Porsche unleashes the new 911 GT3. The seventh edition of this high-performance sports car was developed in close collaboration with Porsche Motorsport. It transfers pure racing technology into a production car more systematically than ever before: its double-wishbone front suspension and sophisticated aerodynamics with swan-neck rear wing mounting and striking diffuser originate in the successful 911 RSR GT racing car, and the 375 kW (510 PS) 4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine is based on that of the 911 GT3 R, tried and tested in endurance racing. The dramatic-sounding, high-revving engine is also used practically unchanged in the new 911 GT3 Cup. The result is a brilliant driving machine: efficient and exciting, precise and high-performance – perfect for the circuit and superb for everyday use.
The distinctive strength of the 911 GT3 lies in the sum of its characteristics. With a top speed of 320 km/h (318 km/h with PDK), it is even faster than the previous 911 GT3 RS. The new 911 GT3 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. Porsche also offers the new model with a six-speed manual transmission for those who want a particularly purist driving experience. The sophisticated aerodynamics benefit from the experience gained in motor racing and generate significantly more downforce without noticeably affecting the drag coefficient. In the performance position, the manually adjustable wing and diffuser elements significantly increase the aerodynamic downforce for high cornering speeds. This is, however, reserved for outings on the track.
It is there that the 911 GT3 can play all its trump cards. During final tuning work, it lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife, traditionally the benchmark for all sports cars at Porsche, more than 17 seconds faster than its predecessor.
Development driver Lars Kern needed just 6:59.927 minutes for a full 20.8 km lap. The shorter 20.6 km circuit, which had previously served as a benchmark, was completed by the 911 GT3 in 6:55.2 minutes. Running on the optionally available Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres, the new model consistently delivered its performance over several laps in the expert hands of Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister. For Bergmeister, it is “by far the best production car” that the experienced professional driver has ever driven at the 'Green Hell'.
Despite a wider body, larger wheels and additional technical features, the weight of the new GT3 is on a par with its predecessor. It weighs 1,418 kg with the manual transmission and 1,435 kg with the Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK). The front bonnet made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), lightweight glass windows, optimised brake discs and forged alloy wheels ensure a focus on weight-saving, as does the rear compartment cover. The lightweight sports exhaust system reduces weight by no less than 10 kg. With electrically operated continuously adjustable exhaust flaps, it combines a highly evocative sound experience with the Euro 6d ISC FCM (EU6 AP) emissions standard. The combined consumption of the 911 GT3 is 12.4 (with manual transmission: 13.3) l/100 km.
Its racing genes are expressed in practically all the details of the new 911 GT3. The cockpit is in line with the current model generation. But a new feature is the Track Screen. At the touch of a button, it reduces the digital displays to the left and right of the central 10,000 rpm rev counter to information such as tyre and oil pressures, oil and coolant temperatures, and fuel level, which are essential when driving on the track. It also includes a visual shift assistant with coloured bars to the left and right of the rev counter, as well as a motorsport-derived shift light.
