For almost 20 years now, the Porsche 911 GT3 has been closing the gap between road car and track weapon. While the Porsche 911 is already a special car, the GT3 takes all the goodness of the track-ready car used in motor racing and makes them usable for the everyday grind. And now, Porsche has just unveiled the latest-generation 911 GT3 in Geneva.
Taking its cue from the 911 GT3 Cup racing car, the road going version uses the same bits as the race car. Apart from being assembled on the same factory as the motorsport variant, the street legal version likewise utilizes the same high-revving 4.0-liter flat-6 naturally-aspirated engine that puts out 500hp. The lightweight chassis, together with the outstanding output allow the GT3 to do a 0-100kph time of just 3.4 seconds, when fitted with the 7-speed PDK gearbox. It will even hit a top speed of 318kph.
While the PDK is probably the likely choice for most buyers, Porsche hasn’t forgotten the true driving enthusiasts, offering them a 6-speed manual transmission. The row-it-yourself stick blasts the car from rest to the century mark in 3.9 ticks but goes on to a higher 320kph top speed. With a 25mm lower ride height than the Porsche 911 Carrera S, both manual and PDK variants benefit from active rear-axle steering and a track-tuned chassis. The former provides a smaller turning radius while it combines with the latter to give ultra-sharp responses and flat cornering.
Despite being a track-focused toy, complete with a large rear wing and lightweight front spoiler, the Porsche 911 GT3 can also be as comfortable as any modern offering. The two-seat cabin boasts goodies like a small-diameter steering wheel, as well as Porsche Sports Seats Plus. Owners can even spec their car with three variations of these thrones, each one designed to provide maximum comfort on long journeys and make each drive more enjoyable by keeping occupants in place when pouring on the g-forces.
And yes, the Porsche 911 GT3 allows drivers to stay connected to the outside world with Porsche Communications Management. This even lets them monitor real time traffic via the navigation system. Moreover, an app called Track Precision lets one display, record, and analyze track data using a smartphone. It’s the perfect way to get the most out of your GT3
The Porsche 911 GT3, which made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, is the best mix between road and track car.
