Yes, it’s a 911. But a 911 like no other. The stand-out visual feature is the swan-neck rear spoiler, adjustable for downforce, that’s closely based on the race car’s set up. Also unique to the GT3 are the four-stage adjustable front splitter, flared arches, flat floor and massive rear diffuser. Lightweight forged alloy wheels are 20-inches front and 21-inches rear and are fitted with 255/35 and 315/30 Michelin Cup 2 tyres as standard. Look a little more closely at the vented bonnet and you’ll find it’s made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic. Even the windows are made of thinner glass. As a result, the new 911 GT3 is only 5kg heavier than its predecessor despite being based on the larger 992 body.
PERFORMANCE
Turbocharging is efficient, but for the ultimate in throttle response and control a naturally aspirated engine still wins. That’s Porsche’s verdict; hence the 911 GT3 is powered by a soul-stirring, dry-sumped 4.0-litre flat six that revs to 9,000 rpm and powers the rear wheels either via an eight-speed PDK transmission or six-speed manual box. Maximum power is 510hp, 0-62mph takes 3.4 seconds and with Porsche development driver Lars Kern at the wheel the new GT3 covered the full 20.8-kilometre lap of the Nürburgring in 6:59.927 minutes, over 17 seconds faster than its predecessor. Performance technology that’s unique to the model includes an all-new double wishbone front suspension set up, derived from the RSR racer. Rose-joints are used throughout, and the multi-link rear suspension is totally new, too.
TECHNOLOGY
The interior, instrument panel and 10.9-inch infotainment screen are shared with the latest 911 Carrera models, and though there’s the usual array of infotainment features such as Porsche Communication Management (PCM) we suspect GT3 purchasers will be more interested in the track screen: at the touch of a button, it restricts the digital displays either side of the central rev counter to information such as tyre pressures, oil pressure, oil temperature, fuel tank level and water temperature. A ‘visual shift assistant’ displays coloured bars to the left and right of the rev counter with a shift light to remind you when you’re nearing that 9,000rpm rev limit.
SAFETY
All 911 GT3 models feature torque vectoring for agility and control on the limits of cornering. While the manual version has a mechanical limited slip differential, PDK cars are equipped with an electronic LSD. The 911 GT3’s 408mm cast-iron front brake discs are 28mm larger than in the outgoing model. They’re gripped by six-piston callipers, while the rear wheels have 380mm discs and four-pot callipers (carbon ceramic discs are available as an option). The driver has the option to turn the Electronic Stability Control off and leave the Traction Control on, or switch both off. Porsche claims the CFRP lightweight bonnet is the first to be approved for pedestrian impact regulations, though we’d hope that’s never put to a real-world test.
