New Porsche 911 GT3 here mid 2025
BY PETER BARNWELL | 21st Oct 2024
ACKNOWLEDGING the silver (25 year) anniversary of its 911 racing homologation GT3 model, Porsche has announced a double dose of the lightweight coupe due soon in the form of the new track-focused MY25 911 GT3 and the more road-oriented 911 GT3 with Touring package.
Pricing is from $446,700 excluding on-road costs and options, with orders being accepted from the end of the year for expected deliveries commencing in the second half of 2025.
Few would argue the 911 GT3 has offered “the ultimate combination of racing genes and day-to-day usability” since its introduction in 1999 and the two newcomers follow through, nay, embellish the original recipe that eschews “unnecessary” items in the quest for speed and agility.
This is the first time Porsche has introduced two versions of the GT3 simultaneously since its introduction, though numerous different iterations have seen the light of day.
Many modifications in the GT3 flow from the outgoing GT3 RS model, such as the camshaft design that reduces peak torque output in favour of responsiveness at high revs and the anti-dive suspension design including lower-set front ball joints on the lower trailing arm of the double-wishbone front-end (components of which are designed to increase downforce in the wheel arches at high speeds and improve brake cooling).
The Weissach package ($47,530) is also available for the first time in the 911 GT3, providing more custom configuration options for use on the track on top of more extensive standard equipment and other options that further enhance its precision.
A Lightweight package can be applied to either GT3 variant for $71,120, for those who want some of the forensic gram-saving from the super-exclusive 911 S/T special edition.
It all begs the question, what does Porsche have in store for the next GT3 RS?
Until we find out, it is clear that each of the just-revealed GT3 variants are impressive vehicles in their own right that can be essentially “tailor-made” through option packages into a custom-made car specific to a buyer’s taste and intended use.
For 2025, the GT3 is “exceptionally track-ready” according to Porsche with an expanded lightweight strategy, a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine with 375kW (the same as previously) and 450Nm (20Nm lower than before), and new, customer-focused options.
The latest 911 GT3 models are aero enhanced with a sharpened design in the front and rear as well as adapted aerodynamics, both variants featuring a re-contoured front diffuser, refined shape of the spoiler lip and modified fins on the underbody.
All are designed to increase downforce and optimise airflow.
Redesigned Matrix LED headlights are available on the model with an optional white accent ring that combine all the light functions of the 911 while eliminating the need for additional lights in the front apron.
The reasoning behind this change is to create an enlarged air inlet area and a “clearly structured look”.
At the rear, the diffuser, air inlets and rear lid have been redesigned and the the wing gets new angled side plates.
Through suspension tweaks that yield reduced pitching (anti-dive), downforce balance between the front and rear axles is maintained, even when braking from high speeds, engineers went to the trouble of lowering the position of the front ball joint of the lower front axle trailing arm to facilitate this.
Wheel and tyre sizes are carried over from before at 255/35/20 (front) and 315/30/21 (rear) sports tyres as standard. Track tyres with road approval are optional.
More options are available on the Touring version than the regular GT3, which starts with a distinctive appearance right down to the “911 GT3 touring” logo on the rear lid grille.
The Touring drops the fixed wing for a more covert look, though an extendable rear spoiler with a tear-off edge, the famed Gurney flap, remains with an adapted fin design on the underbody to provide aerodynamic balance.
With plenty of power on tap, Porsche engineers focused on weight reduction (and location) on the new GT3 for direct handling and optimised agility.
Their efforts extended to the new, silver-coloured lightweight aluminium wheels that reduce unsprung weight by more than 1.5 kg compared to the previous model. Lighter magnesium wheels are optionally available with the Weissach package or the Lightweight package which save nine kilograms.
A 40Ah lithium-ion lightweight battery contributes to the weight reduction program shaving off another four kilograms so that in the lightest configuration, the new 911 GT3 weighs 1420kg.
Adding further to the sharp drive feel is an eight per cent shorter final drive gear ratio for quicker acceleration on both the seven-speed PDK and six-speed manual equipped models.
Acceleration from 0-100km/h matches the previous GT3 at 3.4 seconds for the PDK car with a v-max at 311km/h while the manual clocks 3.9s with a v-max of 313km/h.
Inside the GT3 is a high-quality leather interior and a classic sporty ambience with, in a departure from the original formula, a rear seat system optionally available.
Porsche says on the track the new GT3 enables even better control because it holds even steadier and handles better on bumps and when driving over kerbs thanks to the optimised damper tuning.
Brand ambassador and race car driver Jörg Bergmeister explained: “The anti-dive system noticeably reduces the pitching movement when braking. As a result, the balance of the car remains significantly more consistent under all conditions.”
Motor racing legend Walter Röhrl said of the new GT3: “Particularly on winding country roads, you can clearly feel that the steering is even better tuned than its predecessor.”
“It instils even greater confidence in the car because it responds more calmly from the centre position without losing any of its directness. The shorter gear ratio also significantly enhances driving pleasure on country roads.”
