Tuesday 5th March 2013

Geneva Motor Show 2013: Porsche

New PDK-only 991 GT3 brings four-wheel steer, screaming 9,000rpm redline and a ton of new tech

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So much for the hypercars with their out-there tech and million-pound pricetags. The new fifth-generation 911 GT3 is, before press day even starts, in the bidding for most PH-worthy car at the Geneva show.

New GT3 takes centre stage at Geneva

Why? Where to start! We've got a lighter, stiffer body. Bespoke suspension running 30mm lower than a regular Carrera. 475hp from a screaming new naturally aspirated development of the S-spec 911's 3.8-litre flat-six. Four-wheel steering, apparently a 'decisive' factor claims of a sub-7:30min Nordschleife lap. Still sitting comfortably Nissan GT-R? Because the very weapons you used to score those 'ring lap records are now being turned against you, but with a very Porsche twist.

The elephant in the room is, of course, that switch to PDK only. Porsche isn't daft and has come up with several interesting innovations to keep the purists happy and we'll get to that in a moment.

First the engine though, which though no longer derived from the legendary Mezger unit that lives on in the 991 Cup car, has all the ingredients to make those hairs on the back of your neck go all prickly.

Fixed rear wing and ram air intakes? Check...

It's based on the standard Carrera S unit but gets a ton of extra tech to unleash that headline grabbing 9,000rpm redline. Forged titanium con-rods, forged pistons, individual fuel pumps for each cylinder bank (direct injection features for the first time on a GT3), dry sump lubrication, hollow valves - it's pure engineering porn basically. And 25kg lighter than the previous unit. Not that you'd notice, this being more or less what the PDK gearbox adds to the scales...

That 475hp comes at 8.250rpm, peak torque of 324lb ft at 6,250rpm. So, yes, you're going to have to rev the nuts off it basically. Shucks, eh? Top speed is 196mph and 0-62 is 3.5 seconds but these bald stats are merely window dressing for true GT3 fans.

The most controversial move is the PDK-only transmission. There are important changes to the way it works in regular Porsches though, not least that the ratios have been lowered across the board and seventh is a 'proper' gear, not just a fuel-saving overdrive. Sub 100-millisecond shifts are available in manual mode thanks to a 'torque overshoot' and you can demand 'clutch neutral' at any point by pulling both paddles simultaneously, allowing clutch-kicking antics for you drifters out there. Yo.

Red seatbelts - must be fast in that case

Correcting an earlier press pack mistake we can clarify the paddles are right for up, left for down and the selector follows race car protocol with back for up, forward for down in the 'proper' fashion. Worth noting that Cup cars now have paddleshifters too, for the first time.

Most of the basics we knew - or had guessed - already but four-wheel steering is one rabbit Porsche has pulled out of the hat. As on other systems it goes opposite to the front wheels at lower speeds (under 31mph) and parallel over 50mph. Interestingly this results in what Porsche describes as a respective 'virtual' shortening of the wheelbase by 150mm at lower speeds and lengthening by 500mm for greater stability when going quickly.

This digest of the tech really is just skimming the surface though and if you're a GT3 fan we'd recommend reading the full press release. Get a brew ready - it'll take you some time but you can read it in full here.

We'll share one final pertinent figure with you though - the cost. Yep, the GT3 is now a six-figure car and is available to order now for November delivery for £100,540. To that you can add £6,248 for PCCB discs, £2,023 for a front axle lifting system and the traditional Clubsport package of half cage, harnesses and battery cut-off, the price for the latter TBC.

[CIE560]

That actually looks very good. Possibly the first 911 I want.

[0llie]

Shame about the PDK being the only option (although a great box), but what a brilliant looking car.

[JackP1]

Actually looks incredible, not sure if i'd even be put off buying one ( not that i'll ever afford it ) because its pdk only.

9,000rpm, who can argue with that?

[Krikkit]

0llie said:

Shame about the PDK being the only option (although a great box), but what a brilliant looking car.

I'm expecting this thread to explode with comments to that effect. As much as that engine is tempting, PDK-only puts me off completely for reasons that have already been done to death on PH now, usually in every thread that mentions the 991 GT3.

[LaurasOtherHalf]

Centre lock wheels & PDK only

[George29]

That looks absolutely fantastic. I'm glad they've gone to PDK, it makes so much more sense for a track focused car to have a track focused gearbox. It makes me actually want a GT3, the manual would put me off the previous generations.

I'm really looking forward to the RS!

[macdeb]

£100k [starting] for a another 911 hmm, not for me.

[dazren]

Should go well.

[Tooth Dr]

looks a pile of !?!?. if you want something to rev the nuts off just get a secoond hand M3 and save yourslef £90K

[Ti22]

Looks lovely, can't wait to work on one. Surprised its not more of a power hike from the power kitted car. 9000 rpm!

[sagarich]

I don't care if its PDK only, MASSIVE WANT!

[redback911]

The King is dead. Long live the King.

PDK-only was inevitable, I used to think it would be a big deal but the PDK boxes are so good in the 991, Bosxter and Cayman. That I am not so bothered. Wonder how long before we see the "buy manual 997 GT3s and double your money..."

[ES335]

An M3 is not in the same universe as a GT3 - especially not this one from the looks of things. Stunning car.

[Terminator X]

Manual will come if sales are poor imho, will be interesting to see how it pans out.

TX.

[OlberJ]

Hmmm, that's even starting to look like a Gtr in the top pic.

I'm not convinced.

[drpep]

macdeb said:

£100k [starting] for a another 911 hmm, not for me.

With all due respect, I don't think you can really comment without having driven one. They're epic. I suspect this will be well worth the £100k.

Everyone to their own but I suspect this is more (ignorance + irrelevance) to you, than educated opinion.

But you can tell me i'm wrong

[em177]

Now im in no position to buy a gt3. Not even close infant. Buts since the 996 its always been the fantasy car I'd be in when I had that vision of perfect car and perfect road scenario we all have (or just me!?) to pass a boring afternoon. And sorry but no matter how good it is a pdk box falls short of it ever being perfect for me. Although Porsche I welcome you to give me one to convince me otherwise!

[GT Glee]

Engine spec is interesting but the interior confusingly executive and styling not to my taste. Not possible to be as involving or challenging as the earlier cars but as a grand tourer is right there.

[Slagathore]

Soo much want!!

Did I read that correctly, that you can use the gear stick like a sequential shifter? That'll feel like a proper Cup Car Racer!

[Housey]

Tooth Dr said:

looks a pile of !?!?. if you want something to rev the nuts off just get a secoond hand M3 and save yourslef £90K

Mate, really, stop being a tit on PH with the grown ups, Youtube needs your comments.