2012 GT3 R to feature paddle shift & 500hp
From 9Magazine:
For the 2012 season Porsche has upgraded the 911 GT3 R, adding a further 20 bhp (now 500 bhp), providing steering wheel mounted paddle-shifts, a softer anti-roll bar on the front axle to reduce understeer and an automatic throttle blip control, making it almost impossible to miss a gear and over-rev the engine. The new 911 GT3 R remains based on the 997 platform rather than the latest 991.
Paddle-shifts on the steering wheel ensure gear changes are even quicker and simpler, making it easier for pilots to concentrate on braking. Moreover, the transmission electronics, featuring an automatic throttle blip control, make it almost impossible to miss a gear and over-rev the engine. A softer anti-roll bar on the front axle reduces understeer.
The power increase of the four-litre, six-cylinder flat engine in the rear was achieved through optimisation of the intake system. The gearing of the sequential six-speed dog-type gearbox was adapted to the higher maximum output. In order to bring the power to the tarmac safely and to assist race drivers, the 911 GT3 R has featured a sophisticated ex-works traction control since the 2010 model year. An efficient race-ABS assists braking.
The new Porsche 911 GT3 R will be delivered to teams around the world from November 2011. The vehicle costs 304,500 Euro ($434,000) plus the value added tax of respective countries. The Porsche 911 GT3 R from the 2010 and 2011 model years can be upgraded to the 2012-spec. An upgrade kit is available from Porsche Motorsport for 43,100 Euro.
The 911 GT3 R represents the mid-range of Porsche’s customer racing vehicles. The 911 GT3 Cup, as the top-selling race car in the world, serves as the basis. Ranking above the 911 GT3 R is the 911 GT3 RSR, built for GT2 racing, which competes in series like the American Le Mans Series, the Le Mans Series and at the Le Mans 24 hour race.
Most of 2nd 3rd cars are auto anyway so I hope they will keep it as a option for a long time
Fully agree with your sentiments - although I must say that if I could afford to buy a new Ferrari, I would probably get it with paddle shift, even if manual were an option (which of course it isn't in the 458). Can't really explain why, other than the sense that paddle shift just feels right for the more "digital" experience of the Ferrari, whereas a manual box just seems to fit with the more "analogue" experience of driving a hot 911 - not sure if that makes any sense at all, but I've never felt as involved or engaged driving a paddle-shift as when driving a stick-shift.
