Frankfurt show: Porsche goes all subtle with GT3

PORSCHE has launched a stealth version of its hardcore 911 GT3 road racer, deleting the in-your-face fixed rear spoiler and black accents while ramping up the class inside with leather trim.

Of course, the driver of the new, understated GT3 Touring Package will know the GT3’s potent normally aspirated 4.0-litre flat six remains firmly in place behind seats, ready to spin to 9000rpm and deliver 368kW of power and 460Nm of torque to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.

The new variant was unveiled at this week’s Frankfurt motor show alongside the all-new Cayenne, including the Cayenne Turbo.

Porsche says the Touring Package name dates back to 1973 when the German company launched such a variant based on the 911 Carrera RS for people who wanted the RS’s savage performance without the look-at-me body kit.

In the latest GT3-based Touring Package, Porsche has replaced the fixed wing with the Carrera’s more subtle variable spoiler that pops up from the rear end at highway speeds. That spoiler also gets a small raised lip, dubbed a Gurney flap.

The headlights and taillights lose the dark look, while the black trim on items such as the front splitter and side skirts has been replaced with a metallic silver finish. However, buyers can order up the black look as an option if they must. The rear radiator grille gets a GT3 Touring logo on the black mesh.

Apart from that, the exterior of the GT3 Touring Package is fundamentally the same as the standard GT3 that was given a facelift this year.

Inside, the Alcantara upholstery and trim of the GT3 is replaced by leather on the seat bolsters, armrests, steering wheel and gear knob. Black cloth is applied down the centre of the seats.

Like all GT3s, the Touring Package rides 25mm closer to the ground than a standard Carrera, and sits on a race-bred chassis that includes active rear-wheel steering.

Acceleration performance is also the same as the manual GT3, with the Touring Package zipping from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 316 km/h.

Alloy wheels are 20 inches all round, although the front rims are nine inches wide and fitted with 245/35 tyres while the rear rims are 12 inches wide with 305/30 rubber.

While the GT3 comes with an optional seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, the Touring Package comes only with a six-speed manual in a nod to Porsche purists.

That manual, however, comes with a decidedly modern automatic throttle blip function that is switched on via the Sport button on the console.

Australian deliveries are expected to start in early 2018 with prices staring at $326,800 plus on-road costs - the same price as the GT3.