The brand-new Porsche 911 GT3-R will make its debut at the 2016 Rolex 24 at Daytona, in January next year, despite attempts for it to race this year.
Speaking to Sportscar365.com, Head of Porsche Motorsport, Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, admitted that Daytona “is a little bit too early in the year but we’re working on it.”
The new 911 GT3-R will have a new four litre flat-six engine that is direct-injected, as well as many other changes. The plan for the new engine delayed the car from starting competition this year, as currently it is undergoing a lot of testing in preparation for its debut at Daytona.
There are likely to be around 5 new 911s at Daytona in the GT Daytona class for the opening round of the 2016 Tudor United SportsCar Championship. Production priority will go to the full-season entrants, whilst there is still a possibility of one or two extra cars for Daytona-only entrants.
As well as the GT3-spec car, a new GTE (and GT Le Mans) 911 might be built for 2016, but this is not certain at the moment. It is more likely that the current 911 RSR will be upgraded to meet the necessary performance and safety updates in time for 2016. “We’re taking our time to see what we do. We’re checking at the moment on what has to be done to have the car ready in 2016. There’s now ongoing discussions with the sanctioning bodies.”
With GTLM and GTE, it is uncertain at this time whether Porsche will continue with its efforts in both the Tudor USCC and the World Endurance Championship, or if it will solely focus on one.
