Porsche 996 Cup car

In order to homologate its 996-gen 911 for FIA GT3 racing, Porsche did far more than strip out all unnecessary luxuries. The cars made use of the naturally aspirated 3.6 Litre flat-six with dry-sump lubrication that had been plotted out initially for the 962 race car by Hans Mezger. The long-time Porsche engineer's touch ensured that the engine had gained legendary status for use in the water-cooled 962, and modifications for street ability helped it produce a still healthy 360-plus horsepower, or more than 100 bhp per litre. 

A lowered and buttoned-down suspension along with upsized brakes made the most of the powerful engine, while ultralight wheels and various aerodynamic enhancements improved roadholding even more.

Porsche catered specifically to its enthusiastic base with its Carrera Cup, single-model series 996 GT3s such as this one. This particular example was later modified by 3R racing of Denver Colorado, for use in the SCCA Speed World Challenge GT series in the USA. With Randy Pobst, known to his fans on the track and in American motoring publications Motor Trend as "The Rocket", at the wheel, the car cruised to four victories in the 2002 Speed World Challenge season, making him the driver with the most wins in the series that season.

The current engine is a 997 Cup series engine.