911 GT3 made even better
SIME Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has brought in the latest Porsche 911 GT3 with a price-tag from RM1.7mil.
It gets a 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) gearbox as standard or at a no-cost option with a six-speed manual transmission with auto-blip function.
The new GT3 isn’t just about power gains, with its body receiving a few revisions to better its downforce while maintaining its drag coefficient at 0.33Cd and including a rear underbody diffuser.
Furthermore, it has dropped some weight from its front and rear bumpers being made of lightweight polyurethane along with carbon fibre for the hinges and rear wing that sits 20mm higher in the air than before.
As standard, it boasts of Bi-Xenon headlights, including dynamic range control, headlight washer system and LEDs for the direction indicators, daytime running lights and position lights. LED headlights in black are available as an option.
The car has been developed on the same test track and manufactured on the same production line as the 911 GT3 Cup racing car.
It has a 2,457mm wheelbase and is 4,562mm-long, 1,978mm-wide and 1,271mm-tall, while sporting a 125-litre luggage compartment under the front hood.
A 64-litre fuel tank feeds the rear-mounted 4.0-litre (3,996cc) naturally aspirated flat-six aluminium engine with a compression ratio of 13.3:1 that can rev almost 1,000rpm higher at 9,000rpm, compared to the previous 3.8-litre mill.
Power is rated at 500hp (+25hp) at 8,250rpm and 460Nm (+20Nm) of torque at 6,000rpm, allowing the 1,430kg (kerb) GT3 with PDK to launch from 0-100kph in 3.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 318kph.
Opting for the manual transmission ups the figures to 3.9 seconds and 320kph, while dropping the weight further to 1,413kg.
Ground contact is from 20-inch wheels fitted with 245/35 (front) and 305/30 (rear) series Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres with tyre pressure monitoring system. The rear axle comes with active steering for a tighter turning radius and better cornering performance.
The six-piston (front) and four-piston (rear) brake callipers bite down on the 380mm front and rear cross-drilled discs for stopping power. The Porsche Ceramic omposite ake (PCCB) stem is also ailable as an ptional extra, roviding 410mm (front) and 390mm (rear) discs. Ride and handling is aided by the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) shock absorber system, dynamic engine mounts and the rear differential lock – Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV/ PTV+) system.
Inside, a roll-over cage is provided as standard for the two-seater cabin that’s practically wrapped in Alcantara and accented by carbon fibre - just like the semi-powered Sports Seats Plus with enhanced side bolsters.
If the current seats aren’t to the liking, there are three seating options for choice, starting with the heavier 18-way powered seats, lighter sports bucket seats or lightest full-bucket carbon fibre seats.
An optional Club Sport package is available as an optional extra, which throws in a roll-cage, sixpoint racing harness and a fire extinguisher.
In addition to the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) that comes with an online navigation module with real-time traffic information, it also includes the Connect Plus module and the Track Precision app as well, which enables drivers to display, record and analyse detailed driving data on their smartphone.
SDAP also introduced the latest Porsche 360 Financing programme to help make owning a Porsche an easier one.
The programme is an alternative to conventional financing by allowing lower monthly instalments and flexible terms.
Within the third to fifth year prior to the end of the financing programme, owners are able to trade-in their vehicle for a new model with the same badge or refinance the loan amount.
– JAY WONG