New Porsche 911 GT3

Porsche has unveiled its new 911 GT3, which will be faster, more powerful and more refined than its predecessor. The car will make its world debut at the Geneva show in March and Europe-wide sales will start in May.

The six-cylinder naturally-aspirated power unit develops of 435bhp, up 20 bhp over its predecessor. The extra power is down to a 200cc increase in capacity to 3.8-litres and from the improved gas cycle. Now not only the intake, but for the first time also the exhaust camshafts are adjusted by VarioCam.

The boxer engine also has increased torque within the mid-range, making the car more usable. The new GT3 accelerates from 0-60mph in 4.1 seconds and hits 100mph in 8.2 seconds, while top speed is 194 mph.

For the first time the 911 GT3 comes with a sporting version of PSM Porsche Stability Management, but thankfully there is the option to deactivate Stability Control and Traction Control in separate steps.

The car’s aerodynamics package has been tweaked, increasing downforce both front and rear to such an extent that the overall pressure pushing down on the car is more than twice as great as on the former model. This gives the GT3 better grip and stability at high speeds. Aesthetically the car gains new bi-xenon, LED rear light clusters, as well as modified air intakes and outlets.

The brake system, following an old Porsche tradition, has been enhanced on the new 911 GT3. The brake discs now come with an even larger friction disc and an aluminium cover to reduce weight even further.

Further improvement of brake ventilation guarantees an even higher level of consistent brake power over long periods. And as an option the GT3 comes as before with an exclusive version of PCCB ceramic brakes made specifically for this model.

Starting in autumn, the new GT3 will be available with a new option that should be useful for track days: PADM (Porsche Active Drivetrain Mount) engine bearings. These special engine mounts recognise a particularly sporting, race-like style of driving, making the normally elastic engine suspension hard and particularly resistant.

This means the GT3 is comfortable in everyday traffic, while on the race track the car is not affected by any mass forces coming from the engine. Finally the GT3 can now be fitted with an optional lift system to raise the nose when encountering speed bumps. At the touch of a button the front can raise by 30 millimetres.

The GT3 will not arrive in the UK until Autumn priced from £81,914.

 

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