Bradley Iger
Originally produced to comply with homologation rules for FIA competition, the 911 GT3 has an intrinsic connection to Porsche’s racing endeavors since the model debuted in 1999. With the introduction of the 992-generation GT3, the shared DNA is clearer than ever. Yet somehow Porsche has managed to strike a balance between capability and pragmatism, resulting in a performance machine that mercilessly hunts for peaks on a track while providing a pleasurable driving experience off a curated road course.
But don’t think for a moment that the GT3 has gone soft. Developed by Porsche’s GT division along with its racing counterparts, the curb weight of the new car remains virtually unchanged from its predecessor, despite the move to the larger 992 platform, thanks to a strong focus on reducing of the crowd in the car. A new exhaust system saves 10 kg here, a lithium iron phosphate battery saves a few kg there – it all adds up. And that approach is a recurring theme in the 992 GT3.
New adjustable aerodynamic elements allow the downforce to be increased by as much as 150 percent over the previous generation GT3 (known as the 991.2). And as a first for any 911 on the road, the new GT3 adopts the double wishbone front suspension of the 911 RSR race car to improve driving precision. According to GT division boss Andreas Preuninger, the design improves contact patch stability as the suspension absorbs bumps and other imperfections in the road surface, allowing Porsche engineers to strengthen the chassis while preserving driveability. New adaptive dampers, which can react to road conditions in about half the time, further that mission.
Bradley Iger
But as the only naturally aspirated model in the current 911 range, the engine is arguably the centerpiece of the GT3 formula. Ostensibly an updated version of the 4.0L flat-six used in the 991.2 Speedster, its soaring 9,000rpm redline is what dreams are made of. Peak powers of 502 hp (375 kW) and 346 lb-ft 469 Nm of torque are marginal increases over the previous generation, but the outgoing GT3 wasn’t exactly lacking for straight-line thrust. The 992 platform’s new electrical architecture allowed engineers to equip the GT3 engine with six individual throttle bodies for even more direct response.
That engine is mated to a seven-speed PDK automatic gearbox in the GT3, and the combination is capable of blasting the rear-wheel drive coupe from standstill to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. However, for those who like to row themselves, a six-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching is also available for free. Our tester was equipped with the latter, and we’d think it’s worth the extra half a second it takes to get to that speed. American Porsche buyers seem to agree, as more than 70 percent of them opted for three-pedal on the latest-generation GT3.
