The new 911 GT3 already looks tremendously fast even when standing still. Its more aggressive look is based on striking body elements that positively influence performance while performing an aerodynamic function. This starts with the optimised front end with its generously dimensioned openings. These route air in a targeted way to the front wheel brakes and radiators. This air is then discharged again behind the centrally positioned radiator through the newly designed, now two-part air vent in the lightweight bonnet. The precise calculation of this air duct improves the air flow and thus also increases cooling efficiency, while at the same time increasing the aerodynamic downforce at the front axle.
The front diffusers also benefit from this: in combination with the wide spoiler lip, they ensure a more constant flow of air along the fully-clad vehicle underbody, particularly at higher speeds. The new 911 GT3 reaps the benefits of this aerodynamic design at the rear axle. Here, the fully functional rear diffuser supplemented by large fins accelerates the air directed at it in such a way that the vacuum generated sucks the high-performance sports car onto the road even more powerfully. This has the significant advantage that the downforce is produced in an especially efficient way because it hardly influences the car’s drag.
Performance setting for maximum race track downforce
The opulently designed and extremely effective rear wing underlines the focus on the downforce characteristics of the 911 GT3. Its swan-neck mounting is used in a similar form in the GT endurance racing car and Le Mans class-winning 911 RSR. Since two aluminium brackets hold the wing element from above, the airflow can pass undisturbed across the aerodynamically more important underside. This reduction in the flow losses increases the downforce and leads to well-balanced negative lift conditions, together with the many other detailed measures. In the factory setting, this downforce already exceeds the value for the previous model by 50 per cent.
In the Performance position of the aerodynamic components, the downforce is increased by 150 per cent at a speed of 200 km/h. This setting is reserved exclusively for the race track and offers extensive adjustment options: the attack angle of the rear wing can be modified manually in four stages, while sliding elements known as air curtains influence the air flow in the front diffuser. The effect: with increasing speed, the additional downforce improves grip through higher wheel loads – and this in turn benefits the cornering speeds. Just as in motor racing situations, the aerodynamic balance of the new 911 GT3 can be adapted individually to track conditions and driving style.
Intelligent lightweight construction, dynamic weight-to-power ratio
When developing the 911 GT3, Porsche paid particular attention to the weight-to-power ratio, this 'Body Mass Index' for vehicles being one of the most informative figures for defining the performance of both racing and road cars. In the new GT sports car with six-speed manual transmission, each of the 510 PS is responsible for accelerating 2.8 kg (3.8 kg/kW). This takes the new 911 GT3 even closer to the level of thoroughbred racing cars than before.
When looking for avoidable excess weight, the experts at Porsche Motorsport examined practically every component and detail of the new GT model. The improvements include the new lightweight bonnet made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), forged alloy wheels, lightweight glass for all windows, and the lightweight sports exhaust system made of stainless steel. The new rear compartment cover behind the front seats and the PDK dual-clutch transmission without an eighth gear also contribute important kilograms of weight savings. The now standard 60 Ah LiFePO4 starter battery alone saves more than 10 kg compared with the previous 911 GT3. A 40 Ah variant is also available, This is a further 3.5 kg lighter.
