The new 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R

This is the new Porsche 911 GT3 R – a hardcore gentleman racer powered by a 4.0-litre flat six and designed to compete in international FIA GT3 race series come 2010.

First there was the GT3, then the more powerful and wider-bodied GT3 RS, and then a Cup race version of that car. And now we have the R, also based on the GT3 RS but with massively flared bodywork – and more power. Confused? We’re not surprised.

While the GT3, RS and Cup make do with a production-spec 3.8-litre flat six, the R has a 4.0-litre boxer engine, meaning the output goes up about 30bhp. The full 473bhp is sent to the rear wheels by a six-speed sequential gearbox with a kerbweight down to just 1200kg.

The GT3 R will be built by Porsche’s motorsport department in Weissach, deliveries start in spring 2010, and the base price – without local taxes and VAT - is €279,000, or £249k. Form an orderly queue please…

This is the very first full-face motorsports helmet, worn by the best drivers from the late 60’s to early 70’s. Unlike the version from that period, the 2009 Bell Star is fully compliant with the latest (Snell SA 2005) regulations and its carbon-Kevlar composite construction makes it much lighter than the first-generation helmets.

You can also order the Classic helmet with Hans ‘post’ clips fitted as original equipment, including an FIA 8858 label.

The American company has been at the forefront of driver safety since the fifties when it introduced the world’s first totally enclosed helmet in 1966. With a simple, single-layer Nomex suit underwear and a fireproof scarf, the addition of the new Bell helmet made drivers’ lives much safer. With the modern updates, we think this is a must-have for those with GT cars from 60’s and 70’s.