Porsche’s 2022 911 GT3 Is One Of The Brand’s Fastest Sports Cars Yet – Robb Report

If there are Porsche fans who are not yet convinced of the 992 generation 911, the new GT3 is here to convert them.

The German automaker has just unveiled the fourth version of the track-ready (but still street legal) variant of its iconic sports car, and it’s hard to imagine even the most snobbish purist having any complaints. This is because the model offers better performance and handling than its predecessors and is available as a gear stick.

Since it was first introduced in 1999 as part of the 996 generation, the GT3 has been Porsche’s most ambitious high-performance variant. That has not changed with the last edition. The car is powered by a naturally aspirated six-cylinder flat engine. This particular 4.0-liter mill, which it shares with the GT3 Cup race car, was borrowed from the 991-generation 911 Speedster, but has been fitted with new pistons and a dry sump lubrication system, according to the automaker. Due to the modifications, the engine can produce an exciting 502 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of spin and revs at a maximum of 9,000 rpm. It comes mated to a standard seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission, but, as news that is sure to please traditionalists, a six-speed manual will be available as an option.

Thanks to all this, the new GT3 (Automatic Transmission Edition) can take off from zero to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 197 mph. (Specifications for the manual transmission version were not available.) Perhaps even more impressive, the car ran a lap of 6: 59.927 around the 12.94-mile Nürburgring circuit. That’s 17 seconds faster than the 991-generation GT3’s time on the same run, making the high-performance variant one of Porsche’s fastest models.

Porsche didn’t stop at the GT3’s powertrain. As reported in the fall, the variant is equipped with a double wishbone front suspension adapted from the 911 RSR and GT3 race cars. This is the first time the feature has been included in a street legal version of the sports car and it dramatically increases steering precision. The car’s suspension, which doesn’t share a single component with that of the 911 Carrera, has a multi-link setup at the rear, as well as more ball joints throughout. The car also features larger cast iron disc brakes than its predecessor, though they actually weigh less thanks to a narrower friction ring. Carbon ceramic brakes are also available as an option. Meanwhile, the car rides on staggered alloy wheels (20-inch front and 21-inch rear) wrapped in high-performance summer tires.

Despite all these new features, the new GT3 weighs roughly the same as its predecessor thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber components throughout the vehicle. The bodywork, which is based on that of the Carrera, features a bonnet, a rear spoiler and a fixed rear spoiler made of carbon fiber. The GT3 also has a wider track and a more athletic look, thanks in large part to an improved aerodynamic package that includes hood vents, adjustable splitters and diffusers behind each wheel, and of course that giant rear spoiler. The gooseneck wing can also be adjusted manually, providing up to 50 percent more downforce in the normal position and up to 150 percent more in the performance position (which, the brand emphasizes, does not is designed for driving on the street).

The car’s interior isn’t that different from other eight-generation 911s, but in this case that’s a good thing. It’s simple and elegant, with the company’s infotainment system located at the top of the center console. Other GT3-specific touches include an automatic gear selector that looks like a gear stick, a driving mode selector on the steering wheel, and a “Follow Screen” display mode that allows drivers to focus only on the essentials while on the go. on the racing circuit. Four-way sports seats come standard, but full carbon fiber bucket seats are available as an option for those who want that classic look.

The new 911 GT3 will be part of Porsche’s next 2022 class of the year, but is expected to hit showrooms before the end of the year. The brand hasn’t hinted at how much the sports car will cost, but we expect it to be north of the last-gen starting price of $ 145,650, especially if you opt for the manual transmission, which will be available as part of the Touring package. . Expect a firm sale date and pricing information in the not too distant future.