Porsche reveals the new 911 GT3

With the seventh edition of the 911 GT3, Porsche has taken the new 911 GT3 off the leash. This car was also developed in close collaboration with Porsche Motorsport, and transfers pure racing technology into a production model even more consistently than ever before.

The double wishbone front axle layout and sophisticated aerodynamics with a swan neck rear wing and striking diffuser originate from the 911 RSR race car, and the 503bhp 4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine is based on the drivetrain of the 911 GT3 R, tried and tested in endurance racing.

The acoustically impressive, high-revving engine is also used practically unchanged in the new 911 GT3 Cup. The result is a high performance machine that is efficient, emotional and precise, perfect for the circuit and superb for everyday use.

The distinctive strength of the 911 GT3 lies in the sum of its characteristics. With a top speed of 318km/h when fitted with the PDK and 320km/h when fitted with the manual, the new 911 GT3 is even faster than the previous 911 GT3 RS. Zero to 100km/h is accomplished in 3.4 seconds. Porsche also offers the new model with a six-speed manual transmission for a particularly puristic driving experience.

The sophisticated aerodynamics benefit from the experiences gained from motor racing and generate significantly more downforce without noticeably affecting the drag coefficient. In the performance position, the manually set wing and diffuser elements significantly increase the aerodynamic pressure for high cornering speeds.

This is, however, reserved strictly for outings on the circuit, as it is there that the 911 GT3 can play all its trump cards. During final testing, it lapped the Nurburgring-Nordschleife, traditionally the ultimate proving ground for all sports cars developed by Porsche, over 17 seconds quicker than its predecessor.

Development driver Lars Kern took just 6:59.927 minutes for a full 20.8km lap. The shorter 20.6km track, which had previously served as a benchmark, was completed by the 911 GT3 in 6:55.2 minutes. Running on the optionally available Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres, the new model consistently delivered its performance over several laps in the expert hands of Porsche brand ambassador Jorg Bergmeister.

Despite a wider body, larger wheels and additional technical features, the weight of the new GT3 is on a par with its predecessor. With a manual gearbox it weighs 1,418 kilograms, and when fitted with a PDK, it weighs 1,435kg.

The front bonnet is made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic, with lightweight glass windows, optimised brake discs and forged light-alloy wheels assist with more weight lost, as does the cover for the rear seat compartment. The lightweight sports exhaust system reduces the weight by no less than 10kg. With infinitely electrically adjustable exhaust flaps, it harmonises a highly emotional sound experience.

The new 911 GT3 expresses it racing genes in all of its details. A new feature is the track screen, which at the touch of a button, reduces the digital displays to the left and right of the central rev counter, to information such as tyre pressure indicator, oil pressure, oil temperature, fuel tank level and water temperature. There is also a visual shift assistant with coloured bars to the left and right of the rev counter.

When it comes to the Porsche GT models, customers are increasingly requesting customised equipment. Thus, the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur range will be available for the new 911 GT3 and is supplemented by GT3-specific options such as a lightweight roof made of exposed carbon fibre.

Other highlights include exterior mirror tops made of carbon fibre and darkened LED matrix head lights. In the interior, equipment details such as the dials for the rev counter and Sport Chrono stopwatch, seatbelts and trim strips set elegant accents in the body colour or other desired colour.