Since it was launched last March, the latest generation Porsche 911 GT3 has been touted as a true, track-focused car for the road. This essentially means it can go at full tilt on a racetrack the whole day, yet still cruise home without a hitch come night time.
At the heart of it all is a new 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated flat-six cylinder motor that also does duty in the 911 GT3 R, the 911 Cup, and the Porsche 911 RSR. The engine features a newly-designed variable intake system with two resonance butterflies. This is a step up from the previous lump’s single butterfly, making for higher torque curves, and better fuel economy.
With weight optimized pistons and low friction cylinder bores, the engine performs much beter under heavy load and can achieve higher engine speeds. This is backed up by an extremely stiff crankshaft made from high-strength steel alloys. Finally, the rigid valve drive means better drivability due to higher output and torque.
This can be seen in real terms as the 4.0-liter mill can produce 500hp at a peaky 8,250rpm and 460Nm at 6,000Nm. This translates to a heady 125.1hp/liter. In short, the car can truly deliver more than enough power for the everyday commute and rousing performance when one wants to play.
