The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup type 992 makes its rally debut!

Porsche and rallying have shared a long history spanning several decades. From iconic models like the 911 SC RS of the 1980s to the more recent 997/996 GT3 and 991 GT3, the Stuttgart-based brand has never been the most visible, but it has always left a lasting impression. 😎

Now, the 992 GT3 Cup is stepping into the spotlight, with the first confirmed entries in France and Belgium for the 2025 season. This arrival is generating excitement among enthusiasts, eager to see this beastly machine take on rally stages. 🎉

The Porsche 992: A proven competition platform

Developed as a GT3 Cup version for circuit racing, the Porsche 911 type 992 quickly made its mark in numerous one-make and GT championships since its competition debut in 2021. 💪

This success continues a long tradition that began in 1990 with the 964 Cup. Since then, Porsche has manufactured and sold over 5,000 units of its legendary race car, making it the best-selling competition model in the world (official Porsche source).

Its naturally aspirated flat-six engine, with a 4-liter displacement, produces 510 horsepower at 8,400 rpm, paired with a six-speed sequential gearbox with paddle shifters.

It also stands out with optimized aerodynamics, featuring an adjustable rear wing and an additional spoiler—absent in previous generations—which significantly increases downforce at high speeds and enhances cornering stability, improving efficiency in turns and braking phases. 🔥

Although the Cup version was designed for circuit racing—particularly in the Porsche Supercup and various national Carrera Cup series—its rally potential was undeniable. Its rear-wheel-drive architecture and naturally aspirated engine make it an appealing base, but the discipline comes with specific constraints.

Unlike Carrera Cup cars, which do not feature ABS or traction control, the Rally GT version benefits from adjustable electronic assists, specialized suspension, and a reinforced chassis. 😉

If you're interested in more details, the full technical specifications are available on Porsche's official website here: https://porsche-carrera-cup-france.fr/en/911-gt3-cup/

Also worth reading: "Porsche: A tradition of motorsport performance"

The first rally entries

The announcement of the first 992 rally entries quickly sparked discussions, particularly in France and Belgium, where the first drivers have confirmed their participation.

In France, Tony Cosson is leading the charge. A seasoned Porsche rally driver, he has confirmed his plan to enter a 992 GT+ in the French Rally Championship. This is an ambitious challenge, both in terms of performance and adapting to the specific requirements of French rally events. The base car comes from the CLRT team (Schumacher CLRT Racing Team), which competes in multiple circuit racing championships.

In Belgium, the car is also making a remarkable debut. Cédric De Cecco and Cédric Cherain have officially confirmed their entry in Rally GT with the 992. The announcement was made at the RACB Awards 2024, where the rally version of the Porsche was unveiled for the first time. Their objective is clear: to integrate the 992 Rally GT into the Belgian Rally Championship 2025.

ℹ️ According to my research, the first Porsche 992 GT3 Cup to compete in a rally was in Mexico, thanks to the VP Garage team, and this dates back to early 2024! Photo of the car below. 😲

A high price but optimized running costs

Like any Porsche race car, the 992 GT3 Cup is not within everyone's budget. Its base price at launch was €225,000 before taxes. On top of that, essential rally-specific options are required, including a Bosch Motorsport ABS system costing over €10,000, as well as an adjustable traction control system called "PMTC" for "Porsche Motorsport Traction Control". 💰

Other options are also available, such as a noise-reducing exhaust system, ballast plates to balance the car’s weight, a passenger seat for the co-driver, and a USB system for recording vehicle data.

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However, the Rally GT homologation has been designed to reduce running costs. The goal is to offer a high-performance car while being more affordable in terms of maintenance and repairs compared to an R5 or a Rally2.

The standardization of technical regulations also allows teams to compete in multiple European championships without major modifications. 👍

This adaptation is based on a homologated parts kit, which will be marketed in early 2025.

The kit is designed for easy installation and retains or adapts nearly 80% of the components from the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup – Type 992, a model produced in over 1,500 units. Official homologation is scheduled for April 2025, with its first competitive appearance shortly after. 😋

The development of the Porsche 992 Rally GT

The development of the Porsche 992 Rally GT was entrusted to Lionel Hansen, a renowned engineer in the world of motorsport. He is responsible for the technical study and validation of the project, defining the homologated parts, and drafting the homologation sheet. His expertise, combined with his close relationships with various Porsche representatives, makes him a key player in this evolution. To successfully carry out this project, specialized technical partners recognized in their respective fields were also selected to ensure optimal vehicle development. 👌

Rally homologation and its implications

To meet rallying requirements, the 992 Rally GT has undergone several modifications. The focus has been on safety, with a reinforced chassis and a welded roll cage that complies with the latest FIA standards. Adaptation to rally-specific needs also includes the addition of an FT3 fuel tank, lightweight polycarbonate windows, and competition seats homologated under FIA 8855-2021.

On the technical side, the car is equipped with three-way adjustable suspension with hydraulic bump stops, a Bosch Motorsport ABS system, and an adjustable traction control system. The Michelin Competition Pilot Sport RGT tires, specifically developed for this type of car, ensure optimal grip on asphalt.

The targeted performance remains comparable to previous generations, while offering lower running costs and greater versatility. The addition of electronic assists improves handling, while the expanded adjustment options allow for finer adaptation to different race conditions.

A revival of interest in R-GT rallying

The introduction of the Porsche 992 into rallying brings fresh momentum to the R-GT category. While these cars may be less competitive than a Rally2 on certain terrains, they stand out for their driving pleasure and spectacular character. 🤩

In both France and Belgium, the arrival of the 992 could encourage more teams to take an interest in R-GT, a category that still lacks diversity and visibility compared to the dominant Rally2 cars.

With performance close to previous models while being more cost-effective to operate, this new Porsche could revitalize the category and offer an alternative to the Alpine A110 R-GT, which currently dominates the field.

Time will tell if the 992 Rally GT will establish itself in the long run, but one thing is certain: its arrival will not go unnoticed! 😍