Cars

The new Porsche 911 GT3 premieres in Geneva

By Team LTD

Posted on March 8, 2017

The new Porsche 911 GT3 was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show and is now available on order. It will be launched in India from mid-September, at a basic retail price of INR 21,991,000 (ex-showroom Maharashtra).

At the heart of the enhanced model is a 4L flat, six-cylinder engine with a peak power of 500 hp (368 kW). A powerful naturally aspirated engine and racing chassis from motorsport brings racetrack dynamics on to the road. Developed on the same test track and manufactured on the same production line as the racing cars, Porsche’s motorsport technology has once again been incorporated into a road-approved sports car.

The redesigned chassis with rear-axle steering and the systematic lightweight construction are specifically tuned to convert the engine power into superior driving dynamics. As a majority of Porsche GT drivers like to take their sports cars for a spin on the racetrack, that’s where the new 911 GT3 comes into its own; thanks to a power-to-weight ratio of 2.86 kg/hp (3.88 kg/kW).

With seven-speed double-clutch transmission (PDK) as standard, which has been specifically tuned for use in the GT, the two-seater can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. It boasts a top speed of 318 km/h and weighs 1,430 kg (with a full tank of fuel). For proponents of pure unadulterated driving, Porsche also offers the 911 GT3 with a six-speed sports manual gearbox. This enables the 911 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 320 km/h.

The chassis of the new 911 GT3 sits around 25mm lower than the 911 Carrera S and boasts of superior handling characteristics, thanks in large part to the active rear-axle steering. Depending on the speed, it steers either in the opposite or the same direction as the front wheels, thereby improving the vehicle’s agility and stability. The dynamic engine mounts and the rear differential lock also boost the car’s driving dynamics.

Appearance wise, the 911 GT3 sports a dominant carbon rear wing that emphasises its aerodynamic form. The lightweight front end and front spoiler have been optimised for an even better airflow. Further aerodynamic enhancements are evident on the lightweight rear end with exhaust air openings and on the new diffusor.

The interior is tailored around the driver. The GT sports steering wheel with a diameter of 360mm originates from the 918 Spyder. The Porsche Sports seats Plus features enhanced seat side bolsters and mechanical fore/aft adjustment. The seat height and backrests are adjusted electronically.

Porsche offers three additional seat variants for the 911 GT3: While the adaptive Sports seats Plus boast electrical adjustment of all seat functions (18-way), there is an option of sports bucket seats with folding backrest, integrated thorax airbag and manual fore/aft adjustment. The third variant is full bucket seats made from light carbon fibre-reinforced plastic in carbon-weave finish.

In addition to Porsche Communication Management (PCM), standard equipment includes the Connect Plus module and the Track Precision app that enables 911 GT3 drivers to display, record and analyse detailed driving data on their smartphone.