Is the 991 GT3 really a GT3?
Discussion
Ok, its controversial maybe, but its Friday. 
My understanding of the previous GT3's is that they homologated the racing cars; ie the GT3 class.
But the 991 does not. In fact Porsche have used the C4S for homologation and are continuing with the seemingly ancient Mezger based engine. And this will continue next year!
I am not suggesting that the 991 GT3 is not a great car its own right. But is it a GT3?

My understanding of the previous GT3's is that they homologated the racing cars; ie the GT3 class.
But the 991 does not. In fact Porsche have used the C4S for homologation and are continuing with the seemingly ancient Mezger based engine. And this will continue next year!
I am not suggesting that the 991 GT3 is not a great car its own right. But is it a GT3?
mollytherocker said:
Ok, its controversial maybe, but its Friday. 
My understanding of the previous GT3's is that they homologated the racing cars; ie the GT3 class.
But the 991 does not. In fact Porsche have used the C4S for homologation and are continuing with the seemingly ancient Mezger based engine. And this will continue next year!
I am not suggesting that the 991 GT3 is not a great car its own right. But is it a GT3?
It is a fair point i think but you probably aren't going to be very popular for pointing this out....thread should be entertaining...
My understanding of the previous GT3's is that they homologated the racing cars; ie the GT3 class.
But the 991 does not. In fact Porsche have used the C4S for homologation and are continuing with the seemingly ancient Mezger based engine. And this will continue next year!
I am not suggesting that the 991 GT3 is not a great car its own right. But is it a GT3?

isaldiri said:
mollytherocker said:
Ok, its controversial maybe, but its Friday. 
My understanding of the previous GT3's is that they homologated the racing cars; ie the GT3 class.
But the 991 does not. In fact Porsche have used the C4S for homologation and are continuing with the seemingly ancient Mezger based engine. And this will continue next year!
I am not suggesting that the 991 GT3 is not a great car its own right. But is it a GT3?
It is a fair point i think but you probably aren't going to be very popular for pointing this out....thread should be entertaining...
My understanding of the previous GT3's is that they homologated the racing cars; ie the GT3 class.
But the 991 does not. In fact Porsche have used the C4S for homologation and are continuing with the seemingly ancient Mezger based engine. And this will continue next year!
I am not suggesting that the 991 GT3 is not a great car its own right. But is it a GT3?


Molly, I agree with you. The 991 GT3 is an amazing car, of that there is no doubt! Many many journalists have said as much and the early customer reviewers report the same.
As for the question 'is it a GT3'? Well, I guess in name only......but then again, they probably would not have sold as many if they called it the Carrera SS

Its a great question. Given the reviews, it is apparently a superb car, so taking nothing away from it.
I am not sure, however, that it s a GT3 in the sense the the Mezger was unique instead of a variant on the base engine, so it seems to me that the GT3 was a completely different animal to the regular cars. I have the same view of BMWs M cars that used to have a unique engine line, like the V10 for instance, now gone.
I have not had an opportunity to drive one compared to my own cars, and will certainly await the RS to se what they do, but in the end, my sense is..its not a GT3.
I am not sure, however, that it s a GT3 in the sense the the Mezger was unique instead of a variant on the base engine, so it seems to me that the GT3 was a completely different animal to the regular cars. I have the same view of BMWs M cars that used to have a unique engine line, like the V10 for instance, now gone.
I have not had an opportunity to drive one compared to my own cars, and will certainly await the RS to se what they do, but in the end, my sense is..its not a GT3.
mollytherocker said:
Ok, its controversial maybe, but its Friday. 
My understanding of the previous GT3's is that they homologated the racing cars; ie the GT3 class.
But the 991 does not. In fact Porsche have used the C4S for homologation and are continuing with the seemingly ancient Mezger based engine. And this will continue next year!
I am not suggesting that the 991 GT3 is not a great car its own right. But is it a GT3?
I see it as "just" a model in the 991 range, but IMG, what a car!
My understanding of the previous GT3's is that they homologated the racing cars; ie the GT3 class.
But the 991 does not. In fact Porsche have used the C4S for homologation and are continuing with the seemingly ancient Mezger based engine. And this will continue next year!
I am not suggesting that the 991 GT3 is not a great car its own right. But is it a GT3?
Pick of the range and a relative steal at £100k.
GT3SG said:
anonymous said:
[redacted]
+1I've had three GT cars now and this fourth one feels very much like the others, pretty damn fine
What you have to laugh at is the fact that the determined detractors haven't and in most cases won't drive one!

drmark said:
Semantics.
Is the 993 a 911?
Truth be known, if the reports so far are to be believed, it is probably the best car Porsche has ever produced. And that galls some people.
As I said, I am not questioning the quality of the car. I haven't driven one so would not comment anyway.Is the 993 a 911?
Truth be known, if the reports so far are to be believed, it is probably the best car Porsche has ever produced. And that galls some people.
What I am challenging is Porsches representation of what it is. It is now not closely related to the race car like previous models or used to homologate.
Yes its semantics and arguably all that matters is that its a great car in its own right.
But I just cant help feeling that putting a GT3 badge on the engine lid is supposed to signify more than just a model designation.
In my opinion it is just as much a GT3 as previous models, I don't think that being used for homologation is the one and only criteria for the badge but also what set it apart from the Carrera models.
The 991 GT3 has a completly different engine that seems to be made for future motorsport use, different gearbox internals, and different suspension from the Carrera, all to much more track oriented.
Just like the previous GT models.
The 991 GT3 has a completly different engine that seems to be made for future motorsport use, different gearbox internals, and different suspension from the Carrera, all to much more track oriented.
Just like the previous GT models.
gt3nor said:
The 991 GT3 has a completly different engine that seems to be made for future motorsport use......
Just like the previous GT models.
Well, its not a completely different engine. Its a 9A1 with some improvements like finger followers.Just like the previous GT models.
Whether it has been made for motorsport use, is not clear yet. Why is it not being used next year?
Edited by mollytherocker on Saturday 7th December 10:53
mollytherocker said:
Well, its not a completely different engine. Its a 9A1 with some improvements like finger followers.
The crank case and timing chain are shared, just about everything else is completely different. It is a substantially different engine.mollytherocker said:
Whether it has been made for motorsport use, is not clear yet. Why is it not being used next year?
This has been discussed many times - the regulations are changing and Porsche is waiting to see the final outcome of those discussions before going through an expensive homologstion process. All the indications from the factory are that engine has been designed for Motorsport.Edited by sidicks on Saturday 7th December 12:37
mollytherocker said:
Well, its not a completely different engine. Its a 9A1 with some improvements like finger followers.
According to Porsche, the 991 GT3 shares the crankcase, timing chain and a single bolt (and the alternator if you Count that as an engine part). Everything else is different.Edited by mollytherocker on Saturday 7th December 10:53
In my book that is not "a 9A1 with some improvements".
It's a different engine.
gt3nor said:
According to Porsche, the 991 GT3 shares the crankcase, timing chain and a single bolt (and the alternator if you Count that as an engine part). Everything else is different.
In my book that is not "a 9A1 with some improvements".
It's a different engine.
Its based on the carrera engine. Yes its substantially different, I think we can agree on that.In my book that is not "a 9A1 with some improvements".
It's a different engine.
However, thats not really my point. It does not have the same engine as the racing cars.
Not yet, anyway.
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