Something incredible happened in May of 1999. While I was sipping on Surge at Band Camp, Porsche unveiled the first 911 GT3. They were assembled at the Weissach plant to meet homologation rules for racing. It spawned the first GT3 R and the GT3 RSR, both became dominant forces on tracks around the world. They learned a great deal in only a few years, and the engine was upgraded with the VarioCam system in 2003. It offered 381 horsepower from a flat-six at a time when V8 engines were barely making over 400 hp.
On to 2006, and power was again increased to 415 hp and coincided with the introduction of Porsche Active Suspension Management. A new 3.8L engine was introduced in 2009, offering 435 horsepower with incredible aerodynamics. For the 50th Anniversary of the 911, the 5th generation of the GT3 arrived with 475 horsepower and the PDK transmission. While the manual transmission was lost, the car gained rear-wheel steering to lap the ‘Ring in 7:25. Over 30 seconds faster than the first GT3, it proved that Porsche builds the best naturally aspirated engine.
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The current generation GT3 debuted in 2017 with a 4.0L engine and 500 horsepower. The manual transmission returned, and buyers had a new option. For those who wanted the power and performance without the wild body, the GT3 Touring hides all the goodies in a disguise of a normal Carrera. You won’t notice until you are very close, and by then it is flying past you. Although the press release didn’t mention it, the gaps in GT3 production usually coincide with the release of a 911 GT3 RS, 911 GT2, or 911 GT2 RS for sale if you are an adrenaline junkie. Click the link below to find a 911 GT3 near you and stay with us for all your Porsche news.
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