The Porsche 911 GT3 is celebrating its 25th anniversary and what better way to mark the occasion then launch the next iteration? In fact, Porsche is launching two cars at the same time here, as both the standard, big-wing GT3 and the (slightly) more demure 911 GT3 with Touring package have been unveiled at the same time.
Tell me they still use a high-revving boxer engine...
Thankfully, yes, and on the face of it little has changed on that front as the peak power is quoted as 510hp - just as in the previous model. However, the maximum torque figure of the new car’s engine is 20Nm down on the old at 450Nm. The reason presumably is stricter emissions regulations, and the new GT3 features two particulate filters and four catalytic converters to help it conform to legislation.
In a bid to recover performance, Porsche has altered the engine’s internals, using the camshafts from the 911 GT3 RS, along with revisions to the cylinder heads, oil coolers and individual throttle valves. The final drive ratios for both the seven-speed PDK transmission and six-speed manual gearbox have been shortened by eight per cent, too.
The end result is a 0-100km/h time of 3.4 seconds for the dual-clutch, PDK model or 3.9 seconds for the manual, precisely matching the outgoing cars’ figures. The manual has a fractionally faster top speed than the auto at 312km/h, though the shorter gearing results in slightly slower top speeds when compared to the previous model.
Is the new GT3 any lighter?
That’s not as easy to answer as it should be... Porsche has introduced new weight-saving measures, but some of them are part of optional packages. New silver-painted aluminium wheels are said to save 1.5kg, for example, while optional magnesium rims reduce the unsprung weight by a more significant 9kg.
They’re available with the Weissach or Leichtbau packages, while a lightweight lithium-ion battery trims another 4kg from the car. We don’t have a full table of all the weights - as it will depend on which version and which gearbox is fitted as well - but Porsche does say that, in its lightest configuration, the new 911 GT3 weighs just 1,420kg.
What’s the Weissach package all about?
Named for Porsche’s engineering centre in Germany, the Weissach package is offered on the standard GT3 for the first time. It’s designed to optimise the car for use on track with a series of weight-reducing and other equipment upgrades. Carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) is used for the roof, sides of the rear wing, door mirror caps and ‘airblades’ up front, along with the anti-roll bar, coupling rods and shear panel on the rear axle.
Inside, the top of the dashboard gets a Race-Tex covering, while the door cards feature CFRP handles and storage nets to reduce weight. Buyers can upgrade to a CFRP roll cage as well.
Incidentally, the Clubsport package is available at no extra charge, including a steel rear roll cage, six-point harness for the driver and fire extinguisher.
Can the Touring model get the same upgrades?
Not quite, though Porsche does offer the Leichtbau package (leichtbau means ‘lightweight’ in German). It gets the CFRP chassis components and roof (though painted) and the magnesium wheels, plus a special gear lever if you go for the manual gearbox.
There’s a new lightweight sports bucket seat option, too, and it’s packed with features including a thorax airbag, electric height adjustment and the option of heating. To accommodate those wearing helmets, a section of the headrest padding can be removed. The finishing touch is that it can be folded forward.
That’s of little use in a two-seat 911 with a roll cage in the back, obviously, but it’ll be required if you opt for rear seats, a new option as part of the Touring package.
The dashboard of the new GT3 models is based on the more-digital setup of the ‘992.2’-generation 911, though the GT3 retains a twist switch rather than an engine-start button. It also gets a ‘Track Screen’ display mode.
How much will the new 911 GT3 cost in Ireland?
Irish pricing for the new 992.2 911 GT3 models has been confirmed at €301,020 for either the standard or Touring versions. Obviously that's before you get tempted by the long options list...