Podcast with Porsche's manager of high performance vehicles (ie GT3/RS/GT2)...pretty interesting stuff, including all the doodads on the MK2 GT3...and a hint that the GT1 block may be around for the GT3 a little bit longer!

http://www.drivers-republic.com/reso...ys3zqaaylg.mp3

 

Yup, this gen and one more. The cup cars will have whatever is going in the GT3 first.

I see the 3.8 riding out the 997 GT3, and then the 4.0 bringing in the 991/998. Just watch the cup cars. We could possibly skip the 4.0 in the street cars if the DFI cups come before the new mode GT3. Then the next GT3 refresh in the next gen will be the DFI motor.

 

They have to race whatever is in the GT3...right? Unfortunately, I think this just confirms its demise for the TT and GT2. I had hopes when the block came out for the GT3 that the TT and GT2 would continue with the engine, but all the photos seem to point otherwise, at least for the turbo.

 

Hey bbywu if that photo is real then you're right because that's the exact same bottom of the engine as on my 09 car

 

I can't remember where I got it, but it's real. I downloaded it from one of the auto spy sites and changed the contrast to show the engine block...I think Gene picked up on it first a few months ago.

Here's the original...

 

Let's hope they're just testing Don't get me wrong the A91 engine (in my DFI 997) is a great set up but it's not race proven like the GT1 block...

 

here's a pic that shows you just how similar it is;(

 

IMO making a durable 6 cylinder with FI wont be hard at all. Just forge the internals and make a very solid block. They are VERY common (Supra, GT-R etc). The TT and GT2 will lose a lot of weight to offset the PDK.

Making the GT3 motor is not so easy, NA is a lot more dependant on the block especially when you're revving to such high rpms and maxing out such a small displacement motor.

For this reason, it's easy for Porsche to switch the TT and GT2 and not so easy in the GT3. Expect the GT1 to live on in the GT3 for a while. It's good to 470-480 hp or so with a 4.0 liter motor. That in a GT3 would be nearly unstopable and the best thing going on a track. Especially and RS version.

 

hey heavychevy, I do agree with what you're saying but emotionally I'm just a bigger fan of the hand-built and more expensive GT1 block. The newer motor is certainly neat in terms of technology and I'm sure can be strengthened enough as you say to run a TT set up.... And you're right there's no way the DFI motor as it sits could take 8600rpms

 

Bingo...same reason BMW had to use an iron block for the S54 engine.

I hope the GT1 block sticks around for a long, long time. With top racing series such as the ALMS already putting HP restrictions on the race cars, all Porsche needs to do is manipulate the power band. With regards to their homologation cars, they have no need to change blocks for some time.

 

Can anyone explain what the carbon emissions and fuel laws are in Europe? Wasn't this the biggest driving force (besides the almighty $$$) to drive consolidation of engine designs across all the 911s? If the laws look at that the average CO2 and fuel standards, and GT3s and GT2s are produced in the smallest quantities, maybe they can keep the engine around as it won't be a factor in the average CO2 produced for the entire line.

...just say'n...

 

Me neither!!!! That's why I'll cheer the new TT on from the sidelines while I drive a 996 or 997.1 TT. I wont trust any new block with mods until it earns that trust.

 

To be honest, I don't think it will be a big deal anymore now that Porsche owns VW. They can churn out millions of econo cars and then make the Porsches lean and mean.

 

Although economic reasons play a part in every decision, Porsche really isn't worried about cost with regards to their GT street cars, or the CO2 tax associated with them. The biggest reason they keep using the GT1 block is because they can use this block for the GT3, RS, Cup, Cup-S, RSR, and the Daytona Prototypes, ALL of which are in endurance sports-car racing series. To finish first, you have to first finish. These things are bullet proof in competition, and when you are the largest sports car manufacturer in the world, you need a foundation that is reliable.

Being able to manipulate displacement via the cylinders instead of the block is also a huge convenience, especially when you already have more than enough power for every race series the engine variants are used in.

The GT line will always be protected by other eco-friendly cars so that they can continue to be the beasts that they are.

 

Alex, why doesn't the left tail-light all light up?