WEISSACH’S SLEEPER
Has deleting the GT3’S distinguishing feature created the most appealing Porsche GT to date?
From ducktail to whale tail and tea tray, the fastest Porsche 911s of the past four decades have always been instantly recognisable by the shape of their intricately crafted wings. No longer nicknamed, the largest and most elaborate wing designs of the past 15 years have been reserved for the road-going 911s that most closely relate to the Stuttgart-based manufacturer’s illustrious GT racing cars.
With this in mind, it initially feels somewhat unnerving heading at full tilt towards a set of tight corners in a latest-generation GT3 without the sight of a downforce-generating deck in my rear-view mirror.
It’s the only time I feel anything other than completely engaged and enthralled in the cabin of the 911 derivative that most convincingly straddles the line between the track-focused performance associated with the GT3 badge and the levels of everyday usability for which its Carrera underpinnings are famous.
Designed to offer prospective GT3 customers the option of a more discreet shape – as well as a genuine sleeper-car persona – the no-cost Touring Package offers both a more conventional Carrera-sourced, electrically operated wing and enhanced comfort, including leather on surfaces where Alcantara might usually serve. Unlike the 2.7 RS Touring from which the name is derived, the newest incarnation does not offer seating in the rear or the option of a roll cage.
With less downforce but also less drag, the Touring gains a bespoke front spoiler lip and redesigned rear diffuser compared with the standard car. Thankfully, the rest of the package remains as potent as the 991-generation GT3. This includes the same Carrera 4-sourced wide body, a 25 mm lower ride height compared with a standard 911 and a 368 kw/460 N.m 4,0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine that revs freely to a stratospheric 9 000 r/min red line. Interestingly, the Touring Package is available only with a six-speed manual transmission.
Swapping a 996 GT3 RS for a new Touring, I nearly place my left foot through the floorboard