RE: New 991 GT3 and Turbo busy at the 'ring

[Mitch2.0]

Losing the manual will be a shame, however I think a PDK GT3 is a great idea provided they offer both.

If the PDK was standard and the manual was a no-cost option I'd probably take the PDK, despite the fact all the cars I've used on track have been manual.

[tuffer]

I wonder how many of the PDK doubters have actually driven a PDK equipped car? To be honest I have my hands full just keeping my car on the road when pressing on, last thing I need is a botched gear change going into a corner. Maybe all you driving gods are just in a different league.

[Mermaid]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

All those F1 guys - wonder what they think?

[Trommel]

Why not have a pedal car? Real interaction between man and machine, no newfangled "engine" detaching you, the true enthusiast, from the authentic experience of driving.

Whilst it would be a shame to lose the manual option, pretending it's impossible to enjoy driving a car without a clutch pedal is a bit silly.

[edo]

Love that first pic. One car on 3 wheels and the one behind with a dab of opo.

The most upsetting thing is nothing to do with the debate about PDK v manual, it's that the people driving those cars on the ring are being paid to do so. bds!

[spareparts]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Really? The ethos of the GT3 is

http://www.porsche.com/microsite/911gt3rs4/uk.aspx

Porsche GT3 website said:

Power, efficiency, performance. We have risen in every discipline. Our ambition was high, but the result clearly illustrates why we build sportscars – because there is only one direction: forwards.

PDK handles high power better, is far more efficient, and offers maximum performance under all conditions: accelerating, under braking, and gear changes in transition. PDK is 100% in line with the ethos of the GT3.

[spareparts]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Why should we not believe Porsche.com?

Even if you did not, the GT3 was originally a homologation car for them to go racing in FIA. And when racing, power, efficiency, and performance are the name of the game. That is the core ethos of the GT3. Always has been, may or may not always be...

Sure, manual is always nice and will split opinion (you don't need 'good authority inside Porsche' to work that one out).

[Grovsie26]

That could well be a 997.



Or a 996.

[Leins]

PPPPPP said:

The M3 CSL proved this almost a decade ago.

CSL SMG isn't great in urban situations though, and auto function is useless. Gearbox works brilliantly on a hard charge mind

Saying that, can't really understand why you'd want to take a GT3 into that environment either, but if it was to be an only car I suppose you might have to

[Rrroro]

bks is that the 991 GT3.

I've played it over and over and that 991 that purports to be a GT3 has 2 separate exhaust pipes at either side of the bumper, not central twin exit exhausts.

Also, it has a Carrera extendable rear spoiler and not a fixed GT3 wing.

It's a Carrera S not a GT3.

[spareparts]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

The Marketing machine is what places product amongst the consumers, and although we may disagree, the ethos of the GT3 is exactly what Porsche say it wants it to be.

IMHO, manuals actually work best with a lightweight and modestly powered car where stirring the box gives immense driving pleasure, balancing the car, and driveline shunt and inertia is minimised. Maybe the Cayman/Boxster will be the sole manual in the range... would make a lot of sense.

[Deranged Granny]

b14 said:

If I have to read the phrase "our man" on PH again I'm going to have a mental breakdown.

Not just me then!

[bobberz]

Rrroro said:

bks is that the 991 GT3.

I've played it over and over and that 991 that purports to be a GT3 has 2 separate exhaust pipes at either side of the bumper, not central twin exit exhausts.

Also, it has a Carrera extendable rear spoiler and not a fixed GT3 wing.

It's a Carrera S not a GT3.

It's a camoflaged test mule. They want you to think it's a regular 991, otherwise they wouldn't bother to camoflage it.

[bobberz]

Trommel said:

Why not have a pedal car? Real interaction between man and machine, no newfangled "engine" detaching you, the true enthusiast, from the authentic experience of driving.

Whilst it would be a shame to lose the manual option, pretending it's impossible to enjoy driving a car without a clutch pedal is a bit silly.

+1 Saying a car has to be manual or it's rubbish is simply infantile. Didn't Porsche develop the PDK for the sport quattro rally cars and group-C Le-Mans racers?

Yeah, those are totally un-involving and boring to drive...

[Rrroro]

bobberz said:

Rrroro said:

bks is that the 991 GT3.

I've played it over and over and that 991 that purports to be a GT3 has 2 separate exhaust pipes at either side of the bumper, not central twin exit exhausts.

Also, it has a Carrera extendable rear spoiler and not a fixed GT3 wing.

It's a Carrera S not a GT3.

It's a camoflaged test mule. They want you to think it's a regular 991, otherwise they wouldn't bother to camoflage it.

I disagree - camo is one thing but significant architectural body modifications on a test mule would compromise the testing itself. E.g. If that was a GT3 test mule then the exhausts being in the 'wrong' place for a GT3 would surely impact the testing of the exhaust systems. I've attached a pic of the 991 GT3 test mule - the car in the video is a Carrera S

[boringbeige]

CMOOSE is talking a bit of sense. PDK will make the 991 GT3 post quicker acceleration times and a faster lap time but that is zero relevant to road driving. For road driving a 3 pedal manual will involve the driver more and give a greater sense of satisfaction and fun when done well. So if you're buying a road car is it more important to be 20 seconds quicker from Inverness to Ullapool ? Or to have 20 percent more fun while making that journey? For the vast majority of drivers it's the latter, so buy a manual. Also, if you're not 'into' your driving enough to buy a manual, why would you buy a GT3?? If you really want a PDK, buy a c2s and tick that option box.

[cragswinter]

Do I like paddle shifts?

No

Do Porsche customers?

Yes

Do Porsche GT3 customers?

Hmmm possibly not.

So how do Porsche make their regular buyers trade up to the more expensive model?

By offering paddle shift on the GT3.

It makes sense & will happen.

Let's just hope they still offer a manual.

[Great Pretender]

cragswinter said:

Do I like paddle shifts?

No

Do Porsche customers?

Yes

Do Porsche GT3 customers?

Hmmm possibly not.

So how do Porsche make their regular buyers trade up to the more expensive model?

By offering paddle shift on the GT3.

It makes sense & will happen.

Let's just hope they still offer a manual.

GT3 sits out on a limb though.

For poseurs, the natural progression from a Carrera is the Turbo surely.

[cragswinter]

Great Pretender said:

GT3 sits out on a limb though.

For poseurs, the natural progression from a Carrera is the Turbo surely.

You'd think wouldn't you? But Porsche forums, trackday paddocks & the nurburgring car park would seem to suggest otherwise

[spareparts]

If people are really hung up about Road Driving and believe it must have a Manual gearbox, and are not interested in the pursuit of track speed with power/efficiency/performance, then they should just buy a normal 911 Carrera or C2S with the manual gearbox. Otherwise, arguably are they just wanting the 'GT3' for badge appeal?

A standard 991 C2S will still lap the Ring well under 8mins...