What's all this about?
Porsche's '991'-era 911 range has already been given its midlife overhaul, following the 2012 launch, so now it's time for the GT3 model - every keen driver's favourite 911 - to morph from the 991.1 to 991.2 iteration. And there's some seriously good news in this regard: a six-speed manual gearbox is back.
Back? Had it gone away?
Yes, when the 991.1 GT3 launched in 2013, Porsche only offered it with the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, much to the chagrin of diehard enthusiasts of the marque. For the 991.2, PDK is still available but you can now order three pedals in the front footwell. And that's not all.
Isn't it?
No. Ever since the GT3 nameplate arrived on the 996-era 911 in 1999, there has been an even-more-focused RS model sitting above it in the range. For the 991.1, this had a 500hp normally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six, compared to the GT3's 3.8-litre 475hp unit. So you'll never guess what's happened here...
The GT3 now has the 4.0 as well?
Percipient of you. This is indeed the case, making this the most powerful road-going 'plain' GT3 yet. Aside from that, not much else has changed. The focused GT3 sits 25mm lower than a Carrera S and has rear-axle steering, while inside is a choice of four different sporty seat designs, the top-spec items being a pair of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic bucket chairs with a carbon-weave finish. The 360mm steering wheel is lifted from the Porsche 918 Spyder and the empty rear seat wells are carpeted, while outside there's been a mild aerodynamic optimisation programme that results in a slightly different front and rear bumper arrangement. That beautiful carbon rear wing remains, though.
Anything else on the spec?
Porsche will chuck in the Track Precision app - allowing GT3 drivers to 'display, record and analyse detailed driving data on their smartphone' - as part of the standard-fit Porsche Communication Management with the Connect Plus module.
So how quick is the 500hp GT3?
The manual is faster flat out, the PDK is the quicker accelerating, so we bet that - for all the furore about the dual-clutch transmission - most 991.2 GT3 buyers still go for the 'auto'. Expect 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds in the six-speed manual 911, with a top speed of 198mph, while the PDK uses its extra gearbox ratio and launch control to punch in a 3.4-second 0-62mph sprint (a tenth faster than the old 475hp GT3), with a top speed listed as 197mph.
So how quick is the 500hp GT3?
The manual is faster flat out, the PDK is the quicker accelerating, so we bet that - for all the furore about the dual-clutch transmission - most 991.2 GT3 buyers still go for the 'auto'. Expect 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds in the six-speed manual 911, with a top speed of 198mph, while the PDK uses its extra gearbox ratio and launch control to punch in a 3.4-second 0-62mph sprint (a tenth faster than the old 475hp GT3), with a top speed listed as 197mph.
Yes, four years after the 991.1 GT3 took its bow at precisely the same event. The revised GT3 is on sale at Porsche Centres across the UK now, ahead of first deliveries in summer, and it starts from £111,802.
Matt Robinson - 7 Mar 2017