NEW GT3 CHALLENGERS TO DEBUT AT MONZA

Nissan latest generation GT-R NISMO GT3 – Photo: Supplied

A pair of the newest GT3 contenders will debut at this weekend’s opening round of the Blancpain GT Endurance Series at Monza, the Bentley Continental GT3 and the 2018-spec Nissan GT-R GT3.

The driver line-up will consist of the same drivers that gave the older-spec Continental GT3 its swansong earlier this year at the Bathurst 12 Hour, which is led by Guy Smith, Steven Kane and new addition Jules Gounon, and in the second car Andy Soucek, Maxime Soulet and Vincent Abril provide a strong second line-up.

“It’s been a long time coming, and a lot of hard work has gone in behind the scenes, but our second-generation Continental GT3 will contest its very first event at Monza this weekend,” Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush said.

“There’s clearly a lot of excitement surrounding the new car and it’s shown promise in testing but we have to stay focused: there are 26 Pro Cup entries and 10 manufacturers in the Blancpain GT Series, all of which are capable of scoring podiums. 2018 remains very much a development year for the second-generation Continental GT3 ahead of its full customer roll-out in 2018.”

The new generation Bentley Continental GT3 – Photo: Supplied

The new generation Continental GT3 is powered by Bentley’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 developed by M-Sport. The engine features a revised intake and exhaust system, while the redesigned dry sump help make the engine produce 410kw of power, due to Balance of Performance.

A Ricardo six-speed sequential transmission sends power to the rear wheels through a carbon-fibre propshaft and limited-slip diff.

The Nissan is heavily revised and will be represented by a sole 2018-spec GT-R GT3 for RJN driven by Nissan factory trio Alex Buncombe, Lucas Ordonez and Matt Parry.

More than 50 cars are set to take the start at Monza, including a pair of Lexus RCF GT3s, which will make its Endurance Cup debut. All three will be eligible for next year’s Bathurst 12 Hour on February 1-3.

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