PORSCHE

Test Drive Porsche 911 GT3

For nearly 25 years, the 911 GT3 has respected only the limits of physics—leaving everything else behind. Its race-proven design and maximum performance make it an unshakable union between track and street.

Originally a stripped-down, lightweight track weapon filled with (albeit fun) compromise, the Porsche 911 GT3 has grown to become a more comfortable, pragmatic vehicle with every new generation. That’s not to say it’s a cushy daily driver, especially with the hardcore Weissach Package as seen here, but with a modest size and weight increase to cater to safety regulations and customers’ expectations, it’s become an infinitely more capable, quicker, and safer vehicle.

Simply put, Porsche found and refined the perfect sports car formula. They have something that no other luxury car brand on earth has, so the only thing they had to do with the new-generation 911 GT3 was not mess with that perfect recipe. It’s certainly not in their nature to do so, but there’s always a risk that pesky emissions and government regulations can take great things away from us.

At the heart of both models is the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter boxer engine with 510 hp and 450 kgfm of torque. Among the new features is the Weissach package, available for the first time on the 911 GT3, offering even more performance for track use with a series of modifications to reduce weight and improve handling. Furthermore, the sports car features more standard equipment and other options.

The new 911 GT3 models feature improved front and rear design, as well as improved aerodynamics. The 911's new LED Matrix headlights also allow for wider aerodynamic intakes at the front. To balance the increased front downforce, Porsche tweaked the diffuser, engine cover, and intakes.

For the suspension, Porsche applied some tricks learned from the GT3 RS. The sports car now features aerodynamically designed drop-shaped wishbones on the double-wishbone front axle. These increase downforce in the wheel arch at high speeds and improve brake cooling. To ensure that the downforce balance between the front and rear axles is maintained even when braking at high speeds, engineers reduced body roll.

On the new 911 GT3, the ball joint of the lower trailing arm has been positioned lower on the front axle to facilitate this. The 911 GT3 comes as standard with 255/35 ZR 20 (front) and 315/30 ZR 21 (rear) sports tires, which offer improved wet grip. Track tires approved for use on public roads are available as an option.

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