Fans will love Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Package
What is it?: Essentially a more subtle version of the Porsche 911 GT3, the Touring Package retains the same level of power and performance, but eschews the giant fixed rear wing and gives fans what they really want: A manual transmission. It’s powered by the same naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine, producing 500 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, and can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. While the regular GT3 is available only with Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch transmission, the Touring comes with a six-speed manual gearbox and a Carrera-style variable rear spoiler. Why does it matter?: The 911 GT3 is currently one of the purest representations of Porsche performance, but it’s a little hard-edged for those who prefer the highway to the racetrack. It also lacks the quintessential element necessary for passionate sports car drivers: a manual transmission. Of course, purists could always opt for the limited-production 911 R, with the same engine and transmission combination, provided they could spare the $1 million the 911 R appears to be trading for. Porsche fans are therefore rejoicing at the debut of the new GT3 Touring Package, which offers all the goodness of the 911 R in a more palatable — and attainable — package. When is it coming?: It’s available to order in Canada right now. Should you buy it?: If you’re a Porsche enthusiast disappointed by the GT3’s PDK-only configuration, and found the 911 R’s astronomical price a bitter pill to swallow, the Touring Package’s $163,300 sounds like a bargain indeed.