Nothing could have prepared us for how the 992-series is in any situation. In order to keep lesser cars far behind, watch the Porsche 911 GT3 reveal with us. Put your TPS reports on the back burner and grab some popcorn. Since the debut of the 8th-generation (992 series), we have watched the GT3 test mules evolve on tracks around the world. With buyers embracing the manual transmission of the GT3 Touring, how will this new car face the 3-pedal question?
What we see so far is a new flavor of their 4-liter flat-six offering 510 horsepower. It began life as the 911 Cup engine, with the only differences being the exhaust system and the computer tuning. A new 7-speed PDK (dual-clutch) transmission has specific gear ratios for the naturally-aspirated GT3, and thankfully the six-speed manual is also available for order. The aforementioned PDK is how it was able to shave 17 seconds from the previous GT3’s lap time on the ring. Running the historic track in 6:59.927 makes it a decent bit faster than the 918 Spyder.
The suspension is all-new, taking inspiration from the GT3 Cup. Cast iron rotors have returned for those who need track-day endurance. All wheels are 1″ wider while maintaining optimal un-sprung mass. Incorporating sound deadening into the exhaust particulate filters eliminated the resonators on each cylinder bank, saving even more weight behind the centerline of the rear wheels.
Every aspect from carpet to motor mounts has been shaved to get the curb weight down to 3,164 lbs. Over 50% more downforce makes the car more confident, and the driver now has four settings for the front splitter. A new generation of the 911 GT3 Touring will join the lineup later this year, so in the meantime tell us how this car compares to the 2018 Porsche 911 specs.
Image (C) Porsche Cars North America