For those to whom a standard Porsche 911 isn’t hard-edged enough there’s also the option of the race-bred GT3 variant. Details of the he latest GT3 have just been revealed, together with the information that it’s coming to Australia later in the year.
Though the new 911 GT3 is based on the latest 911 Carrera, there have been major changes to the engine, transmission and dynamics that almost make it a separate model.
The GT3 is powered by a 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine that for the first time has direct petrol injection. It provides up to 350kW (475hp in ‘real’ performance car terms). It has titanium connecting rods and forged pistons to let it rev all the way to 9000 rpm.
Porsche 911 GT3 comes standard with a new seven-speed PDK automated-manual double-clutch gearbox with ultra-fast sequential shifting. It features shorter gear ratios than the standard 911, resulting in acceleration from zero to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds. It gets to 200 in less than 12 seconds. In the right conditions this hot new Porsche 911 GT3 can reach 315km/h.
For the first time, the PDK transmission allows the driver to leave the gear shifts entirely to the adaptive transmission control. It comes with two switching strategies: Sport and Race Track.
The use of active rear-wheel steering for the first time on the new 911 GT3 gives excellent handling precision and a high level of lateral dynamics. Depending on road speed, the system steers in the opposite or the same direction as the front wheels, to improve agility and stability.
Porsche GT3 also has an electronically controlled, fully variable rear differential lock and dynamic engine mounts.
There’s a newly developed all-aluminium chassis with many adjustments on offer to tailor it to specific road and track needs. Big, 20-inch forged alloy wheels with a single central locknut now permit larger tyres.
This version of the GT3 has a rear body section that is 44 mm wider than the Carrera S, it’s topped by a large fixed rear wing.
At the rear axle, larger braking discs with a 380mm diameter are used, the ventilation holes of the discs have been redesigned, and cooling is improved by way of additional brake cooling ducts on the rear axle.
Limited numbers of the all-new Porsche 911 GT3 will go on sale in Australia late in 2013. Pricing is not yet finalised.
