The new Porsche 911 GT3 is off the leash

The seventh edition of the high-performance Porsche 911 GT3, developed in close collaboration with Porsche Motorsport, transfers pure racing technology into a production car better than ever before.

The distinctive strength of the 911 GT3 lies in the sum of its characteristics.  The double wishbone front axle layout and sophisticated aerodynamics, including a swan neck rear wing and striking diffuser, originate from the highly successful GT race car 911 RSR.  The four-litre six-cylinder boxer engine is based on the tried-and-tested drivetrain of the 911 GT3 R and 911 GT3 Cup. The result is a brilliant driving machine: efficient, emotional, precise and high-performance – perfect for the circuit and superb for everyday use.

With a top speed of 320 km/h for the 911 GT3 with manual transmission and 318 km/h with PDK (double-clutch transmission), it is even faster than the previous 911 GT3 RS and reaches 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds.

Purists in particular will enjoy the experience of driving the new model with a six-speed manual transmission.

Aerodynamics from motor racing

The experiences gained from motor racing are evident in the aerodynamics that delivers significantly more downforce without noticeably affecting the drag coefficient.

The aerodynamic pressure for high cornering speeds is significantly increased in the performance position, with the manually set wing and diffuser elements.  However, this is reserved strictly for outings on the track. It is here that the 911 GT3 really comes into its own.

The Nuerburgring-Nordschleife is traditionally the ultimate proving ground for all sports cars developed by Porsche. During final testing, the new 911 GT3 was over 17 seconds quicker than its predecessor.

Development driver Lars Kern completed a full 20.8km lap in just 6:59.927.  It took just 6:55.2 minutes to complete the shorter 20.6-kilometre track which previously served as the benchmark.

Brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister also took the 911 GT3 through its paces, running on the optionally available Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres. The new model consistently delivered its performance over several laps. Bergmeister says it is “by far the best production car” that the experienced professional driver has ever driven in the “Green Hell”.

The weight of the new GT3 is on a par with its predecessor despite a wider body, larger wheels and additional technical features. The front bonnet is made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). Lightweight glass windows, optimised brake discs, forged light-alloy wheels and a lighter cover for the rear seat compartment also contribute.

With infinitely electrically adjustable exhaust flaps, the lightweight sports exhaust system also reduces the weight by an impressive ten kilograms. It harmonises a highly emotional sound experience.

A cockpit with racing genes

Practically every detail of the new 911 GT3 expresses its racing genes.

The cockpit is in line with the current model generation, although the track screen is a new feature.

At the touch of a button, the track screen reduces the digital displays to the left and right of the central rev counter to information essential when driving on the circuit, showing:

• the tyre pressure indicator
• oil pressure
• oil temperature
• fuel tank level
• water temperature
• a visual shift assistant with coloured bars
• and a shift light derived from Motorsport

Customers are requesting customised equipment ever more frequently, especially for the Porsche GT models.

It is for this reason that the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur range is also available for the new 911 GT3 and is supplemented by GT 3-specific options such as:

• a lightweight roof made of exposed carbon fibre
• exterior mirror tops made of carbon
• darkened LED matrix main headlights
• matching Exclusive design rear lights with an arc of light with no red components
• Guards Red- or Shark Blue-painted wheel rims to enhance the black alloy wheels

In the interior, dials for the rev counter and Sport Chrono stopwatch, seatbelts and trim strips in the body colour or other desired colour set elegant accents.

The new 911 GT3 Chronograph from Porsche Design

Porsche Design offers an individual 911 GT3 chronograph as exclusive as the car itself.  It is exclusively available to customers of the high-performance sports car. Like its motorised role model, the chronograph boasts a dynamic design, consistent performance and high-quality artistry. Its housing reflects its Motorsport genes. Like the connecting rods of the GT3 engine, it consists of robust, lightweight titanium. An individual winding rotor reminiscent of the wheels of the 911 GT3 powers the timepiece. Owners can customise the coloured ring of the dial in the paint colours of their car.

The Porsche 911 GT3 is expected to arrive in South Africa in the last quarter of 2021.