since 1976
since 1976
POWER, power and more power. Nothing but a hot charging bull run would do. And so, in comes the seventh edition of Porsche 911 GT3. Developed in closed collaboration with Porsche Motorsport, the new 911 GT3 is fully unleashed as it is said to ‘transfer pure racing technology into a production model even more consistently than ever before’.
To do that, components from successful Porsche motor sport cars are adapted into the new 911 GT3: the double wishbone front axle layout and sophisticated aerodynamics with swan neck rear wing and striking diffuser originate from the successful GT race car 911 RSR while the 375kW (510PS) 4.0-litre flat six-cylinder boxer engine is based on the drivetrain of the 911 GT3 R, which is tried and tested in endurance racing.
Porsche says the ‘acoustically impressive, high-revving engine’ is also used practically unchanged in the new 911 GT3 Cup. The result, it believes, is a ‘brilliant driving machine’ that is ‘efficient and emotional, precise and high-performance’ and seen as ‘perfect for the circuit and superb for everyday use’.
Colourful and powerful words indeed but if you need proof of its bullish characteristics, here are its performance credentials: With a top speed of 320km/h (318km/h with PDK), it is said to be even faster than the previous 911 GT3 RS. And it is no slouch in standing accelerating either, charging from zero to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds. Porsche also offers the new model with a six-speed manual transmission for a ‘puristic driving’ experience.
Likewise, the sophisticated aerodynamics benefit from the experiences gained from motor racing and generate significantly more downforce without noticeably affecting the drag coefficient. In the performance position, Porsche says the manually set wing and diffuser elements significantly increase the aerodynamic pressure for high cornering speeds. This is, however, reserved strictly for circuit outings as it is there that Porsche believes the 911 GT3 could play all its trump cards.
During final testing, the new 911 GT3 is said to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife, traditionally the ultimate proving ground for all sports cars developed by Porsche, more than 17 seconds quicker than its predecessor. Development driver Lars Kern took just 6:59.927 minutes for a full 20.8-kilometre lap.
Running on the optionally available Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres, Porsche says the new model consistently delivered its performance over several laps in the expert hands of Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister. And for further endorsement, Bergmeister says it is ‘by far the best production car’ that the experienced professional driver has ever driven in the ‘Green Hell’.
Despite a wider body, larger wheels and additional technical features, the weight of the new GT3 is on par with its predecessor. With manual gearbox it weighs 1418kg and with PDK 1435kg. To keep weight manageable, the front bonnet is made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) along with lightweight glass windows, optimised brake discs and forged light-alloy wheels.
The lightweight sports exhaust system reduces weight by no less than 10kg. With the infinitely electrically adjustable exhaust flaps, Porsche says it harmonises a highly emotional sound experience with the Euro 6d ISC FCM (EU6 AP) emissions standard. The combined consumption of the 911 GT3 is 13.3 litres/100km (PDK 12.4) – 7.5km/l (8.06km/l).
Visually, its racing genes are well expressed in all the details of the new 911 GT3. The cockpit is in line with the current model generation. A new feature is the track screen: at the touch of a button, it reduces the digital displays to the left and right of the central rev counter, which reaches up to 10,000rpm, to information such as tyre pressure indicator, oil pressure, oil temperature, fuel tank level and water temperature - essential when driving on the circuit. It also includes a visual shift assistant with coloured bars to the left and right of the rev counter and a shift light derived from Porsche Motorsport.
Porsche says customers are increasingly requesting customised equipment, especially for the Porsche GT models. Thus, the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur range is available for the new 911 GT3 and is supplemented by GT3-specific options such as a lightweight roof made of exposed carbon fibre. Other highlights include exterior mirror tops made of carbon, darkened LED matrix main headlights and matching Exclusive design rear lights with an arc of light with no red components.
For Malaysian enthusiasts, the new 911 GT3 is now available for pre-order at Porsche Centres nationwide. To find out more and register your interest, visit its dealer websites:
Porsche Centre Ara Damansara:http://bit.ly/911GT3_PCAra
Porsche Centre Sungai Besi: http://bit.ly/911GT3_PCSgBesi
Porsche Centre Penang: http://bit.ly/911GT3_PCPenang
Porsche Centre Johor Bahru: http://bit.ly/911GT3_PCJB
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