PORSCHE 911GT3

The Porsche discussion that remains in my mind

In addition to the standard model, the GT3 now comes with a new rear spoiler-less touring package. Rear seats are also available as an option.

I had the opportunity to talk about Porsche several times with the late Professor Paul Frère, a great senior and much respected figure. Our discussions about Porsche with this journalist and great racing driver are still etched in my memory. When he asked me, “Which model do you own?” I replied, “A 996 Carrera 4,” but it seemed he didn’t like the Carrera 4. The reason, according to him, was that “four-wheel drive cars have a lot of understeer.”

When turning into a corner, if you turn off the throttle on a rear-engine, the rear of the rear-wheel drive 911 tends to slide when tucked in. To stop the rear from sliding, you need to turn the throttle on. This can be controlled by increasing the rear wheel load on the rear wheels, which has been caused by the front wheel load. By mastering this technique, you can achieve your goal as a 911 driver.

This introduction has been long, but I’d like to report to Paul Frère in heaven on the latest 911 GT3’s improved handling. The high-revving 4.0-liter naturally aspirated engine remains the same as the previous model, but to comply with new European emissions regulations that will come into effect in 2027, the rear end now features two particulate filters and four catalytic converters. As a result, maximum torque has been reduced from 470 Nm to 450 Nm. Meanwhile, maximum power remains unchanged at 510 PS. So, just how much have emissions been reduced? By European standards, it’s a 30% reduction (NOx + PM), and by US standards, a whopping 44% reduction (NMOG + NOx). Given Porsche’s commitment to environmental performance, the new GT3 boasts a significantly cleaner engine. While the GT3 isn’t slower than the previous model, the engine’s exhaust sound is likely a concern for users.

Anti-dive geometry

The new Touring Package for the GT3 includes an optional rear seat.

What about weight? The lightest model of the early model weighed in at 1,418 kg, but the later model was the first GT3 to adopt the Weissach package, and made extensive use of carbon material, achieving weight reduction. The highlight is the optional magnesium wheels. Four wheels make it possible to reduce the weight by 11 kg. Ultimately, the lightest model of the later GT3 weighed in at 1,420 kg, almost the same as the earlier model.

The transmission is a 7-speed PDK and a 6-speed MT with an 8% lower gear ratio. By the way, the Weissach package accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds (7-speed PDK), and the Touring package in 3.9 seconds.

As usual, the convoy began with a professional driver at the front. The car in front was the GT3 RS, and it was running at a fast pace. The handling of the new GT3 was excellent. It felt like it could be controlled more freely than the early 992 GT3 RS. The GT3 RS had intense downforce, requiring steering force that could break your arms, but the GT3 is milder than the RS, and is simply easier to drive.

The new GT3 employs anti-dive geometry, which keeps the rear from swinging wild even when turning in. The suspension and aerodynamic balance are excellent. The test drive took place at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, which has many corners where you brake while turning, but even when braking fully after turning the steering wheel, the car’s posture remained stable and it traced the line accurately. I was amazed at how good the naturally aspirated flat-six engine felt, revving up to 9000 rpm, and how easy it was to handle, which I could feel in the palm of my hand. I cut the inside and attacked the corner. I was drowning in the adrenaline that was surging through my brain.

From air-cooling to water-cooling, and then to electrification

Since I had time, I drove on the public roads in the spoiler-less 6-speed MT “GT3 Touring Package”. The Touring Package uses a retractable rear spoiler, so the rear design feels like a stylish GT3. The shift is snappy and heel-and-toe can be controlled freely.

If I were to buy a GT3, I would choose the Touring Package. This truly is a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” The late 992 GT3 has two faces: the Weissach Package and the Touring Package. Rumors are going around that this is the “last GT3…”, but if there is a next-generation model, it may be electrified. From air-cooled to water-cooled, and then to electrification. Things change with the times. However, Porsche’s philosophy of endlessly pursuing speed and driving pleasure remains unchanged.

PHOTO／Porsche AG

SPECIFICATIONS

Porsche 911 GT3

Body size: Length 4570, width 1852, height 1279mm

Wheelbase: 2457mm

Vehicle weight: 1462 (MT) / 1479 (DCT) kg

Engine type: Horizontally opposed 6-cylinder DOHC

Total displacement: 3996cc

Maximum output: 375kW (510PS) / 9000rpm

Maximum torque: 450Nm (45.9kgm) / 6250rpm

Transmission: 7-speed DCT / 6-speed MT

Drive system: RWD

Suspension: Front double wishbone, rear multi-link

Brakes: Front and rear ventilated discs

Tire size: Front 255/35ZR20, rear 315/30ZR21

Top speed: 311km/h

0-100km/h acceleration: 3.4 seconds

Vehicle price: 28.14 million yen

911 GT3 with Touring Package

Body size: Length 4570, width 1852, height 1279mm

Wheelbase: 2457mm

Vehicle weight: 1461 (MT) / 1477 (DCT) kg

Engine type: Horizontally opposed 6-cylinder DOHC

Total displacement: 3996cc

Maximum output: 375kW (510PS) / 9000rpm

Maximum torque: 450Nm (45.9kgm) / 6250rpm

Transmission: 7-speed DCT / 6-speed MT

Drive system: RWD

Suspension: Front double wishbone, rear multi-link

Brakes: Front and rear ventilated discs

Tire size: Front 255/35ZR20, rear 315/30ZR21

Top speed: 313km/h

0-100km/h acceleration: 3.4 seconds

Vehicle price: 28.14 million yen