GT3 Cup cars ready to race

Porsche's white, winged wonders are in the country ahead of a shakedown at Winton

More power, improved grip and stronger downforce are the hallmarks of the Porsche GT3 Cup cars competing in this year's Porsche Carrera Cup Australia (PCCA) series.

The 22 cars are already in the country -- clearing their way through customs -- and will be handed over to teams the day before a shakedown run at Victoria's Winton motor raceway on January 30.

On the track the cars will produce an aggregate of 10,000hp, according to the importer.  It's actually a slightly lower figure, since the Cup cars are now producing 450hp each -- an improvement of 50hp on the previous models. For the pedants, that's actually 9900hp in total...

Other changes to the cars for the new year include wider tracks, front and rear, more downforce and a new design of tyre -- courtesy of contracted supplier, Michelin. In total, the field is worth $5 million and most of the cars have been sold already.

"Now that the cars have arrived it is only a matter of time before the entire grid is accounted for," Porsche Cars Australian motorsport manager Jamey Blaikie was quoted as saying in a press release.

"And despite enquiries as to whether PCA would bring in more cars if the demand is there -- the answer is a firm 'No'. We will cap the grid to a maximum of 22 cars to maximise the competitors' investment."

First official outing is the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne during the month of March.

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