Porsche is celebrating 50 years of the 911 and, yes, there was a cake. But there was also a new 911 GT3 based on the 991-series 911 that debuted last year, and we think that’s what you really want to hear about.
After some period-attired stagehands unveiled an immaculately restored 1963 911 901, Porsche took the wraps of the latest version of one of its greatest performance cars.
Like previous GT3s, this one will be a 911 on steroids, with an emphasis on track-ready driving dynamics.
If the giant rear spoiler and copious vents didn’t clue you in, this Porsche is pretty quick. Porsche Cars North America president and CEO Detlev von Platen promised a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.3 seconds (a big improvement over the 1963 901’s 9.0 seconds) and a top speed of 195 mph.
According to Porsche, the 991 GT3 will outperform the previous GT3 RS, a hardcore version of this already hardcore sports car.
Accelerating the GT3 to that velocity is a new iteration of Porsche’s stalwart boxer-six. Displacing 3.8 liters, it produces 475 horsepower, although Porsche says this is only a tentative, conservative estimate.
It also revs to 9,000 rpm, which Porsche says makes it the highest revving car currently in production.
Porsche ditched the old car’s manual transmission for one of its PDK dual-clutch automated gearboxes. Enthusiasts may not be happy, but Zuffenhausen is adamant that the PDK-equipped GT3 will be just as engaging as a car with a clutch.
PDK or not, if this GT3 is anything like previous models, it will eschew luxury and raw power in favor of simplicity and driving finesse. That’s what makes the GT3 one of the best loved Porsches of all.
Enthusiasts will get their favorite Porsche this November. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.
