Porsche has unveiled its new 911 GT3, the latest model in a revered series of the iconic, rear-engine, two-door coupe that brings technology from the race circuit to the street, and offers a highly athletic road car fit for high performance driving on track balanced with the demands of everyday use.
Developed in close collaboration with Porsche Motorsport, the new 911 GT3 transfers pure racing technology into a production model more consistently than ever before. The double wishbone front axle layout and sophisticated aerodynamics with swan neck rear wing and striking diffuser originate from the successful GT race car 911 RSR, and the 510 PS (375 kW) four-litre, six-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine is based on the drivetrain of the 911 GT3 R, tried and tested in endurance racing. The acoustic high-revving engine is also used practically unchanged in the new 911 GT3 Cup racer. The result is a brilliant driving machine: efficient and emotive, precise and high performing – perfect for the circuit and yet with characteristic everyday usability.
The distinctive strength of the 911 GT3 lies in the sum of its characteristics. With a top speed of 199 mph (198 mph with PDK) it is even faster than the previous 911 GT3 RS. It accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds. Porsche also offers the new model with a six-speed manual transmission for a particularly pure driving experience. The sophisticated aerodynamics benefit from experience gained in motor sport; a significantly higher level of downforce is generated without noticeably affecting the drag coefficient. In the performance position, the manually adjusted wing and diffuser elements further increase the aerodynamic downforce for high cornering speeds. This is reserved, however, strictly for outings on the circuit as it is there that the 911 GT3 can play all its trump cards.
During final testing, it lapped the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, traditionally the ultimate proving ground for all sports cars developed by Porsche, over 17 seconds quicker than its predecessor. Development driver Lars Kern took just 6:59.927 minutes for a full 20.8-kilometre lap. The shorter 20.6-kilometre track, which had previously served as a benchmark, was completed by the 911 GT3 in 6:55.2 minutes. Running on the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres offered as an option, 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 race driver has ever driven in the "Green Hell".
Featuring a wider body, larger wheels and additional technical features compared to the prior model, the weight of the new GT3 is nevertheless on a par with its predecessor. With a manual gearbox, it weighs 1,418 kg, with PDK 1,435 kg. The front bonnet made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), lightweight glass windows, optimised brake discs and forged light-alloy wheels ensure weight discipline, as does the cover for the rear seat compartment. The lightweight sports exhaust system reduces the weight by no less than ten kilograms. With infinitely electrically adjustable exhaust flaps, it orchestrates a highly emotive sound experience with the Euro 6d ISC FCM (EU6 AP) emissions standard. The Combined fuel consumption of the 911 GT3 is 21.9 – 21.7 mpg, equivalent to 304 – 283 g/km CO2.
The racing genes of the 911 GT3 express themselves in practically every detail. The cockpit is in line with the current model generation, yet with a new feature highlight; the track screen. At the touch of a button, it reduces the digital displays to the left and right of the central rev counter, which scrolls round to 10,000 rpm, to information such as tyre pressure indicator, oil pressure, oil temperature, fuel tank level and water temperature, which are essential when driving on the circuit. It also includes a visual shift assistant with coloured bars to the left and right of the rev counter and a shift light derived from Motorsport.
With Porsche GT models, more and more customers desire individual equipment options to further personalise their choice of car. The Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur range is therefore also available for the new 911 GT3, supplemented by GT3-specific options such as a lightweight roof made of exposed carbon fibre. Other highlights include exterior mirror tops made of carbon, darkened LED matrix main headlights and matching Exclusive design rear lights with an arc of light with no red components. Guards Red or Shark Blue painted wheel rims enhance the black alloy wheels. Inside the cockpit, equipment details such as the dials for the rev counter and Sport Chrono stopwatch, seat belts and trim strips set elegant accents in the body colour or other desired colour.
The new Porsche 911 GT3 is on sale from priced from £123,100.00 RRP*. First deliveries are set for May 2021.
Customers will also be invited to explore the potential of their new car, and further develop their own skills behind the wheel, by participating in a bespoke driving experience around the unique tracks at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.
As exclusive as the 911 GT3 itself is the individual chronograph offered by Porsche Design to customers of the high-performance sports car. Like its road-going inspiration, the timepiece boasts a dynamic design, consistent performance and high-quality workmanship. Its housing reflects its Motorsport genes. Just like the connecting rods of the GT3 engine, it consists of robust, lightweight titanium. Furthermore, the timepiece is powered by an individual winding rotor reminiscent of the wheels of the 911 GT3, and the coloured ring of the dial can be customised in the paint colours of the car.
*The equipment options and price may change for the change in the model year.
