Porsche 911 Cup Debuts: Continuing the Racing Legacy, Reaching New Performance Heights

Porsche has officially unveiled the all-new 911 Cup car, the dedicated one-make racing machine for the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, regional Carrera Cups, and other licensed single-make series. Starting from the 2026 season, the new car will make its debut in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia. Based on the 992.2-generation 911, it features numerous refinements while carrying forward Porsche Motorsport’s renowned DNA.

All-New 911 Cup: Positioning and Core Upgrades

Designed specifically for global one-make series, the new 911 Cup will be among the first to compete in the 2026 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia. Development focused on three key goals: enhancing performance, reducing operating costs, and simplifying control for both teams and drivers.

Under the engine cover lies a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six delivering 382 kW (520 PS), a 10 PS increase over its predecessor. For Porsche Carrera Cup Asia customers, the car is priced at RMB 2,036,000 (excluding VAT in specific markets).

Notably, Porsche is unifying its one-make racing nomenclature under the “911 Cup” banner, marking a standardized naming strategy. Going forward, only cars intended for open-brand GT competition or niche categories will retain the “GT” designation, as seen in the simultaneously unveiled 911 GT3 R. Built on the same line as road-going 911 GT models at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen plant, the Cup car continues a proven production model: since late 2020, Porsche Motorsport has built 1,130 units of the current 911 GT3 Cup, with total one-make 911 production reaching 5,381 units.

Asian Debut and Series Planning

Details of the 2026 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia will be announced on August 22 at Indonesia’s Mandalika International Street Circuit. As in the past two seasons, the series will select participants through the Michelin Talent Pool, offering young drivers in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond a platform to showcase their skills. The 2026 Talent Pool Shootout is scheduled for November 3–5 at Sepang International Circuit.

“As with previous generations, the new 911 Cup pushes boundaries once again,” said Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport. “It blends road-legal GT components with pure racing technology to create a unified performance-focused concept. Driving the 911 Cup remains a challenge – and we want to keep it that way, as it serves as a training platform for Porsche Junior drivers.”

Michael Dreiser, Director Sales Porsche Motorsport, added: “This 911-based Cup car is one of the world’s best-selling race cars. Alongside the 718 GT4 RS Clubsport, it forms the professional foundation of our motorsport pyramid. Its versatility is key – it performs successfully not only in one-make racing but also in endurance and open GT competition.”

Alexandre Imperatori, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Series Manager, commented: “The new 911 Cup brings significant gains in performance, handling, and comfort, along with highly anticipated features for drivers of all levels. We are proud to be among the first to run it in a Porsche one-make series, demonstrating Porsche’s long-term commitment to motorsport in Asia.”

Bodywork: Aerodynamics and Practicality in Harmony

Visually, the 911 Cup stands apart from its predecessor, adopting the 992.2-generation 911 GT3’s front fascia. The front splitter now consists of three separate sections, allowing only damaged parts to be replaced after contact – reducing packaging and transport costs. Daytime running lights have been removed to avoid radiator damage in minor impacts and eliminate the need for replacement.

Vented front fenders channel airflow through the wheel arches, increasing front-axle downforce. An optimized underbody, identical to the production model, works in tandem with additional airflow management behind the front wheels to enhance steering precision, especially in high-speed cornering.

At the rear, a redesigned swan-neck wing with improved mounting makes angle adjustments more accessible, while the engine cover has been revised. Almost all body panels, including the doors, are made from recycled carbon-fiber fleece with bio-based epoxy resin, repurposing production offcuts to stabilize spare part costs and promote sustainability.

Engine and Drivetrain: More GT3 DNA, Same Durability

The naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six, derived from the 911 GT3’s engine, now produces 382 kW (520 PS) and incorporates production-based components such as flow-optimized individual throttle bodies and camshafts with extended valve lift. Eliminating the central throttle enables the use of air restrictors for other racing series.

Despite the power increase, the engine’s service life remains unchanged, requiring overhaul only after 100 hours of track time. Three exhaust configurations are available to meet varying noise regulations worldwide.

The drivetrain features a reinforced four-disc sintered-metal racing clutch paired with a six-speed sequential gearbox, removing the previous 6,500 rpm rev limit during standing starts. A new auto-restart function allows the engine to be restarted instantly by pressing the clutch, while flashing brake lights replace hazard lights as a clearer safety signal at race starts.

Braking: Endurance-Ready Performance

The braking system has been thoroughly revised: front discs now measure 380 mm in diameter and 35 mm thick (up from 32 mm), with enlarged cooling channels improving heat dissipation. Moving the central radiator to the rear trunk allows direct airflow to the brakes. Narrower disc hats increase the friction surface, and wider pads improve deceleration and durability for long-distance events.

Bosch’s M5 ABS comes as standard, utilizing upgraded data processing and new acceleration sensors for enhanced dynamic monitoring. If either brake circuit loses pressure, the software immediately alerts the driver. An enlarged brake fluid reservoir meets the demands of endurance racing.

Steering updates include a reduced turning radius for tighter street circuits and a greater steering angle for better control in oversteer situations.

Cockpit: Streamlined Controls, Enhanced Safety

A new high-quality multifunction steering wheel integrates ABS and traction control adjustments via the central rotary switch. Backlit colored buttons improve visibility and usability.

The central control panel beside the driver’s seat is reduced from ten to eight physical switches, with a lower-right button opening a display menu for in-car adjustments such as pit limiter, exhaust mapping, and steering angle reset – eliminating the need for a laptop connection. Additional foam padding inside the door beams offers extra protection for arms, legs, and feet.

Electronics: Expanded Functionality

The upgraded electronics package includes a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) displaying live data on the dashboard, a GPS antenna replacing the previous infrared system for lap timing and tracking, and GT3 R–derived features like pit-lap timing and a “pre-kill” function that shuts down the engine during pit stops. A new electronic monitoring system tracks the fire extinguisher’s internal 9V battery.

Developed in partnership with Michelin, a new generation of tires was tested extensively at Monza, Lausitzring, and Porsche’s Weissach test track by former Porsche Juniors Bastian Buus, Laurin Heinrich, Klaus Bachler, and experienced racer Marco Seefried.

Matthias Scholz, Project Manager GT Race Cars, summarized: “The new 911 Cup stands out for its meticulous attention to detail. It’s stronger, faster, and more practical – yet component lifespans remain the same or even longer. Sustainability was a focus, with extensive use of recycled materials, while cockpit ergonomics and electronic systems broaden its versatility.”