The big news with the latest 2018 911 GT3 is its new 4-litre flat-6 with 500hp and 460Nm, derived from the motor in the 911 RSR and GT3 R racecars, and replacing the earlier model’s 3.8-litre unit.
Somewhere within the 911 spectrum are less than a handful (three, actually) of naturally aspirated models these days, the others being powered by turbocharged flat-6 engines in one form or another. The non-turbocharged GT3 range comprises the 911 Touring Package, the standard 911 GT3 (nothing “standard” about it, really) and the 911 GT3 RS, all essentially performance-focused road and/or track sports cars.
Unless you spend more 911-driving on the track than on the road, there is really no reason why you should not opt for the less track-biased GT3 instead of the GT3 RS.
So it does not have all the auxiliary air gills on front fenders and rear scoops of the RS, but this is a good thing because the car has a clean, uncluttered body, and with the slightly smaller tyres (245/35 R20s front and 305/35 R20s rear), it sits 26 mm lower. Still looks aggressive and purposeful.
The big news with the latest 2018 911 GT3 is its new 4-litre flat-6 derived from the motor in the 911 RSR and GT3 R racecars. It replaces the earlier model’s 3.8-litre unit. In road trim, the engine puts out a frankly unbelievable 500hp (which equates to 125hp per litre). Maximum torque of 460Nm is developed at 6000rpm, with power that peaks at 8250rpm.
Thrilling numbers by any standards, but what they do not reveal is just how effortlessly the car will accelerate, piling on the km/h, and before you can glance at the speedometer, the digital km/h readout is showing 200 and rising, rapidly.
The 911 GT3’s unique and special character comes from all the pure mechanical sounds from behind the driver’s seat which are like nothing else you would ever have heard from a road car. When approaching the 9000rpm redline, the intensity of the orchestra from the flat-6 engine is simply out of this world.
The GT3’s artistry continues on winding roads where the delicately precise steering, immediate responses and a level of grip you need to be Thor-brave to even consider exploiting, make for clean, smooth (yes, the ride would have you disbelieve this is a high-performance car) and immensely satisfying progress.
This is the 911 to have for daily drives to work, short weekend breaks to Gua Musang, and those occasional track-days just to give the Porsche a workout!
The big news with the latest 2018 911 GT3 is its new 4-litre flat-6 with 500hp and 460Nm, derived from the motor in the 911 RSR and GT3 R racecars, and replacing the earlier model’s 3.8-litre unit.
