GT3 is the class of race cars built from road-going sports cars — Porsche, Ferrari, BMW and others — and then balanced against each other so no single model runs away with the results. That balance, plus driver aids such as racing ABS and traction control, is why a GT3 car is a good first race car to try on a simulator: quick enough to feel serious, predictable enough that a first-timer can string together clean laps.
Where GT3 came from
SRO, the organizer behind the GT World Challenge, presented GT3 at a press conference in Monte-Carlo on December 2, 2005, ahead of the 2006 season. In SRO’s own retrospective, the aim was a more cost-effective formula in which a wide variety of desirable models, built from production cars, could race on a level playing field, with amateur drivers strongly encouraged. Eight manufacturers took part in the first season.
How Balance of Performance keeps it close
A front-engined BMW M4 GT3, a mid-engined Ferrari 296 GT3 and a rear-engined Porsche 911 GT3 R behave very differently. Fanatec’s explainer lists the four main levers organizers use to equalize them: fuel tank capacity, ballast weight, airflow or boost restrictions, and minimum ride height.
SRO runs compulsory tests twice a year at Circuit Paul Ricard with the same professional drivers. In 2017 its technical director told Sportscar365 that homologation files, test sessions and engine dyno data all feed simulation software, and that the target is lap times within 0.3 seconds across different circuit types, so that “drivers remain the most important element.”
Why GT3 suits first-time drivers
Porsche says the current 911 GT3 R — about 565 PS from a rear-mounted 4.2-liter flat-six — was developed to improve drivability for drivers with various skill sets, and it uses fifth-generation racing ABS and an improved traction control system. Those aids exist to keep the tires from locking under braking and spinning under power, which takes some of the sting out of a beginner’s mistakes. The car still rewards precision: the quick drivers brake later and get back on the throttle sooner, which is what makes a GT3 time sheet competitive.
GT3 in sim racing
GT3 is also a mainstay of PC sim racing. Assetto Corsa Competizione, by Kunos Simulazioni, is the official game of the GT World Challenge, and the series says laser-scan technology is used to recreate its circuits and cars. According to Fanatec, ACC applies SRO-licensed BoP directly, while iRacing and Le Mans Ultimate run their own BoP for their GT classes. Browse our cars and tracks pages, then tell us which car and circuit you want and we will confirm what we can set up for your date.
What the motion platform can and cannot do
A motion platform cannot hold you under real g-forces for seconds at a time, because it can only move within a small range. Motion-cueing software works around that. Researchers describe reproducing the quick, high-frequency part of each movement with real platform motion, tilting the seat so gravity stands in for longer accelerations, and then slowly “washing out” back to center so the platform stays inside its limits (Scheidel et al., arXiv). SIGMA Integrale describes its DK2 system as servo-motor actuators with 2 inches (50 mm) of travel, driven by the game’s telemetry to produce pitch, roll and heave for braking, acceleration, cornering and road texture.
Our fleet is 10 full-motion rigs. The full-motion rigs use SIGMA Integrale 2DOF/3DOF motion platforms, which are driven by electric actuators.
Book a GT3 session
A GT3 race is an easy format for a mixed group because the cars are close in pace and forgiving to drive. It fits corporate team-building, private parties, brand activations and trade shows. We deliver, set up, staff and tear down at hotels, event venues, offices and private homes. On-site staffing is included for up to 4 rigs.
Full-motion rigs are $2,750 per rig per day, with a $2,000 event minimum, all plus tax and insurance. Delivery is free within 50 miles of Miami; farther out, we quote delivery on request. See pricing for volume discounts. We also sell and lease simulators for homes and businesses. Our showroom and demo space is at 2920 NW 5th Ave, Suite 105, Miami, an address we share with Shift Arcade Miami.
Call (754) 228-5654, email hello@simsforhire.com or send an inquiry; we reply within 24 hours and can book with as little as 24 hours of lead time.