In the latest generation of the radical 911 variant, the connection between everyday driving and the racetrack is even more intense. Developed on the same test track and manufactured on the same production line as the racing cars, Porsche’s motorsport technology has once again been incorporated into a road-approved sports car.
At the heart of the latest enhancement beats a 4-litre flat-6 engine. The extremely high-revving naturally aspirated engine with 500bhp remains virtually unchanged from the thoroughbred 911 GT3 Cup racing car. The redesigned chassis with rear-axle steering and the systematic lightweight construction are specifically tuned to convert the engine power into superior driving dynamics.
The majority of Porsche GT drivers also like to take their sports cars for a spin on the racetrack, which is where the new 911 GT3 really comes into its own, thanks to its weight-to-power ratio of 2.86kg per hp.
With 7-speed double-clutch transmission (PDK) as standard, which has been specifically tuned for use in the GT3, the two-seater weighs in at 1430kg with a full fuel tank and can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. It boasts a top speed of 318km/h.
For proponents of pure unadulterated driving, Porsche also offers the new 911 GT3 with a 6-speed sports manual gearbox. This allows the high-performance 911 to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 320km/h.
The chassis of the new 911 GT3 benefits from Porsche’s motor racing experience and its tuning has been reworked for even better driving dynamics.
The two-seater sits around 25mm lower than the 911 Carrera S. In addition to the further refined basic design, the chassis also boasts superior handling characteristics, thanks in large part to the active rear-axle steering. Depending on the speed, it steers either in the opposite or the same direction as the front wheels, thereby improving the vehicle’s agility and stability. The dynamic engine mounts and the rear differential lock also boost the car’s driving dynamics.
When it comes to its appearance, the 911 GT3 leaves little doubt as to its purpose. The dominant carbon rear wing emphasises the fact that the sports car’s form is determined by aerodynamics. The lightweight front end and front spoiler have been optimised for even better airflow. The aerodynamic enhancement is also evident at the lightweight rear end with exhaust air openings and on the new diffusor.
The cockpit is tailored to the 911 GT3 driving experience. The GT sports steering wheel with a diameter of 360mm originates from the 918 Spyder. Both the driver and passenger experience the dynamics in Porsche Sports Seats Plus with enhanced side bolsters and mechanical fore/aft adjustment. The seats’ height and backrest angle are adjusted electronically. As the 911 GT3 is traditionally a two-seater, the seat pans in the rear are covered.
Porsche offers three additional seat variants for the 911 GT3 – adaptive Sports Seats Plus with 18-way electrical adjustment of all seat functions; sports bucket seats with folding backrest, integrated thorax airbag and manual fore/aft adjustment; and full bucket seats made from light carbon fibre-reinforced plastic in carbon-weave finish.
In addition to Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with navigation module, the standard equipment also includes the Connect Plus module and the Track Precision app. The Track Precision app enables 911 GT3 drivers to display, record and analyse detailed driving data on their smartphone.
The new 911 GT3 is available to order now. Singapore prices for the latest high-performance Porsche coupe start at $681,688 excluding COE. 
Read our review of the 2015 911 GT3 RS.
