Porsche Unveils 992.2-Generation "911 Cup" for 2026: More Power, Smarter Systems, Clearer Naming

August 11, 2025 — Porsche has officially introduced the next-generation 911 Cup—the company's global one-make race car that succeeds the 911 GT3 Cup—confirming a power bump, expanded driver-assist race systems (including racing ABS as standard), and a refined aerodynamics package. The car debuts across Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and selected Carrera Cup series from the start of the 2026 season.

A Strategic Rename — and Why It Matters

Porsche is streamlining its customer-racing nomenclature: one-make cars now carry the simpler "911 Cup" name, while the "GT" + number convention (e.g., 911 GT3 R) remains for multi-manufacturer GT categories. The change launches alongside the 992.2 update and clarifies the ladder from Cup racing to GT3 competition.

Engine, Drivetrain, and Performance

At the heart of the new model is a 4.0-liter, naturally aspirated flat-six producing about 382 kW (520 hp)—an increase of 10 PS versus its predecessor—paired with a Porsche six-speed sequential dog-type gearbox and rear-wheel drive. Official technical data list max torque at 470 Nm (6,150 rpm) and max rpm at 8,750, with service intervals unchanged (engine overhaul after 100 hours). Base weight is listed at about 1,288 kg.

Brakes, ABS/TC, and Electronics

A major functional shift: Bosch Generation 5 racing ABS is now fitted ex-works. The electronic architecture integrates a Bosch MS 6.6 ECU with Porsche Motorsport Traction Control (PMTC), plus a cockpit rotary for on-the-fly ABS/TC adjustments. New safety/ops touches include an automatic engine restart after a stall and a brake-light strobe function to warn following cars at race starts.

Cooling, Braking Hardware, and Steering

Porsche has relocated the central water cooler to free up air to the front brakes; front discs grow to 380×35 mm (up from 32 mm), increasing pad contact and durability. The car adopts wider brake ducts, an enlarged fluid reservoir, and pressure sensors on both circuits. Steering stops are revised for a tighter turning radius, and electro-mechanical power steering gains a manoeuvring function—handy for tight paddocks and street circuits.

Aerodynamics and Body

The front lip is now a three-piece design to reduce repair and shipping costs, with fender louvres, turning vanes, and an optimized underbody improving front-axle response at speed. The swan-neck rear wing has a simplified 13-position adjustment interface, and many panels (doors, boot lid, wing) use recycled carbon-fiber fleece with bio-based epoxy, a sustainability-plus that can stabilize spare-part pricing.

Wheels/Tires and Chassis

The 911 Cup rides on 12.0J×18 (front) with 30/65-18 tires and 13.0J×18 (rear) with 31/71-18 tires, over forged-aluminum control arms, spherical bearings, and adjustable anti-roll bars. TPMS now displays tire air temperature on the center display.

Cockpit and Operations

A redesigned multifunction steering wheel consolidates key adjustments; an illuminated touch panel unlocks detailed setup (pit-lane speed, exhaust mapping, steering-angle reset) without connecting a laptop. Additional padding improves driver protection; GT3 R-inspired features (such as pit-lane lap-time measurement and a pre-kill pit-stop function) trickle down to Cup level. A high-precision GPS antenna now replaces the previous infrared system for lap-time and position.

Fuel and Sustainability

The engine runs on Super Plus unleaded up to E20 and is homologated for FIA "Advanced Sustainable" eFuels; Porsche highlights a blend with 79.7% renewable content used in Supercup that can cut CO₂ by up to ~66% relative to conventional racing fuel.

Manufacturing, Volumes, and Price Guidance

As before, Cup cars are built alongside series-production 911s in Zuffenhausen. Porsche cites 1,130 units produced of the outgoing 992.1-generation GT3 Cup and 5,381 one-make 911 race cars overall to date—underscoring the program's scale. U.S. market communications and IMSA note a list price of €269,000 (ex-VAT) for the new car.

Testing, Rollout, and Series Adoption

Development began at Weissach with on-track testing at Monza and Lausitzring, involving factory-linked drivers including Bastian Buus, Laurin Heinrich, Klaus Bachler, and Marco Seefried. The 911 Cup enters competition from early 2026 in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and selected Carrera Cups, including Porsche Carrera Cup North America. Production ramp begins fall 2025.

Key Specifications (Official Technical Data)

• Engine: 4.0-L water-cooled flat-six; ~382 kW (520 hp); 470 Nm @ 6,150 rpm; max 8,750 rpm; individual throttle bodies; cams with extended valve opening; dry-sump; Bosch MS 6.6 ECU with PMTC (prepared Push-to-Pass)
• Transmission: Porsche 6-speed sequential dog-type, paddle-shift; mechanical LSD; 4-plate sintered clutch
• Weight/Dimensions: ~1,288 kg; 4,599 mm L / 1,920 mm W (front axle) / 1,902 mm W (rear axle) / 2,468 mm WB
• Brakes: Bosch Gen-5 racing ABS; front 380×35 mm ventilated steel discs, 6-piston calipers; rear 380×32 mm, 4-piston; enlarged fluid reservoir, pressure sensors on both circuits
• Wheels/Tires: Front 12.0J×18 with 30/65-18; Rear 13.0J×18 with 31/71-18; center-lock forged alloys
• Driveline: Rear-wheel drive

Context: Why the 911 Cup Matters

The Cup platform is the backbone of Porsche's global customer-racing ecosystem and a critical training ground for factory-supported talent. With clearer naming, more robust electronics, and lower running-cost touches (like the three-piece lip and recycled-material bodywork), the 992.2 car advances both accessibility and performance—while maintaining the purist appeal of a high-revving, naturally aspirated flat-six.