Porsche's spec racing 911s are incredibly popular. The brand says that 5381 examples of various 911 GT3 Cup cars and related racers have been sold since 1990, including 1130 examples of the 992.1 model introduced for the 2021 season. That makes it one of the world's most popular race cars, and that trend should continue with the newly-renamed 992.2-generation 911 Cup set to debut next year.
That name is an important clarification. Although the car now known as the 911 Cup has historically been part of the family of GT3 road cars, it is not built for the GT3 class. That distinction belongs to the 911 GT3 R, another car that saw updates announced today. The GT3 and GT3 RS remain road cars, so the updated distinction is only helpful on the racing side. A similar confusion exists with the 718 Cayman, which is sold in GT4 and GT4 RS trim levels on the road car side but is raced in the GT4 class as the GT4 RS Clubsport.
The car features updated bodywork that reflects the changes to the design in the latest 911 GT3 refresh. Other changes include a three-part splitter and removed daytime running lights; the modular splitter makes repairing damage easier and more affordable, while the lights have been removed to reduce the risk of them punching back into a radiator during the sorts of minor collisions that often happen in sports car racing. Changes to the aerodynamic setup include new front fender louvers, underbody updates, and the addition of vanes beneath the front wheel arches.
Engine updates offer only a marginal jump in output from 510 hp to 512 hp, but the 4.0-liter flat six now includes more components from the 911 GT3 road car. Other changes include a new steering wheel, a four-disc sintered metal clutch, and increased steering lock. Porsche says that the 911 Cup is faster on track than its predecessor, but does not clarify how much quicker it is over a single lap.
Production of the 911 Cup will continue at the same Zuffenhausen plant where road-going 911s are built. It is set to compete in the F1-supporting Porsche Supercup, plus Carrera Cup series in North America, Asia, and Germany starting in 2026 before rolling out to other championships later.
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