The New Porsche 911 GT3: A Precision Tool for the Driving Obsessed

22/10/2024

The Porsche 911 GT3 is back, and last Friday’s launch didn’t disappoint. Celebrating 25 years of the GT3, this latest model hasn’t reinvented the wheel - it’s simply be made more exciting. Packing 503bhp and some subtle (yet significant) tweaks, the new GT3 is all about pushing the limits of precision. Let’s dive into what makes this one stand out.

What's new with the 992.2 GT3?

At first glance, you might think Porsche hasn’t gone too wild with the design – no dramatic overhaul here. But don’t be fooled. Beneath that familiar 911 silhouette lies some serious fine-tuning. The naturally aspirated 4.0-l flat-six remains the heart of the beast, delivering 503bhp, while the torque takes a small dip to 332lb ft (down from 347lb ft). It’s still lightning-fast, hitting 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds with the seven-speed PDK (or3.9s for the six-speed manual), with a top speed hovering around 193mph. 

Significant tweaks include a revised cylinder head and cams borrowed from the more extreme GT3 RS, boosting dynamic performance at higher revs. Porsche has also optimised the oil coolers and throttle valves, keeping everything running smoothly under extreme conditions.Alongside power, the Urus SE gets improvements in handling with torque vectoring and an upgraded electronic limited-slip differential, offering more control in tight corners and dynamic driving conditions.

A balance of tech and old-school thrills

While the 503bhp remains unchanged, Porsche didn’t rest on its laurels. There’s a final drive ratio that’s now 8% shorter, making the car feel more responsive, especially on twisty roads. The double-wishbone front suspension, straight from Porsche’s motorsport program, continues to deliver laser-sharp handling, while tweaks to the front diffuser, spoiler lip, and underbody fins subtly increase downforce and improve airflow.

There’s also less pitch than before, ensuring steadier downforce between the front and rear during hard braking. Even the redesigned headlights now allow for bigger air intakes, while the rear gets a diffuser update and newly angled side plates on the iconic GT3 wing.

For those who prefer a more discreet approach, the GT3 Touring spec ditches the massive rear wing for a sleeker design. Porsche didn’t leave performance behind, though – the Touring still has the same aero refinements for a balanced, stealthy speed machine, not to mention the addition of rear seats.

Walter Röhrl’s seal of approval

When it comes to feedback, you can’t get a better endorsement than Porsche legend Walter Röhrl. His verdict? Unsurprisingly, he's a fan: “Particularly on winding country roads, you can clearly feel that the steering is even better tuned than its predecessor. It instils even greater confidence in the car because it responds more calmly from the centre position without losing any of its directness." 

Röhrl also praised the shorter gear ratio, noting it “significantly enhances driving pleasure” on more technical routes.

How much does the new 992.2 GT3 Cost?

Naturally, all this precision engineering doesn’t come cheap. The new Porsche 911 GT3 starts at around £157,300 in the UK. For those who like a bit more exclusivity, the GT3 Touring comes in at the same price, offering a wingless, refined aesthetic.

Options abound too. The Weissach pack (available for the first time in GT3 history!) is a must for serious track enthusiasts – it adds carbon fibre anti-roll bars, coupling rods, and rear wing side plates for£19,350 (or £15,597 without the roll cage). There’s also a Leichtbau pack for the Touring at £29,225, shaving weight with magnesium wheels and some carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP).

If you prefer a more extreme setup, you can opt for the Clubsport pack, which bolts in a roll cage, six-point harness, and afire extinguisher, turning your GT3 into a road-legal racer.

The driving experience that remains timeless

Andreas Preuninger, Project Manager GT Vehicles, perhaps sums up the ethos of the GT3 best: “For me, there is no car I would rather drive. The strong connection between driver and vehicle is unique. Even after 25 years and seven generations, this has not changed, but has even increased. And it should stay that way in the future.”

With that in mind, Porsche’s dedication to driver-focused engineering remains clear. Preuninger’s words underscore that, for Porsche, it’s all about enhancing the bond between driver and machine, ensuring the visceral and connected feel the GT3 is known for stays front and centre.

We're looking forward to reading what media say about it in the first drive reviews....

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