Porsche close to 911 GT3 fix

PORSCHE is reportedly close to resolving an issue that caused it to recall 785 examples of its hardcore 911 GT3 coupe after two vehicles caught fire in Europe earlier this year.

Porsche AG chief executive Matthias Mueller told a press conference near the company’s headquarters in Germany last weekend that a fix was close for the problem that has stopped the road-racer in its tracks.

“We know the reason and the problem-solving measures,” he said. “We’re testing them.” Mr Mueller did not elaborate on the corrective action, instead confirming that the company will announce a technical solution for the issue shortly, with customers to be informed first.

Porsche initiated a worldwide recall in February after two GT3s caught fire – one in Switzerland and another in Italy – and asked existing customers not to drive their track-ready performance machines until further notice.

The company said at the time that there were no reported injuries from the incidents in Europe, but took the measure of recalling the GT3 to further investigate the cause of the fires.

In all, 785 GT3s were recalled worldwide, including five in Australia.

The GT3 is powered by an uprated version of the 3.8-litre flat-six found under the bonnet of the regular 911, producing 350kW/430Nm and able to reach 100km/h from standstill in just 3.5 seconds.

Porsche is not the only sportscar-maker caught up in a recall of one of its flagship models in recent years, with Ferrari recalling the 458 Italia in 2012 after a number of examples overseas caught fire because of an issue with the adhesive used in the wheelarch assembly.

Globally Ferrari recalled 1200 458s, with eight of those sold in Australia.