What's the news?
The GT3 has finally succumbed to the technical onslaught that sees it go paddle-shifted for its fifth generation. The news wasn't when Porsche was going to reveal the GT3, but what its technical specification would be, and Porsche has gone the PDK two-pedal route for its purist flagship - replacing the manual six-speed gearbox with a GT3-specific seven-speed paddle-shifted auto.
The 3.8-litre engine is also a new development, Porsche describing the unit as a 'synthesis' of the old GT3's powerplant and the current Carrera's. Taking elements of that legendary unit - like the dry-sump lubrication, forged titanium components and high-revving capability - and adding direct petrol injection and a demand controlled oil pump. The result is a 25kg weight saving, a specific power output of 125hp per litre and a peak engine speed of 9,000rpm.
Exterior
Aero changes play a crucial role in the new GT3's looks. It also sits lower and wider (44mm wider at the rear) than its regular Carrera relations. A low front splitter, a fixed - but adjustable - rear wing with ram-air elements, a lightweight carbon fibre/glassfibre engine cover, exhaust vents in the rear bodywork and under-body panelling are all specified to reduce drag, enhance downforce and help with engine and brake cooling.
Interior
Alcantara covers the majority of the control surfaces inside, including the sports seats, while automatic climate control and an MP3 connection come as standard. The Club Sport package remains an option, adding a half roll-cage, multi-point harness seat belts, a fire extinguisher and a battery cut-out switch.
Mechanicals
In addition to that engine - which features active mounts as standard - the GT3's specification includes a 30mm drop in ride height and the rear suspension features hollow aluminium castings. Two-mode PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) is standard, while a new active rear steering system also features. There's an electronically controlled locking differential and the PDK transmission features not just shorter ratios, but a declutching function to allow a dipped clutch by pulling both paddles simultaneously - to help stabilise (or destabilise) the GT3 in and approaching a bend. The rear steering system varies the angle of the rear wheels by as much as 1.5 degrees, turning opposite to the front wheels at speeds up to 31mph, and in parallel above 50mph.
Anything else?
All the changes allow the 911 GT3 to lap the Nürburgring in less than 7 minutes and 30 seconds. Its top speed is 196mph, while the 0-62mph sprint is covered in 3.5 seconds. Available to order now, for November deliveries, the GT3 costs £100,540.
Kyle Fortune - 5 Mar 2013
