2004 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR
2004 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR
Brand
Porsche
Year
2004
Country
Germany
Generation
Porsche 911 IV (996)
2004 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR
Brand
Porsche
Year
2004
Country
Germany
Generation
Porsche 911 IV (996)
About this car
Discover the history
The 2004 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, designed as the race-focused version of Porsche’s 996 series, marked a significant step in the evolution of the GT3 line and continued Porsche’s strong performance legacy. Based on the road-going 911 GT3 RS, the 911 GT3 RSR incorporated extensive enhancements to meet the rigorous demands of endurance racing, especially under the ACO and FIA GT standards. Equipped with a 3.6-liter, six-cylinder boxer engine producing around 445 horsepower at high revs, the GT3 RSR brought remarkable power, reaching peak torque at around 7,200 rpm. This increased power, achieved with refined pistons, rods, and valve adjustments, focused on providing a balanced blend of durability and performance for endurance racing. A sequential six-speed gearbox enhanced with an ignition cut function enabled quick shifts, while the advanced cooling and airflow dynamics, including the unique air inlet on the hood, helped maximize engine performance and stability over long races.
The 911 GT3 RSR also featured lightweight construction with an extensive use of Kevlar and carbon fiber for components like the nose, tail, and doors. Built with a steel roll cage and a weight of around 1,100 kg, the RSR met minimum weight requirements while ensuring driver safety. It included a racing suspension with a fully adjustable setup, McPherson struts in the front, and Porsche’s multi-link system at the rear, which allowed teams to fine-tune the car based on specific track conditions. The robust braking system featured large ventilated disc brakes with four-piston calipers on both axles, providing the necessary stopping power for high-speed endurance racing. This precise balance of power, aerodynamics, and safety made the 911 GT3 RSR both reliable and highly competitive.
In racing, the 911 GT3 RSR was aimed at privateer teams seeking success in prestigious events. This model followed in the footsteps of its predecessor, which had excelled with five consecutive class wins at Le Mans and performed impressively in series like the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and the FIA GT Championship. The 2004 GT3 RSR upheld this winning streak, achieving notable class victories and podium finishes in races around the world, including at the iconic Daytona 24 Hours. Its reputation for reliability and speed attracted many customer teams, further cementing the 911 GT3 RSR’s position in the racing world and extending Porsche’s influence in GT endurance racing.
Through its combination of advanced engineering, lightweight construction, and precision-tuned handling, the 2004 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR demonstrated Porsche’s commitment to delivering race-ready vehicles capable of competing at the highest levels. It became a cornerstone for Porsche’s endurance racing reputation, setting the stage for future models in the GT3 and GT2 classes and leaving a lasting impact on the motorsport landscape. The 911 GT3 RSR’s performance in the mid-2000s underscored Porsche’s adaptability in competitive racing, ensuring its relevance in a rapidly evolving field of GT-class racing vehicles.
