Unlike many modern supercars, it takes real talent to get the most out of a Porsche 911 GT3. Sure, it has gluey traction, massive brakes and a sophisticated ambit of traction and stability programmes - but it's also a six-cylinder rocket sending 429bhp to the rear wheels.
This new version is actually a mid-life update for the
997-generation 911 GT3, with some notable tweaks to make it both faster and more useable as an everyday car. Due to hit the stands at
Geneva '09, the new 997 GT3 Mk II is 20bhp more powerful, but has more mid-range torque to make it 'a more useable everyday car', according to Porsche. To that end, you can also specify an axle lift system, which raises the front by 30mm to help avoid ripping the front skirt off on a speed hump.
The GT3 will hit 62mph from a red traffic light (one on a motorway, obviously) in just 4.1 seconds and will reach 99mph in 8.2 seconds. Top speed is 194mph. All that performance comes from an engine that's been bored out from 3.6- to 3.8-litres and features exhaust camshafts adjusted by Porsche's VarioCam system for improved cylinder head gas flow.
Porsche stability management makes an appearance, obviously, but in the GT3 the stability and traction control systems are separated - so the driver can ask the electronic nanny to be more selective in its interference, rather than simply turning it all on or off. Once off, though, it will never, ever kick in - even when it senses you're going particularly fast in the wrong direction.
That's less likely this time around, however, because the aerodynamics are improved via a large rear wing and airflow tweaks to increase front and rear downforce. In fact, total downforce is incredibly twice that of the outgoing car. Combined with sticky tyres, lightweight alloy wheels and optional ceramic brakes, the GT3 should employ spider-like traction and stopping ability, as far as rear-wheel drive supercars go. You can even specify it with Porsche Active Drivetrain Mount, which is basically a set of firmer adaptive engine mountings designed specifically for track use, which improve traction under hard acceleration and stability during high speed cornering.
Yet, some people need to use their Porsches to do monotonous things like go to the 24-hour Tesco for emergency toilet roll at 2am, so Porsche has endowed its new supercar with active stability management (PASM), which can be switched between 'sport' mode for, erm, sport, and 'normal' mode for when you can't be bothered to have all your teeth rattled out.
Want one, then? Well, hand about £82,000 to your Porsche dealer and you can, and if you do you'll also get a free driving course at the new Porsche Driving Experience Centre in Silverstone.
Mark Nichol - 29 Jan 2009
