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Magnus Racing’s 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup
Based on the street-going Porsche 911 GT3 RS, the GT3 Cup is one of the most-used race cars in the world. The strong pedigree of Porsche racing means the GT3 Cup is the standard for GT competition around the world, which is why Magnus Racing races one.
The Porsche gets its power from a 3.8 liter, water-cooled, flat six engine with four valves per cylinder. Controlled by a Bosch MS 3.2 electronic engine management system, the engine makes 450 HP at 7500 RPM and redlines at 8500 RPM.
The drivers shift a six-speed sequential gearbox with dog-ring engagement. Listening to on-board footage you may be surprised at how hard and violent the shifts may sound – especially when considering the gearboxes must withstand thousands of shifts over a 24 hour race – but when used properly they will see the finish without problem. Oil coolers and pressure-oil lubrication help to make it last as well. The car uses a 5 ½” triple-disc clutch.
Like the road car, the 911 GT3 Cup uses a McPherson front suspension and multilink rear suspension but unlike the road car the rear suspension attaches to a solidly mounted subframe. Camber adjustment is handled with two-piece lower control arms. Magnus Racing uses two-way adjustable Bilstein shocks at Daytona, but will swap for three-way adjustable shocks at other tracks. Drivers can adjust for different handling characteristics throughout their stints with cockpit adjustable blade-type swaybars.