When more than 100 racing cars take off into the 24-hour adventure through the ‘Green Hell’ on Saturday at 3.30 pm, one marque, in particular, will stand in the spotlight: Porsche. Almost a third of the participating vehicles bear the crest of the sports car specialists from Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen.
No other brand is more strongly represented. More precisely, 30 Porsche 911 and Cayman model series are expected to line up on the grid on Saturday. The range of versions and variants is broad – from the full-bred GT3 racers fighting for overall victory at the endurance classic through to the near-standard racing vehicle in the production car class. Most vehicles are based on current models – proof once again that every Porsche is a sports car. Here is an overview of the most important types and variants from clubsport to thoroughbred racing machines.
Porsche 718 Cayman S (V3T and SP4T classes)
A flat-four engine with a 2.5-litre displacement and modern VTG turbocharger with variable turbine geometry: The 718 Cayman (Fuel consumption combined 9.6 – 8.8 l/100 km; CO2 emissions 218 – 200 g/km) two-seater has long been popular at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife as the entry-level endurance racing car for amateurs. Teams carry out the conversion to the racing cars themselves. In order to keep costs reasonable, very few modifications are permitted to the engine, suspension and brake system. In the near-standard V3T class, the kerb weight correlates to the engine output of the baseline product. For example, ex-works, the 718 Cayman S must weigh 1,475 kilograms ready to race – which means an extra weight of more than 100 kilograms. The aero-kit must be the same as in the production model. This limits the possibilities to the extendable rear spoiler. This has enabled the rear-wheel-drive car, which ideally features the Porsche PDK dual-clutch transmission for the storied 25-kilometre long racetrack, to set a curious record: In keeping with the regulations, the near-standard 718 Cayman S is slightly handicapped by its higher racing weight, the lack of downforce in the corners as well as under braking. However, on the 2.6-kilometre Döttinger Höhe, it is one of the fastest in terms of its top speed of over 280 km/h. This is reflected in the list of results: In terms of potential, on top of a class win, the V3T variant of the Cayman S can clinch the production car overall classification.
Same car, different division: the four-cylinder 718 Cayman is a winner in the SP4T class, as well. SP stands for “24h special” and indicates the greater freedom that the technical regulations allow in the design and running of the sports car. Aerodynamic aids such as a larger rear wing and a modified front apron support the cornering and braking performance of the SP4T variant, which is significantly lighter at 1,170 kilograms. The performance of turbocharged engines can be increased, but then the boost pressure is limited to 2.4 bar and a 38-mm air-restrictor becomes mandatory. Alternatively, to cut costs, this racing vehicle can also compete as “vehicles with a near-standard engine” in accordance with the VLN production vehicle regulations.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport (Cup 3 class)
In January 2019, Porsche unveiled the successor to the first Cayman GT4 Clubsport: The 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport represents a consequent further development of the successful model from the Weissach/Flacht Motorsport Centre. In developing the new 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, the focus was put not only on further improved driveability and faster lap times but also on the sustainable use of raw materials. The 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport is the first-ever series-production racing car to feature body parts made of natural-fibre composite material. The driver and co-driver doors and the rear wing are made of an organic fibre mix, which are sourced primarily from agricultural by-products such as flax or hemp fibres and feature similar properties to carbon fibre in terms of weight and stiffness. It races at the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) – alongside its predecessor – in its own category: the Cayman GT4 Trophy by Manthey-Racing.
Powering the 718 GT4 Clubsport is a 3.8-litre flat-six engine. Compared to its predecessor, this represents a 40-hp increase in performance. The power is transferred to the rear wheels via a Porsche dual-clutch gearbox with six gears and mechanical rear axle differential lock. The lightweight spring-strut front suspension is taken from the 911 GT3 Cup. The impressive racing brake system features steel brake discs all round measuring 380-millimetres in diameter. The 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport is delivered ex-works with a welded-in safety cage, a racing bucket seat with a six-point harness, a FIA escape hatch in the roof as well as an automatic fire extinguisher. Tipping the scales at 1,315 kilograms, the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport counts as one of the lightweights.
In the Cup 3 class, the “Competition” version developed specifically for national and international races, competes. This model features a safety fuel tank with a capacity of 115 litres that is also suitable for long-distance events. Thanks to a brake balance system, the balance bias can be infinitely adjusted between the front and rear axle. An integrated air jack system guarantees fast pit stops. The quick-release racing steering wheel adopted from the 911 GT3 R (Fuel consumption combined 13.2 l/100 km; CO2 emissions 303 g/km)ensures a range of adjustment options for the individual needs of the drivers. Moreover, an additional safety package is mandatory for this class.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR (SP10 class)
The special MR variant of the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport Competition is even more competitive, which is underlined by three-way adjustable shock absorbers, among other features. MR stands for Manthey Racing. The Porsche factory and development team from Meuspath near the Nürburgring has designed and homologated a special GT4 kit for the mid-engine racing car, which is a prerequisite for competing in the SP10 class. Lighter carbon panels replace the front and rear aprons, the fenders, front hood and boot lid. The front and rear windows are made of polycarbonate, the aerodynamic diffuser and front splitter are made of natural-fibre composite materials. The engine and transmission remain untouched, but the chassis is adapted and a set of lighter BBS wheels are fitted. Performance and racing weight depend on the respective Balance of Performance classification.
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (SP7 class)
In addition to the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup as well as Porsche’s national Carrera Cups and GT3 Cup Challenges, 911 GT3 Cup (991.2 model generation) has been fielded with success at the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring since 2018. The rear houses a four-litre, six-cylinder flat engine for powerful propulsion. Thanks to thoroughbred motorsport technology, the compact engine with direct fuel injection delivers a peak performance. Aside from sheer power, a raft of innovative solutions ensure efficiency, even better durability under racing conditions, as well as reduced maintenance costs. A valve drive with rigidly mounted rocker arms and a central oil feed is used for the very first time. An integrated oil centrifuge is used to optimise oil defoaming in the engine. A crankshaft with significantly increased rigidity has also been installed.
A new front apron and a new rear end improve the downforce of the 911 GT3 Cup compared to the predecessor model, thus enhancing traction and performance. The prominent 184-centimetre-wide rear wing has been retained from the predecessor model. One-piece 18-inch racing rims with a central locking mechanism are used – with 270-millimetre racing slicks on the front axle and a massive 310-millimetre tread on the rear axle. The intelligent aluminium-steel composite construction ensures maximum rigidity and a lightweight body. Ready to race, the 911 GT3 Cup weighs in at just 1,200 kilograms, however for the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, it must weigh 1,250 kilograms as required by the classification.
During the car’s development, the engineers put special emphasis on driver safety. The driver is protected by a massive safety cell and an innovative, bucket-style racing seat that is moulded around the head and shoulder area in particular. The rescue hatch in the roof complies with the latest FIA standard.
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup MR (SP-Pro class)
Manthey-Racing also offers an even sharper version of the 911 GT3 Cup of the 991.2 model generation. The Cup MR features a lightweight carbon kit, including the underbody as well as a three-way adjustable racing suspension and five-channel ABS from Bosch in MR spec. The MR rear wing measures 1,600 mm in width so that the vehicle can compete in the SP7 class. As the next configuration level, the Cup MR Pro variant receives a 1.8-metre-wide rear wing as well as a larger front splitter with additional flics, i.e. aerodynamic attachments for the front apron. The tread is slightly wider on the front axle measuring 30/68-18. In this version, the 911 GT3 Cup belongs in the SP-PRO class – as does the MR SP-PRO Cup. It is distinguished by an MR traction control and an anti-lift system. Last but not least, depending on the BoP classification, the engine output of the four-litre flat-six engine is boosted.
Porsche 911 GT3 R (SP9 class)
Since the 2019 season, customer teams have fielded the latest Porsche 911 GT3 R in international and national series – with outstanding success. The customer sport racer from Weissach won, amongst others, the Spa-Francorchamps 24-hour race and at the return of the sports car scene in Kyalami, South Africa. Thanks to these successes, the 911 GT3 R also secured the title in the hotly-contested Intercontinental GT Challenge. The vehicle also claimed class victory at the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring in 2019.
Using the 911 GT3 RS (Fuel consumption combined 13.2 l/100 km; CO2 emissions 303 g/km) production sports car, which was launched in March 2018, as a baseline, Porsche designed a spectacular customer racer for GT3 series around the world. During its development, special attention was paid to particularly efficient aerodynamics, improved driveability, further optimised safety as well as lowering the cost of servicing and spare parts.
Powering the 911 GT3 R is a cutting-edge four-litre flat-six unit which is largely identical to the high-performance production engine of the road-legal 911 GT3 RS. Depending on the Balance of Performance classification. Direct fuel injection, which operates at pressures up to 200 bar, as well as variable valve timing adjustments of the intake and exhaust camshafts ensure a particularly efficient use of fuel. Moreover, compared to its predecessor, the normally-aspirated engine offers significantly better driveability and a broader usable rev range.
A Porsche sequential six-speed constant-mesh gearbox transfers the power to the 310-mm-wide rear wheels. The electric shift drum actuator ensures particularly fast and precise gear changes. As in the GT road-going models, the driver changes gears via shift paddles conveniently positioned on the steering wheel. The clutch is electro-hydraulically controlled, which eliminates the need for the clutch pedal and assists quick race starts. Typical of the 911, the weight distribution ensures excellent traction and braking performances.
The lightweight body design of the 911 GT3 RS production sports car featuring intelligent aluminium-steel composite construction has proven to be the ideal basis for the near-production racing car. The roof, front hood and fairing, wheel arches, doors, side and tail sections as well as the rear lid and interior trim are made of particularly light carbon-fibre composite material (CFRP). All windows consist of polycarbonate. The spectacular aerodynamics of the 911 GT3 R also follows the example of the road car. The distinctive wheel arch air vents on the front fairings increase downforce at the front axle. Measuring 1,900 millimetres in width by 400 millimetres in depth, the rear wing lends aerodynamic balance. The tyre size at the front axle has grown from 650 to 680 millimetres. In tandem with the new Porsche double wishbone suspension, this ensures superior braking performances and consistency over the duration of the race.
The optimised brake system of the 911 GT3 R offers increased stiffness and more precise control of the ABS. At the front axle, six-piston aluminium monobloc racing brake callipers combined with ventilated and grooved steel brake discs with a diameter of 390 millimetres ensure outstanding braking performances. Fitted at the rear axle are four-piston callipers and discs measuring 370 millimetres.
Seven 911 GT3 R take up the challenge at this year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours: the customer squads KCMG, Falken Motorsports and Frikadelli Racing each field two vehicles, with one 911 GT3 R campaigned by Huber Motorsport.
The preview
New to the crew driving the 911 GT3 R are two outright Le Mans winners and endurance champions: the brand ambassador Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Earl Bamber (New Zealand). In addition, the line-up also includes last year’s GTE-Am class winner at Le Mans and brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister, talented youngster Nico Menzel (both Germany) and seasoned specialist Norbert Siedler (Austria). Porsche works driver Sven Müller (Germany), Dennis Olsen (Norway) and Klaus Bachler (Austria) tackle the race for two Porsche customer teams. They replace the nine drivers with works contracts who have had to step down from attending the Nürburgring race on 26-27 September. This reshuffle is the result of three positive Covid-19 tests done as part of a routine check on Porsche employees at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As a consequence, Porsche Motorsport decided that, for safety reasons, no participant from the French endurance classic would travel to the Eifel.
As such, on Saturday, 26 September at 3:30 pm, four Porsche customer teams will field seven 911 GT3 R in the top SP9 category with reshuffled driver crews. Only the No. 911 Manthey-Racing Porsche, which fans have dubbed “Grello”, will not be part of the 2020 action. Nevertheless, Porsche is still the most strongly represented brand at the long-distance classic, which is held four months later than the original date due to the coronavirus pandemic: About a third of the 100-strong field is made up of 911 and 718 Cayman racing vehicles.
“The health and safety of everyone involved take top priority for us. That’s why the tough decision not to be represented at the Nürburgring by the drivers and employees who attended Le Mans was ultimately a no-brainer. Still, I’m glad that we found a quick solution with our customer teams and that we can compete on the legendary Nordschleife,” says Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Porsche Motorsport. “I’d like to thank the organisers and officials at the ADAC who, in consultation with the relevant authorities, made it possible to hold the traditional 24-hour race on the Nürburgring. Hopefully, this important German motor racing event can welcome many fans from all over the world again next year.”
Comments on the upcoming race
Pascal Zurlinden (Director Factory Motorsport): “Our customer teams contest the prestigious Eifel classic with a completely new driver line-up and are keen to continue the fight for Porsche’s 13th overall victory with the 911 GT3 R. The Nürburgring 24 Hours is a special highlight on the international motor racing calendar. After the postponement to autumn, the weather conditions at the world’s most demanding racetrack are expected to be different compared to previous years. Given the lower number of entries and a strong GT3 contingent in the SP9 category, I’m anticipating a 24-hour sprint.”
Sebastian Golz (Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R): “The corona situation throws completely new challenges at us. We had to modify several driver crews at the last second. With the exception of Manthey-Racing’s ‘Grello’, all of our customer racing cars will compete. Of course, it hurts that we have to race without the nine planned drivers. However, thanks to Earl Bamber, Timo Bernhard and Jörg Bergmeister – to name just three – we’ve found strong replacements. We’re grateful they could jump in at the last minute and thanks as well to the teams for their support. Now it’s up to us to make the best out of the situation.”
Earl Bamber (Porsche 911 GT3 R #18): “Normally I’d have been competing in the IMSA series this coming weekend, but unfortunately, that’s not possible for us. Safety first, there’s no doubt about that. On the flip side, the opportunity arose at short notice for us to take part in the 24-hour race. It’s going to be a huge challenge for me because I’m basically jumping in the deep end. It’s great that I can drive for KCMG. I know the team well. I competed in the NASCAR series recently with them. All Porsche teams have prepared intensively with the 911 GT3 R for the toughest race of the year. I’m super excited about my first laps on the Nordschleife.”
More comments in the press release.
The race
The Nürburgring is one of the world’s most demanding and picturesque racetracks. The Eifel classic runs over a 25.378-kilometre combination of the Grand Prix circuit and the Nordschleife (northern loop). The infamous Nordschleife, which was given the intimidating name “Green Hell” by three-time Formula One World Champ Jackie Stewart, poses a real challenge for drivers with its rollercoaster layout, changing track surfaces, and many corners and crests. The fact that the race is contested by professional racers through to clubsport drivers makes the 24-hour marathon particularly appealing.
The Porsche customer teams
Porsche provides its customer teams Falken Motorsports, Frikadelli Racing, Huber Motorsport and KCMG with support in their Eifel campaign by contributing drivers from their own squad, among other things. Because of the above-mentioned Covid-19 situation, works drivers Earl Bamber, Mathieu Jaminet (France), Sven Müller and Dirk Werner (both Germany), as well as the two Porsche brand ambassadors Timo Bernhard and Jörg Bergmeister, will take the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 R. Frikadelli Racing have directly signed on Norbert Siedler (Austria).
An overview of the Porsche drivers (SP9 class)
KCMG (Porsche 911 GT3 R #18)
Earl Bamber, Jörg Bergmeister, Timo Bernhard, Dennis Olsen
KCMG (Porsche 911 GT3 R #19)
Josh Burdon (Australia), Edoardo Liberati (Italy), Alexandre Imperatori (Switzerland)
Huber Motorsport (Porsche 911 GT3 R #25)
Nico Menzel, Marco Holzer, Patrick Kolb (all Germany), Lorenzo Rocco di Torrepadula (Italy)
Frikadelli Racing Team (Porsche 911 GT3 R #30)
Klaus Abbelen, Alexander Müller, Robert Renauer (all Germany), Norbert Siedler (Austria)
Frikadelli Racing Team (Porsche 911 GT3 R #31)
Lance David Arnold, Lars Kern (both Germany), Mathieu Jaminet (France), Maxime Martin (Belgium)
Falken Motorsport (Porsche 911 GT3 R #33)
Christian Engelhart, Sven Müller, Dirk Werner (all Germany), Klaus Bachler (Austria)
Falken Motorsport (Porsche 911 GT3 R #44)
Klaus Bachler, Martin Ragginger (both Austria), Peter Dumbreck (Great Britain), Sven Müller
Nürburgring 24 Hours – all outright Porsche victories:
1976 Müller / Hechler / Quirin (Porsche 911 Carrera)
1977 Müller / Hechler (Porsche 911 Carrera)
1978 Müller / Hechler / Gschwendtner (Porsche 911 Carrera)
1988 Dören / Holup / Faubel (Porsche 911 Carrera RSR)
1993 de Azevedo / Konrad / Wirdheim / Katthöfer (Porsche 911 Carrera)
2000 Mayländer / Bartels / Alzen / Heger (Porsche 911 GT3 R)
2006 Luhr / Bernhard / Rockenfeller / Tiemann (Porsche 911 GT3 MR)
2007 Lieb / Bernhard / Dumas / Tiemann (Porsche 911 GT3 RSR)
2008 Lieb / Bernhard / Dumas / Tiemann (Porsche 911 GT3 RSR)
2009 Lieb / Bernhard / Dumas / Tiemann (Porsche 911 GT3 RSR)
2011 Lieb / Bernhard / Dumas / Luhr (Porsche 911 GT3 RSR)
2018 Lietz / Pilet / Makowiecki / Tandy (Porsche 911 GT3 R)
The schedule
Thursday, 24 September
12:30 – 02:00 pm: Qualifying 1
08:00 – 11:30 pm: Qualifying 2
Friday, 25 September
01:25 – 02:25 pm: Qualifying 3
05:50 – 08:10 pm: Top Qualifyin
Saturday, 26 September
11:15 am – 12:15 pm: Warm-up
03:30 pm: Start 48th Nürburgring 24 Hours
Sunday, 27 September
03:30 pm: Finish 48th Nürburgring 24 Hours
The event on TV and live stream
The Nürburgring 24-hour race gets underway at 3.30 pm on 26 September. The free-TV broadcaster RTL Nitro televises the Top Qualifying (25 September, from 6:15 pm) and the entire race live. The website www.24h-Rennen.de as well as many motorsport platforms offer free live-streaming of the Eifel classic.
Reference: https://newsroom.porsche.com/en.html
