As the year 2000 approached, I had just received my driver’s license. For me, the hottest car on the market was the Porsche 996-Series 911. The supercar from Stuttgart underwent a big transformation just as I became a legal driver.
The water-cooled 996 cars began arriving in 1998, and of course, the Turbo made big news. But many enthusiasts and racing series demanded a high-performance naturally-aspirated engine. Let’s take a look at the first GT3 by turning the pages back 15 years. December of 2003 was loaded with gifts and gadgets that Millenials will never understand, so let’s go!
Announced in late 1999, the Porsche 911 GT3 would be rear-wheel drive and ready to race. In order to make big power, engineers decided against the new 996 engine (M96 and M97). Going back to basics, they refined the legendary “Mezger” 3.6-L engine with dry-sump oiling and water-cooled heads.
Resurrecting a design from 1989, the 3.6 would power the 911 GT3 and the 911 GT3 RS until the end of 2009. The new 3.8-liter in 2010 would spawn a wild 4.0 in 2011, and that displacement has been proven to deliver 500 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque without turbos.
The 2010+ cars have amazing suspension and aerodynamic advancements, but the aftermarket has unlocked amazing power from the 3.6. Because the engine was designed for the brutal 959, it can make amazing power and handle your worst abuse.
Santa’s most requested gift for 2018 has been the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring. It combines the subtle looks of the lesser models with GT3 power and a manual transmission. As 2003 came to an end, $124,000 would get you into a new GT3. Adjusted for inflation that translates to $180,000 today.
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Porsche knows what they are doing, and that is why our friends at Fields Motorcars of Orlando have a new 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 for $189,995.
The oldest examples we have are available for half of their original MSRP, so its up to you to find your optimal choice between age and price. Of course, our dealers are ready for your call, so click the link below and stay with us for all your Porsche memories.
