Hardcore Porsche 911 GT3 gets 503bhp 16 | 02 | 2021

PORSCHE HAS FINALLY lifted the wraps from its latest iconic track-bred GT3, the 992-series 911 GT3. Priced from £123,100 — though, even if you have the cash, there’s no guarantee you’ll get one, such is its scarcity — is powered by Porsche’s new 503bhp naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine. First deliveries, if you’re lucky enough to snap one up, are scheduled for May. (Related: Singer creates rally-spec Porsche 911)

Generating 503bhp — which is 10bhp more than the 991.2-gen GT3 — via either a six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK auto ‘box with power sent to the rear wheels, the car can hit a top speed of 199mph (198mph with the PDK gearbox). It’ll also cover 0-62mph in 3.4sec, thanks to its launch control.

And for anyone genuinely interested in fuel consumption — though if you’re driving a GT3, why would you — Porsche says it’ll return 21.7-21.9mpg, with CO2 at 283-304g/km, depending on the car’s specification. In real world driving, I’d guess you’s looking at mid-high teens. (Related: Porsche Boxster 25 Years)

The new GT3 is the only model in the latest 992-generation line-up not to feature turbocharging. As with previous GT3 models, Porsche Motorsport has been heavily involved in the car’s development. Indeed, according to Porsche, the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat six is “practically unchanged” from the unit to be used in the latest GT3 Cup racing car.

Though the car’s dimensions have yet to be revealed, we know the GT3 is available solely in wide-bodied form. We  also know it weighs just 1418kg with the six-speed manual and 1435kg with the PDK. (Related: Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Edition)

Thanks to some sort of magical equation, the new, larger car is just 5kg heavier than its predecessor. Porsche highlights an number of areas where weight-saving has been achieved, including the use of carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) to make the front bonnet, forged alloy wheels, “optimised” brake discs and lightweight glass. The rear seat compartment cover is also lighter, plus a lightweight exhaust system alone saves an impressive 10kg. (Related: Porsche 911 Turbo gets 572bhp)

For the first time, Porsche has introduced a race-inspired front suspension layout that uses double wishbones for the first time; this forms a key part of the substantially overhauled suspension in the 992 GT3. At the rear, in addition to rear-wheel steering, there’s also a modified multi-link set-up. This tech transfer has come from the 911 RSR race car, which uses a similar set-up. (Related: Porsche confirms base 911 prices)

As for the wheels. they’re 20in at the front and 21in at the rear, with 255/35-profile Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres at the front and 315/30 items at the rear. And when it comes to stopping, the GT3 gets 408mm discs on the front axle and 380mm on the rear. Ceramic brakes will be an option. (Related: New Cayman GTS and Boxster GTS)

It’s also impossible to miss the huge rear spoiler, sitting on ‘swan neck’ wing mounts. Porsche says it delivers “significantly higher levels of downforce [than its predecessor] without noticeably affecting the drag coefficient.” And for those buyers keen to use their GT3 at track days, the aerodynamic package can be manually adjusted to maximise performance. (Related: Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid gets update)

Inside the cabin there’s also plenty of track-focused tech. The infotainment features a new track screen which reduces the information on the digital displays to the left and right of the central analogue rev counter. That rev counter is marked all the way up to 10,000rpm, although the motor only revs to 9000.

When in this mode, the display shows more track-specific information, including oil temperature and pressure, tyre pressures, and fuel level. A motorsport-derived shift light system is also displayed.

Worth highlighting that the PDK gear selector looks almost identical to the manual gearbox’s lever, rather than the shift-by-wire toggle switch found in the standard 992 models.

The cabin also includes sports seats, Alcantara trim, and a half roll cage. Out have gone the rear seats, plus there’s reduced sound deadening. However, one sop to comfort is the fact buyers no longer have the option to delete the air conditioning to reduce weight further.

And for buyers who want to further personalise their GT3, of course there’s a whole list of ‘optional’ boxes to tick, including an exposed carbon fibre roof and door mirror caps, Guards Red or Shark Blue paintwork for the edge of the wheel rims, a redesigned rear light cluster and darkened headlights.

Related: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 gets flat six

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Jim McGill