Concept

GT3 (FIA homologation)

section:concept

Group GT3, known technically as Cup Grand Touring Cars, is a set of regulations maintained by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) for grand tourer racing cars designed for use in various auto racing series throughout the world. The GT3 category was initially created in 2005 by the SRO Motorsports Group as a third rung in the ladder of grand touring motorsport, below the Group GT1 and Group GT2 categories which were utilized in the SRO's FIA GT Championship, and launched its own series in 2006 called the FIA GT3 European Championship.

GT3 cars must be based on mass production road car models that are being built and sold at the time of homologation, though the engine is an exception (e.g. the BMW Z4 GT3 used the 4.0L V8 from the BMW M3 E92, while the Mercedes-AMG GT3 used the 6.2 V8 from the Mercedes SLS AMG GT3). The cars are designed to have a weight between 1,200 and 1,300 kilograms (2,646 and 2,866 lb) with horsepower between 500 and 600 horsepower (507 and 608 PS; 373 and 447 kW). They also feature traction control, ABS, and built-in air jacks for quick pit stops. All cars have a similar power to weight ratio, achieved through varying combinations of high power and high weight, or low power and low weight.

The regulations and homologations for Group GT3 were prepared by the FIA and ready by the start of the 2006 season, with eight manufacturers represented at the first Balance of Performance test prior to the debut of the FIA GT3 European Championship. The International GT Open, British GT Championship, Spanish GT Championship, and Italian GT Championship all created a category specifically for the FIA's new Group GT3 machines. By 2013, nearly 20 automobile manufacturers had built or been represented with GT3 machines. The category expanded rapidly, with the SRO Group launching two new regional championships, the Brazilian GT Championship and the German ADAC GT Masters, exclusively running Group GT3 cars in 2007.

The category continued to grow, expanding into endurance racing by 2011 with the formation of the Blancpain Endurance Series and achieving overall victories at events like the Bathurst 12 Hour, Dubai 24 Hour, Malaysia Merdeka Endurance Race, and Spa 24 Hours, followed by a 24 Hours Nürburgring victory in 2012. On 9 March 2018, the FIA World Motor Sport Council approved a new process requiring a minimum production number for GT3 race cars: ten units within twelve months of homologation, twenty within twenty-four months, and so on. As of April 2026, 59 vehicles have gone through the homologation process with the FIA, although some of these homologations were not completed or were later revoked. As of January 2026, 19 vehicles currently hold valid homologation for use in competition.

Since 2006, Group GT3 cars have been either exclusive to or in a distinct class in the following series:

ADAC GT Masters

Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters

FIA GT World Cup

GT3 Legends

GT Revival Series

GT World Challenge America

GT World Challenge Australia

GT World Challenge Asia

GT World Challenge Europe

GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup

GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup