Porsche reveals new 911 GT3 Cup

The current 997-generation Porsche 911 might be having a rather lavish blowout - witness the 500bhp 911 GT3 RS 4.0-litre - but that hasn't stopped Stuttgart from unveiling the platform's last racing hurrah. Meet the new 2012 911 GT3 Cup.

The engine of Porsche's new racer is based on the 997-generation 911 GT3 RS, and thus produces 450bhp at a max engine speed of 8,500rpm. It also benefits from a larger 100-litre fuel tank, a racing exhaust system and a controlled catalytic converter, the latter of which must surely struggle with pegging emissions on a very shouty flat-six...

As expected, you get flared wheel arches, 18in light alloy wheels, seven-way adjustable anti-roll bars and ceramic composite brakes (for use in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup). These monster brakes reduce weight by around 20kg.

The GT3 Cup will make its debut in the 2012 racing season (including 2013 use) in selected one-make racing series. The price? Approximately £169,000.

Top Gear drives the Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0