Porsche is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 911 and what better way to commemorate the occasion than to introduce a faster, sleeker version of the GT3.
The fifth generation 991 model (no typos here) is sleeker and more powerful than its predecessor and makes use of completely new bodywork, chassis, engine and transmission. The rear of the car is 44mm wider as well as flatter and sharper while sitting 30mm lower than the Carrera. This translates to incredible agility and more stable handling and cornering dynamics. The new 911 GT3 has an new 3.8L flat-six cylinder engine which makes use of direct fuel injection; the first time in a GT3. The redline is now 9,000 rpm. Power output has jumped to 475 PS (350 kW) which now comes in at 8,250 rpm. Peak torque is 440 Nm at 6,250 rpm. The performance levels will be nothing short of distinctly elevated when compared to the outgoing model. The 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), or double-clutch transmission, uses short ratios with the 7th gear ratio optimised for maximum speed. The Intelligent Shift Program (ISP) delivers immediate and faster traction-induced upshifts with throttle-blip downshifts on overrun. All of this has a dramatic effect when combined to those engine output figures. The new GT3 does 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds – 0.6 seconds faster than the 997 GT3! The top speed is 315 km/h. Furthermore, efficiency has increased with a fuel consumption of just 12.4L/100 kms translating to CO2 emissions of 289 g/km.
The new 911 GT3 incorporates quite a few number of changes over what we’ve become used to seeing. The intake manifold uses a resonance pipe and flap to supplement the conventional distributor pipe. This improves engine response with higher torque available across a broader engine speed range. There is an electronically controlled, fully variable rear differential lock. It also makes use of rear-axle steering to allow for tighter high-speed cornering. There are dynamic engine mounts to improve vibration levels from oscillations. To wrap things up and keep them in check is an updated Porsche Stability Management system with Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus. Putting all that the car has to offer to the tarmac are the platinum-finish 20-inch forged aluminium wheels with 245/35 ZR20 tyres up front and 305/30 ZR20 tyres at the rear.
Porsche has delivered over 14,000 examples of the GT3 since 1999 and the new 5th generation model is set to open a new chapter for their high performance track-oriented cars with better everyday usability and an increased fun factor.
