NEW 911 GT3 FINALLY UNLEASHED
MOTORSPORT-FETTLED HARDCORE PORSCHE GETS 503BHP ATMO FLAT SIX AND MANUAL ’BOX
Porsche’s celebrated trackbred GT3 line has moved into a new generation with the long-awaited unveiling of the 992-series 911 GT3. The new model, on sale now priced from 17.9 million baht in Thailand, is described by the firm as “a highly athletic road car fit for high-performance driving on track balanced with the demands of everyday use”.
As with previous GT3 models, Porsche Motorsport has been heavily involved in the new car’s development, this time in a bid to transfer “pure racing technology into a production model more consistently than ever before”.
To that end, the new GT3 features the traditionally high-revving naturally aspirated flat six in 4.0-litre form, with more power than ever. It also gets key aerodynamic and technological upgrades, the sum total of which has enabled the 992-generation model to set an impressive sub-7min lap time on the 20.8km Nürburgring. It also retains the option of a manual gearbox.
STYLING AND AERO
The 911 GT3 benefits from extensive exterior upgrades aimed mostly at enhancing aerodynamics and cooling. The most significant addition is a new “swan neck” rear wing, adapted from that of the 911 RSR race car. It’s manually adjustable and teamed with a prominent diffuser that can also be adjusted into a Performance position to increase downforce. Porsche claims this mode is reserved “strictly for outings on the circuit”.
Other visible changes over the standard 911 include a deeper front bumper with cleaner sides for further improved aero and a large central intake, plus airflow-enhancing “nostril” vents on the bonnet. One GT3-specific optional extra is a roof made of exposed carbon fibre.
A number of customisation options are available via the Porsche Exclusive range, including carbon fibre mirror tops, darkened headlights, a redesigned rear light cluster and Guards Red or Shark Blue paintwork for the edge of the wheel rims.
SPECS AND POWERTRAIN
Like all 911s, the new GT3 is available solely in wide-bodied form. Its dimensions have yet to be revealed but, despite the increased width and additional tech over its predecessor, we know that it has a claimed kerb weight of 1,418kg with the six-speed manual gearbox and 1,435kg with the seven-speed PDK automatic.
The use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic to make the front bonnet, lightweight glass, “optimised” brake discs and forged alloy wheels are listed alongside a lighter rear seat compartment cover as reasons for the model being only around 5kg heavier than its smaller predecessor.
Furthermore, a lightweight exhaust system (which saves 10kg) features “infinitely” adjustable flaps to ensure a “highly emotional sound experience”, despite the addition of a petrol particulate filter to reduce emissions. The naturally aspirated engine is adapted from that of the track-only GT3 and is “practically unchanged” from the unit to be used in the latest GT3 Cup race car, according to Porsche.
Its 503bhp is the same as in the limited-run 911 Speedster and 10bhp over the 991.2 GT3, allowing the car to hit a speed of 320kph (318kph with the PDK gearbox) — higher than the last GT3 RS. It can also cover 0-100kph in 3.4sec. Torque, meanwhile, is 470Nm — 11Nm more than in the old GT3 and the same as in the Speedster.
The engine, as with the old GT3’s, is capable of revving to a dizzying 9,000rpm. Porsche quotes combined fuel economy figures of 12.4 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 283-304g/ km, depending on car specification.
The GT3 runs a substantially overhauled and race-inspired front suspension layout that uses double wishbones for the first time. The rear axle, meanwhile, is a modified multi- link set-up from the standard 992 with rearwheel steering.
Braking is by 408mm discs on the front axle and 380mm on the rear. Porsche has yet to reveal details of any optional carbon-ceramic system.
The standard wheel choices are 20in at the front and 21in at the rear, with 255/35-profile Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres at the front and 315/30 items at the rear. The GT3 can also be had with optional, more track- focused Michelin Cup 2 R tyres.
INTERIOR AND TECHNOLOGY
The new GT3 shares almost all of its cabin architecture with lesser 911s, albeit with kerb- weight-reducing measures, such as the obligatory removal of the rear seats and reduced sound-deadening. However, there’s no longer the option to delete the air conditioning to reduce weight further.
Alongside liberal use of Alcantara trim, sports seats and a half-roll-cage, there is one significant change over the standard 911 models: the gear selector. Rather than the shift-by-wire toggle switch, the PDK-equipped GT3 features a shifter that looks almost identical to the manual gearbox’s lever.
Porsche GT boss Andreas Preuninger specified this feature because he prefers shifting via the centre console to using shift paddles.
The other main new cabin feature is a “track screen”. When selected, this reduces the information displayed on the two digital displays located either side of the central rev counter to essential information needed on track, such as tyre pressures, oil pressure and temperature, water temperature and fuel level.
A motorsport-derived shift assistant provides coloured bars to show revs on these screens, along with a shift-up light.
The first deliveries of the new GT3 are tipped to begin in May. As usual, UK customers will be invited to explore their new car’s abilities on a visit to the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone.