Unveiled today (7 March 2017) at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland, the new Porsche 911 GT3 embodies the latest Type 991 road legal, track inspired sports car from Stuttgart.
Engine
In traditional 911 style, the GT3 is powered by a rear-mounted four-litre flat-six engine. This high-revving naturally-aspirated power unit develops 500hp (368kW) and remains virtually unchanged from the 911 GT3 Cup racing car. The redesigned chassis has been specifically tuned to convert this power into highly responsive driving dynamics. Lessons learned in the lightweight construction of Porsche race cars have been incorporated in the production of the new GT3. The majority of Porsche GT road car customers like to take their cars on track, which is where the new Porsche 911 GT3 really feels at home with its weight-to-power ratio of 3.88kg/kW (2.86kg/hp).
Gearbox
It will please many diehard Porsche enthusiasts to know that a six-speed sports manual gearbox will be offered as a new option on the 911 GT3. This will allow the 911 to sprint from 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed capability of 198mph. Fitted with the seven-speed double-clutch transmission (PDK) as standard, the GT3 can accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds, giving it a top speed of 197mph. The manual gearbox option will be provisionally available from September 2017.
Chassis
The chassis of the new Porsche 911 GT3 has benefitted from the experience gained over many years of motor racing. The new two-seater sits about 25mm lower than the 911 Carrera S. In addition to further refinement of the basic design, the standard active rear-axle steering adds further agility to the handling characteristics. The dynamic engine mounts and the rear axle limited slip differential also bring a race car level of focus to the driving experience.
In terms of styling, the 911 GT3 leaves little doubt as to its sporting potential. The dominant carbon rear wing emphasises the car’s aerodynamic focus, while the lightweight nose construction and front spoiler have been optimised for improved airflow. The lightweight rear bumper features the brake air vents and central exhaust outlet, and highlights the new underbody diffusor.
Interior
The interior of this new 911 model is tailored to the GT3 driving experience, and the 360mm GT sports steering wheel is taken from the 918 Spyder. The Porsche Sports seats Plus feature enhanced seat side bolsters with mechanical fore/aft adjustment, while the seat height and backrests are adjusted electronically. As the 911 GT3 is a two-seater, the seat pans in the rear are carpeted.
Three additional seat variants are offered in the new Porsche 911 GT3. The first option is the adaptive Sports seats Plus with electrical adjustment of all seat functions (18-way). The second option is sports bucket seats with folding backrest, integrated thorax airbag and manual fore/aft adjustment. The third variant is full bucket seats made from light carbon fibre-reinforced plastic in carbon-weave finish.
In addition to Porsche Communication Management (PCM), the Track Precision app enables 911 GT3 drivers to display, record and analyse detailed driving data on their smartphone.
Launch
Launched today at the Geneva Motor Show, the new Porsche 911 GT3 is available to order now from Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland. The recommended retail price including VAT is £111,802.00, and first deliveries will arrive during early summer.
Edited by: Glen Smale
Images by: Porsche
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