I was just reading about the '09 RSR in the new issue of Excellence. They showed the specs of the previous versions of the GT3 RSR's and I came across something that leaves me scratching my head about the new car. First here's the specs they published:
2004-2006
Displacement:3.6 liters
Output: 445hp @8250rpm, 299 lb-ft @ 7,200
Redline: 8,500
Weight: 2,458

2007
Displacement:3. liters
Output: 485hp @8,500rpm, 320 lb-ft @ 7,250
Redline: 9,000
Weight:2,700

2008
Displacement:3.8 liters
Output: 465hp @8,000rpm, 320 lb-ft @ 7,250
Redline: 9,400
Weight: 2,700

2009
Displacement:4.0 liters
Output: 450hp @7,800rpm, 332 lb-ft @ 7,250
Redline: 9,000
Weight: 2,700

Obviously these specs don't show power curves and suspension improvements that will make the cars faster (presumably) over it's predecessor, however based on the engine's changes, it seems the best engine to have would have been the '07 3.8 RSR, it peaked with 35 more hp than the new 4.0. That seems significant to me. It's torque was only 12 lb-ft less which may be a downside in the turns but those added hp probably would out do the 4.0 in the straights. It just is weird to me that they go to a bigger engine and get much less power than the 3.8. How come with each year after '07 the hp numbers go down? Is it something based on ACO and FIA rules? Also when they went to the 4.0 it seems that they'd be able to get much more than just 12 lb-ft of torque than the 3.8. If they tuned the '07 3.8 for torque increase with a peak hp of 450 like the 4.0, is it wrong to assume their would have been a bigger leap and may have produced more in the lines of about 340 lb-ft of torque? Maybe the new car is more linear, like I said, you can't tell much from specs without power curves, but it just seems weird that the new car has less power than the last two iterations without much gains in torque when you take into account the increase in displacement. I'm assuming the newer cars geometry is better than it's predecessors thus making it a faster car, but if we were going strictly by engine numbers, I think I'd want an '07 if I was just a club racer looking to have a fun albeit expensive track day toy. I dunno, what do you guys think?

 

farnbacher selling their 08 rsr via paul miller porsche. go git your new toy!

yes aco lowered hp cap for 09, i think in all classes. all started because p1 destroyed lemans lap times last year.

 

You would have to check the regulations year by year and see if there are any larger air restrictors in place.

 

ALMS has limited the intake on the '09 cars with their forever changing rules thus the lower HP numbers this year. The new car has more front-end downforce as well and teams are struggling with balance. The Ferrari's still seem to be better on tires and that will make it hard for Porsche over a race distance. I fear the end is coming, with Ferrari winning the championship 2 years in a row will force Porsche to think differently about the 911 platform.

I know that's been said before....

 

There is quite a bit of power left in the 4.0 liter engine.

But doesn't there have to be 4.0 liter engines from Porsche out already for homologation? Or atleast within a year of competing?

The 3.8's are just now hitting the 997's. Maybe that means a 4.0 is coming soon to some form of 911.