Porsche’s race-bred 911 GT3 breaks cover

PORSCHE has revealed the most hardcore and focused version of its 992-generation 911 yet with the unveiling of the track-honed GT3 variant, set to arrive on Australian shores in the second half of the year.

Like 911 GT3s of the past, the new version retains its successful formula of a racing-derived aspirated six-cylinder engine and a number of enhancements to aerodynamics and handling.

The new-generation GT3 is underpinned by a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine derived from the 911 GT3 R, tuned to produce 375kW at 8400rpm and 470Nm at 6100rpm, with a dizzying redline of 9000rpm.

Power is up 7kW/10Nm over the previous version, and is only 8kW shy of the previous 991.2-generation GT3 RS.

Mounted in the rear like all 911s, power is fed exclusively to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Traction is aided by a locking mechanical differential on the rear axle, along with Porsche Torque Vectoring (Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus on PDK versions).

Despite having no forced-induction assistance, the GT3 can rocket from standstill to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds with the PDK (3.9s for the manual), to 200km/h in 10.8s (11.9s) and on to a top speed of 318km/h (320km/h).

Fuel consumption with the PDK is rated at 12.4 litres per 100km with CO2 emissions at 283 grams per kilometre, compared to the manual’s 13.3L/100km and 304g/km.

The GT3 is easily distinguishable from the rest of the 911 range by its range of lairy aerodynamic enhancements such as is its now-trademark rear fixed-wing spoiler, vented bonnet and low, wide front splitter and air intake.

A lip spoiler situated above the tail-lights has been included in addition to the big fixed wing, which combines with the wider body and mixed 20-inch front/21-inch rear alloy wheels to give a flat, athletic appearance.

Despite the wider body, the new 911 GT3 weighs in at 1418kg (manual) or 1435kg (PDK), putting it on par with its predecessor. Weight-saving measures include a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic bonnet, lightweight glass windows, optimised brake discs, forged light-alloy wheels and a lightweight sports exhaust with electrically adjustable exhaust flaps.

Under the skin, the GT3 rides on double-wishbone front suspension with a multi-link rear axle, with the adjustable Porsche Active Suspension Management system included as standard, which lowers the standard ride height by 20mm.

Electromechanical power steering with a variable steering ratio combines with rear-wheel steering to aid handling, while stopping power comes courtesy of six-piston front callipers grabbing 408x34mm rotors and four-pot rear grabbers with 380x30mm rotors.

Inside the cabin, the GT3 shares most of its equipment with the rest of the 911 range including the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and pair of 7.0-inch instrument cluster displays, the latter of which now includes the track screen function, which can project information essential for high-intensity driving such as tyre pressure, oil pressure, oil temperature, water temperature and fuel tank level.

A number of GT-specific options can be had including an exposed carbon-fibre roof, carbon exterior mirror tops, darkened LED matrix headlights and Guards Red or Shark Blue painted wheel rims.

The GT3 also sheds the 2+2 layout of the regular 911, replacing the rear seats with a rollcage and fitting lightweight bucket seats up front.

Australian pricing and specification is set to be revealed at a later date – for reference, the previous-gen GT3 arrived Down Under in 2017 priced from $327,100 plus on-road costs.

911 fans can also expect the more hardcore GT3 RS to materialise at some point, along with the subtler GT3 Touring package for those who prefer their GT3 to have more of a ‘sleeper’ look.

Porsche Cars Australia sold 33 examples of the 911 in January, more than double the next-best-selling member of the $200,000-plus sportscar segment.