silverstone-based Scotsman Houston will make his Porsche racing debut after previously campaigning Ginettas, while Liquorish already has a year’s experience under his belt in these cars.

    Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge
    Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge

    Another team running in both the Carrera Cup GB and the GT3 Cup Challenge is Parr Motorsport and they will be supporting Peter Smallwood as he starts his third season of racing with his 997-model 911 GT3 Cup. Also racing in Class 1 for the 997-model cars is John Ferguson in one of the cars entered by Dublin-based Ask Racing.

    Mark Cowne contests Class 2 for the earlier 996-model cars with a car tended by Silverstone-based Fearn Sport.

    The GT3 Cup Challenge is open to any car from the 2009 model year or earlier. The race is designed to be a perfect stepping stone for drivers aiming to move up to the Porsche Carrera Cup GB in subsequent seasons. It is aimed to younger racers with some sponsorship backing, as well as competitors graduating from track days. The series is open to drivers with a National B race licence.

    In addition, the Class 2 Champion will win two places on the exclusive GT course at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone.

    The awards are great, so be hurry and check how to participate in the challenge.

    2011 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup
    2011 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup
    2011 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup
    2011 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup
    2011 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup
    2011 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

    Source: Porsche

  • McLaren MP4-12C GT3 in 2012 FIA GT1 World Championship

    The new McLaren MP4-12C GT3 is ready for race debut in 2012, following an intensive development programme in 2011. The competitive race season begins for new McLaren GT customer teams in Germany on 31 March, with the opening rounds of the VLN and ADAC GT Masters championships at the Nürburgring Nordschliefe and Oschersleben respectively.

    The MP4-12C sports car, on which the GT3 racer is based, will also make its debut as a safety car in the FIA GT1 World Championship race at the Nogaro circuit in France on 8-9 April.

    The McLaren race cars will wear the unique liveries of ART, ASM, Boutsen Energy, Gulf Racing, Molitor Racing, United Autosports and Von Ryan Racing. The JAS team will also take part in selected rounds of the championship. Footage of the new 12C GT3s at the test event in southern France can be seen at “mclarenautomotivetv channel” vai Youtube.

    Gemballa Racing and Doerr Motorsport will compete in the 12C GT3 in the German VLN series, which includes the famous 24 Hour Nürburgring endurance race in May.

    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at the race track
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at the race track

    Molitor Racing and Gemballa Racing will run in ADAC GT Masters, and French FIA GT1 Champions Hexis Racing will line up on the grid of the FIA GT1 World Championship. Series Champions Apex Motorsport will enter a new 12C GT3 in selected rounds of this year’s British GT championship, while the Lapidus Racing team will contest the International GT Open series, and also compete in forthcoming 24-hour races at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and Circuit de Catalunya in Spain.

    Teams racing the 12C GT3 in 2012 have enlisted the services of highly successful racing drivers for the 2012 season. Former Formula 1 drivers Mark Blundell and David Brabham (also a Le Mans 24hr winning driver) will race for United Autosports and 2011 Formula 2 competitor Jack Clarke will drive for Boutsen Energy. Rob Bell, Alvaro Parente and Alexander Sims, who recently joined the McLaren GT driver line-up for 2012, will be placed with customer teams, while McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin will also contest selected races in a 12C GT3 throughout the season.

    “I’m excited that we are so close to seeing the 12C GT3 in its first full race season.  The feedback I have received from customers that have already taken delivery of the car is very positive.”, commented Andrew Kirkaldy, Project Manager for McLaren GT.

    “The 2011 development programme was challenging, but had many highlights.  We started with a pole position in qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps in the British GT Championship, and ended the race season with a third place finish in Macau. In one year, McLaren GT has taken the 12C GT3 from concept to race readiness.  We will learn more about the car in the early part of the season – and expectations will naturally be high of a car full of Formula 1 technology –  but our objective is to makes the 12C GT3 as much a pleasure to own and run as it is race.” , he added.

    The 12C GT3 shares the same V8 twin turbo engine and carbon ‘MonoCell’ chassis as its road car sibling, and its aerodynamic package was developed by McLaren GT in partnership with specialist engineers and designers at McLaren Automotive.

    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at the race track
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at the race track
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at the race track
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at the race track
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at the race track
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at the race track
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at the race track

    Source: McLaren

  • Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 at the race track [HD video]

    Nissan has revealed the GT-R Nismo GT3 race car, which is prepared by JR Motorsports, the official partner for this major project. GT-R GT3 has been developed since 2011 and now it is put on series of extensive tests – which have included three competitive outings.

    The GT-R Nismo GT3 is powered by a 3.8 liter twin-turbo V6 with 530 PS (390 kW / 523 hp) and 612 Nm (451 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed semi-automatic transmission, which sends power to the rear wheels. It is interesting, because originally the GT-R is AWD car, but the racing version will be a lot faster with only one drive axle.

    The racing car was displayed in the UK at Autosport International (Europe’s biggest motorsport exhibition) in January, but since then nothing special is mentioned about it, until now.

    However, JRM and NISMO offer the racecar in Japan, Asia, North America, South America, Oceania, Europe, Russia and the Middle East. The price starts from 298 000 Euro.

    Enjoy the video!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfuxVDCslGw

    Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3
    Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3

    Source: Clashproduction via Youtube

  • Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3

    Nissan has announced the GT3 version of GT-R. The new model meets all FIA GT3 regulations. It is produced by Nissan, NISMO and JR Motorsports (JRM), which have been jointly developing the car during 2011.

    The car is powered by the same 3.8 liter twin-turbo V6 delivering 530PS (390 kW) and 612Nm (451 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed semi-automatic transmission. The car weighs just 1300 kg (2 866 lbs).

    The racing GT-R features everything that a professional driver needs – perfect aerodynamics consisting of new carbon fiber package; stripped interior; new racing suspension and a set of new rims and tires.

    It is interesting that the car will actually hit the global market at “decent” price of 298 000 Euro (which is more than $383 000).

    The car will appear alongside the GT1 Nissan GT-R that won the 2011 FIA GT1 World Championship. To celebrate the launch, JRM will simultaneously run the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 as an official Nissan Europe entry in the Dubai 24-hour race, where it will be driven by four Nissan Champions from 2011: Michael Krumm, Alex Buncombe, Tom Kimber-Smith and Franck Malliaux.

    Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3
    Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3


    Source: Nissan

  • Alpina B3 BMW E92 GT3

    Alpina has introduced B3 GT3 sports car, which is based on the BMW E92 335i. The manufacturer purposefully demonstrates that despite a long absence from motor sports, cutting edge automotive know-how and technical expertise continues to be the foundation for the development of exclusive BMW Alpina automobiles.

    Alpina B3 GT3 is powered by a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged inline-six with 408PS (300 kW) and 540Nm (398 lb-ft). The new 8PS (6 kW) over the B3 S Bi-Turbo came from a modified exhaust system. The B3 GT3 also features a titanium rear silencer with double 115 mm tailpipes from Akrapovic. The performance is superb – 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.

    Fast car needs big brakes and the B3 GT3 has a high performance motor sport brake set-up with 6-piston fixed callipers at the front and 4-piston fixed calliper at the rear, with discs measuring 380 x 35 mm at the front and 355 x 32 mm at the rear.

    The grip is crucial, so forged Alpina GT3 CLASSIC 19″ lightweight alloy wheels are available with

    Alpina GT3 CLASSIC 19″ lightweight alloy wheels, forged fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires for the road or Michelin Pilot Sport Cup+ tires for the track. The dimensions of the wheels are 8.5J x 19” at the front and 9.5J x 19” at the rear as the weight is just 8.6 kg and 9.5 kg, respectively.

    Alpina B3 BMW E92 GT3
    Alpina B3 BMW E92 GT3

    The suspension features fully adjustable coilovers, meaning the ride height of the vehicle can be changed significantly and additionally the dampers feature a 12-fold compression and 18-fold rebound adjustment.
    The interior boasts upholstery in black, both driver and passenger are seated in lightweight Recaro sport seats with seat heating. The seats can be adjusted in height by about 30mm via their mounting points and feature manual back and horizontal adjustment. There are also vertical stripes designed in Alpina racing colours integrated into the front and rear seats. The sports steering wheel with paddles is finished in grippy Alcantara, hand finished with Blue/Green stitching.

    The sports car will be available in limited edition series of just 99 units. It will be available from spring 2012 as the price is € 90 000.

    Alpina B3 BMW E92 GT3
    Alpina B3 BMW E92 GT3
    Alpina B3 BMW E92 GT3
    Alpina B3 BMW E92 GT3
    Alpina B3 BMW E92 GT3

    Source: Alpina

  • Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3

    What happens, when you put 600BHP V12 engine in 1250kg car? The answer is very simple – it happens something really good and nice to drive and in this case to watch.

    Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 is not only extremely fast race car, but it is incredibly beautiful, too. The tests of the vehicle has just began and the racing team has already covered almost 1000 kilometres in just two days. The majority of the mileage was conducted by factory driver Darren Turner.

    “The car ran like clockwork throughout and we’ve managed really good mileage already. The feeling of the V12 Vantage GT3 is a massive step forward from the DBRS9. Being based on the smaller Vantage it is more responsive and feels more nimble, giving the driver plenty of confidence to extract all the performance from the V12 engine while also being light on its tyres. It isn’t too physical to drive and I didn’t even break into a sweat during the test!”, said mr. Turner, after two days behind the wheel.

    “With the clean styling and the amazing sounding V12, it’s closer to the core values of Aston Martin’s road cars than any of the racing cars we’ve ever built. I’m certain it’ll become a favourite among motorsport fans in no time at all.”, he added.

    The V12 Vantage GT3 is a direct replacement for the Aston Martin DBRS9, which first competed in 2006 and went on to score many race and championship wins including the 2007 British GT Championship and the 2009 FIA GT3 Teams’ Championship.

    The engine is the most staggering element in the V12 Vantage GT3. It is 6.0 liter twelve-cylinder naturally aspirated monster with 600BHP (445 kW) and 700Nm (517 lb-ft) of torque. All that power is sent to the limited slip differential at the rear wheels through Xtrac 6-speed sequential transmission.

    Aston Martin Racing will continue with the V12 Vantage GT3’s comprehensive testing programme into the New Year and beyond.

    You can check the full specs, below!

    Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3
    Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3
    Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3
    Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3

    Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 Specs:

    • Engine

      Lightweight V12
      Dry sump oil system
      Power >600bhp
      Torque >700Nm

    • Transmission

      Xtrac 6 speed sequential transmission with semi-auto gear change
      Limited slip ramp/plate differential
      Carbon fibre propshaft

    • Chassis

      Lightweight aluminium chassis
      Steel roll cage to FIA safety standards
      High speed pneumatic jack system

    • Suspension

      Double wishbone with uniball bearings
      2-way adjustable dampers front and rear
      Optimised geometry for lower race ride height

    • Steering

      Hydraulic power assisted steering

    • Fuel system

      110-litre fuel cell to FIA safety standards
      Twin quick release couplings

    • Brakes

      6 pot front & 4 pot rear calipers with ventilated steel discs
      Manually adjustable front/rear brake bias
      Adjustable motorsport ABS and traction control

    • Wheels & Tyres

      Front 12.5” x 18”        30/68-18
      Rear  13” x 18”            31/71-18

    • Cockpit

      Six-point safety harness
      Adjustable seat & pedal box position
      Lightweight battery
      Carbon fibre dash
      Fire extinguisher system
      Driver display and shift lights

    • Body & Aero

      Removable carbon-fibre body panels & aluminium roof
      Front splitter
      Adjustable full width carbon fibre rear wing
      Aerodynamically optimised bumpers, side sills and rear fenders

    • Weight

      Dry weight 1250kg

    Source: Aston Martin

  • REIL Performance Porsche GT3

    REIL Performance – a product of MR CAR DESIGN in Erftstadt – has changed the performance specification of Porsche 997 GT3 via a number of upgrades.

    The 997 GT3 is powered by a 3.6 liter flat-six with 420PS (309 kW), which is enough to catapult the small car to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The top speed is 311 km/h (193 mph). Porsche’s official test-driver Walter Rohrl lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7 minutes 42 seconds with the 997 GT3.

    REIL has added chip-tuning and a specially designed Akrapovic exhaust system named GT3. The overall power is bumped to 455PS (335 kW).

    The GT3 also received HLS lift kit which helps to prevent all obstacles. It should be mentioned on this occasion that the ARTEVO company, which is situated in vicinity to minster, has become a REIL Performance base for the minster land.

    And to clarify it once more: the company MR CAR DESIGN in Erftstadt and REIL Performance have virtually acquired an “offshoot” at the same place in the best sense which principal activity is processing and assembling  high-quality products.

    The main aim of the company is manufacturing relevant cars, as it is easy to see by the example of the red wolf in sheep’s fur shown here.

    REIL Performance Porsche GT3
    REIL Performance Porsche GT3
    REIL Performance Porsche GT3
    REIL Performance Porsche GT3
    REIL Performance Porsche GT3
    REIL Performance Porsche GT3

    Source: REIL Performance

  • 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3

    Aston Martin confirms today the specification of the 2012 Vantage GT3 race car. As the natural successor to the enormously successful DBRS9, the new Vantage GT3 will offer customers the latest in race-car technology to ensure the Vantage GT3 has the credentials to compete with the most recent new product offerings from other manufacturers.

    The Vantage GT3 features a modified version of Aston Martin’s production 6.0 litre V12 engine found in the marque’s highly acclaimed sports cars. The dry-sumped engine is expected to produce 600 bhp with 700 Nm of torque and its position has been optimised further to improve weight balance. A carbon fibre propshaft mates the engine to a Xtrac 6 speed sequential transmission with semi-automatic paddle shift gear change.

    The Vantage GT3 benefits from Aston Martin’s V/H architecture philosophy, the modular chassis uses aerospace bonding techniques to create a light and immensely stiff aluminium and composite structure which not only aids handling on Aston Martin’s road cars but is also an ideal base for competitive race cars.

    2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3
    2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3

    Most dramatic of all, are the new aerodynamics, contributing to a muscular and purposeful stance while maintaining the overall beauty of the V12 Vantage. The shorter wheel base and lower engine position over its predecessor will contribute to enhanced handling and performance. The new car will also provide enhanced driveability with the latest race-developed ABS and Traction Control systems which are fitted to the V12 Vantage GT3 as standard.

    The Vantage GT3 will be eligible for numerous race series around the world including the FIA GT3 Championship, ADAC Masters, Nurburgring VLN, Blancpain Endurance Series, British GT, Belcar and Open GT among others.

    Aston Martin remains the only manufacturer to offer a race car for every GT class firmly cementing it as a global forerunner in race car production. The new Vantage GT3 is being developed to replicate and indeed surpass the superb track record of the DBRS9.

    Aston Martin has sold 24 DBRS9s and customer teams have accumulated many race podiums and victories over the past six years including 2009 Winner Teams Championship, and Winner Manufacturers Championship for Hexis Racing and as recently as a 2011 GT Open race win at Spa for Villois Racing.

    Testing of the new car will commence in October, where the Vantage GT3 will undergo a comprehensive sign-off durability test including a 10,000 km test programme. Deliveries of the first cars will commence in early 2012. Prices start from £298,000.

    2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3
    2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3
    2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3

    V12 Vantage GT3 Specification

    Engine

    • Lightweight V12
    • Dry sump oil system
    • Engine repositioned to optimise weight distribution
    • Target power 600 bhp
    • Target torque 700 Nm

    Transmission

    • Xtrac 6 speed sequential transmission
    • Racing clutch
    • Limited slip ramp/plate differential
    • Easily accessible drop gears
    • Semi-automatic paddle shift gear change
    • Carbon fibre propshaft

    Chassis

    • Lightweight aluminium chassis
    • Steel roll cage to FIA safety standards
    • High speed pneumatic jack system

    Steering

    • Hydraulic power assisted steering
    • Quick release steering wheel

    Suspension

    • Double wishbone suspension arms front and rear with uniball bearings
    • 2-way adjustable dampers front and rear
    • Optimsed geometry for lower race ride height

    Fuel system

    • 110 litre fuel cell to FIA safety standards
    • Twin quick release couplings
    • Fuel cell location optimised for performance and safety

    (behind the driver’s seat, inside the safety roll cage)

    Brakes

    • 6 pot front calipers
    • Ventilated front brake disc
    • 4 pot rear caliper
    • Ventilated rear brake disc
    • Floor mounted pedal box
    • Manually adjustable front/rear brake bias
    • Adjustable motorsport ABS

    Wheels

    • 12.5″ x 18″ front
    • 13″ x 18″ rear

    Tyres

    • Front 30/68-18
    • Rear 31/71-18

    Cockpit

    • Steering wheel mounted controls
    • Driver display / data logger / shift lights / beacon
    • 6-point safety harness
    • Adjustable steering position
    • Adjustable seat position
    • Adjustable pedal box position
    • Light weight battery
    • Carbon fibre dash
    • Fire extinguisher system

    Aerodynamics

    • Front splitter
    • Adjustable full width carbon fibre rear wing
    • Aerodynamically optimised bumpers, fenders and sills

    Weight

    • Target dry weight 1250kg

    Source: Aston Martin

  • MRS Porsche GT3

    Molitor Racing Systems has introduced their performance package for Porsche GT3 R. The race car will take place at the ADAC GT Masters, at Red Bull Ring, coming weekend.

    Two former MRS pilots, Norbert Siedler and Christian Engelhart, will be driving the stunning vehicle. They will be pushing the envelope and fight for their place on the podium, during both runs on Saturday and Sunday.

    The race car is completely wrapped in matt blue foil, which doesn’t differ from paintwork, even at a closer look. It also comes with highly tuned engine, Michelin slick tires fitted on ultra-light alloy wheels, a huge rear spoiler and a roll-cage for further stiffness and safety.

    MRS Porsche GT3 FrontSide
    MRS Porsche GT3 FrontSide

    MRS Porsche GT3
    MRS Porsche GT3
    MRS Porsche GT3
    MRS Porsche GT3
    MRS Porsche GT3
    MRS Porsche GT3
    MRS Porsche GT3
    MRS Porsche GT3


    Source: Molitor Racing Systems

  • Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 UK

    Porsche has unveiled a new interesting video of the staggering 911 GT3 RS 4.0. Other important news are that the model will be offered in the United Kingdom. 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is priced at £128 466.

    The car is the most brutal road going model, which the company offers. It’s naturally aspirated flat-6 boasts whopping 125PS (92 kW) hp/liter. The engine is 4.0 liter with total power of 500PS (368 kW) and 460Nm (339 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed sport gearbox.

    However, 911 GT3 RS 4.0 will be limited to a run of just 600 units.

    The curb weight of the vehicle is just 1370 kg (3000 lbs). It doesn’t have air-conditioning, radio and some other important extras, but it is fast… extremely fast. 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and top speed of 311 km/h (193 mph).

    Enjoy the video!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJwaVjo63aM

    Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 Side
    Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 Side
    Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0
    Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0
    Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0
    Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0
    Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0
    Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0
    Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

    Source: Porsche via Youtube

  • Three McLaren MP4-12C GT3 race cars at Spa-Francorchamps

    McLaren will take place at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit this weekend for Total 24 Hours of Spa. The manufacturers follows the successful race debut there in the British GT Championship early in July.

    Totally ten racing drivers will pilot three McLaren MP4-12 Race cars in the first ever 24 hour race for this model.

    The McLaren GT driver line-up for the Total 24 Hours of Spa includes CRS Racing Team Principal Andrew Kirkaldy and McLaren Automotive Chief Test driver Chris Goodwin.  Both are Directors of the new McLaren GT company, which is led by McLaren Group CEO Martin Whitmarsh and includes McLaren Racing Head of Vehicle Engineering Mark Williams.

    Check out the driver line-up, below!

    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Race Car
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Race Car
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Race Car
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Race Car
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Race Car
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Race Car

    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 drivers for Total 24 Hours of Spa:

    Pro-Cup category

    Car 58 (McLaren GT):
    Rob Bell – GB
    Chris Goodwin – GB
    Tim Mullen – GB

    Car 59 (McLaren GT):
    Andrew Kirkaldy – GB
    Álvaro Parente – POR
    Oliver Turvey – GB

    Pro-Am Cup category

    Car 60 (McLaren GT and VonRyan Racing):
    Adam Christodoulou – GB
    Glynn Geddie – GB
    Phil Quaife – GB
    Roger Wills – NZL

    Source: McLaren