Porsche laid the groundwork for the latest model in 2018, and concrete development began in early 2019. The main goals were to improve performance, achieve a more aggressive design, easier handling, and greater durability with less outlay in terms of maintenance time and cost. Many aspects of the new car reflect this, not least, in the electronics package and power systems onboard. To achieve intelligent solutions for the electrical details, Porsche selected electronics supplier, Cosworth, a company widely recognised as one of the most sophisticated bespoke motorsport electronics bureaus globally. ‘Porsche’s Weissach-based Motorsport arm has relied on Cosworth for over a decade for such challenging applications,’ says Luigi Brasacchio, Specialist Electrical Engineering and overall responsible for the EE-Architecture of Porsche Racecars. ‘Cosworth delivered bespoke hardware and software built on Porsche’s concept requirements for the 992-generation 911 GT3 Cup car, including an intelligent colour display and logger, chassis controller, onboard network and a power box.’
A primary target for Porsche’s 992-generation 911 GT3 Cup over its predecessor was improved driver and control system interfacing, optimised with a large screen prioritising the display of critical data and information for the driver while racing. ‘The design of both the display and pit-lane computer monitors were to be aligned so that the driver and race engineer could see the same data simultaneously,’ explains Brasacchio. ‘Additionally, the electronics required accessible error analyses and problem-solving capability with as many diagnostic options available as possible. Specialised software was to summarise all information more clearly and comprehensibly than the 992-generation’s predecessor, and optional vehicle functions such as ABS or traction control were to be stored in the system so the driver could activate them via a digital code where regulations permit their use. In the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and most national Carrera Cups, these driving aids are switched off; in these championships, the talent of the drivers alone is what counts.’
