THE first examples of Porsche’s upgraded 911 GT3 coupe have arrived in Australia, which has long been one of the major destinations for Porsche’s race-ready road car, ahead of first customer deliveries in January.

About 20 Australians have already put up their hands for the latest-generation GT3, up to 90 of which have been earmarked for local roads from a limited two-year production run, despite the fact Porsche has confirmed $25,000-higher indicative pricing of around $282,000.

Powered by a bigger and more powerful 3.8-litre flat six that eschews the direct-injection technology seen on other facelifted 911s, the new engine offers a meatier torque delivery and quicker 4.1-second 0-100km/h acceleration by being the first Porsche flat six to feature VarioCam exhaust valve actuation as well as variable intake valve timing.

The newest GT3 also comes with a new bodykit, new 19-inch alloys with racecar-style single wheel nuts, stability control for the first time and more luxury features than ever, while GT3 firsts include the option of a 30mm front-end lift system and active engine mounts.