Porsche is opening a new chapter in its GT4 racing story with the reveal of the 2027 Porsche 911 GT4 R, the first GT4-spec race car from the brand to be based on the 911. It replaces the discontinued 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, a move that comes as Porsche ends production of the combustion-powered 718 sports car. Since 2016, Porsche’s GT4 efforts have centered on the Cayman platform, with more than 1,500 race cars built, but the shift to the 911 now creates a closer link between Porsche’s entry-level customer racing machines and its more advanced GT3 programs.
The new 911 GT4 R is built on the technical foundation of the 992.2-generation 911 Cup car, giving teams and drivers a familiar base with proven motorsport hardware. Porsche says this shared platform should make the transition smoother from one-make racing into GT4 competition, while also helping drivers who aim to move later into GT3 racing. Unlike the outgoing mid-engine 718 GT4, the new rear-engine 911 GT4 R better reflects the layout and driving character of Porsche’s higher-level 911 GT3 R, making the progression through Porsche’s racing ladder more natural.
Power comes from a 4.0-liter flat-six engine derived from the 911 Cup, producing around 512 to 520 horsepower depending on specification, though actual output will be adjusted according to Balance of Performance rules. With Porsche’s supplied restrictor, output is reduced to about 430 horsepower. The engine is paired with a six-speed sequential dog-ring gearbox operated by paddle shifters and supported by a racing clutch, delivering the kind of direct, durable setup expected in customer racing.
Compared with the old 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, the 911 GT4 R brings wider tracks, larger wheels, and more advanced motorsport technology. It uses five-lug forged wheels rather than the center-lock setup found on higher-level 911 race cars, with 18×11-inch wheels at the front and 18×12-inch wheels at the rear. Braking is handled by six-piston front and four-piston rear aluminum calipers, paired with 15-inch steel discs and a Bosch motorsport ABS system adjustable to the driver’s preference.
Aerodynamics also play a major role in the new car’s character. The 911 GT4 R wears race-focused bodywork with widened fenders, vented wheel arches, redesigned side skirts, and a manually adjustable swan-neck rear wing with 11 positions. Many components, including the doors, engine cover, aero elements, and rear wing, are made from natural-fiber-reinforced plastic. The bodywork is designed to improve cooling, underbody airflow, and stability while staying within GT4 class regulations.
Inside, the 911 GT4 R is all business. The cockpit includes a welded roll cage, FIA-approved seat and six-point harness, safety nets, a roof hatch for emergency extraction, and provisions for cooling systems. A 10.3-inch digital display gives the driver key information, supported by an integrated data logger and GPS system for race analysis. The steering wheel carries controls for functions such as traction control, ABS, pit-lane speed limits, radio communication, high beams, drink system, and reverse.
The 2027 Porsche 911 GT4 R will compete in series including the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and SRO Pirelli GT4 America, with racing expected to begin in the 2027 season. Pricing in the United States starts at $375,000 to $375,500, including import and delivery depending on the listed source. While that makes it significantly more expensive than the outgoing 718 GT4 RS Clubsport, Porsche is positioning the new 911-based GT4 R as a more advanced, more integrated step in its customer racing ladder.
With the Cayman era fading from Porsche’s combustion racing lineup, the 911 GT4 R feels like the logical successor. It keeps Porsche active in GT4 competition while giving teams a stronger connection to the 911 Cup and 911 GT3 R programs. More than just a replacement, it marks a clear shift in Porsche’s racing strategy, turning the 911 into the new gateway for ambitious drivers entering the brand’s customer motorsport world.
