The new Porsche 911 GT3 could be the most anticipated car of 2021, as Porsche’s last stand for naturally aspirated, high-revving sports cars.
“It’s a modified Speedster engine,” confirms Porsche’s GT line director Andreas Preuninger. There are differences, because the 992-generation 911 GT3 will have to pass regulations not applicable to the 911 Speedster during its production cycle, but the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat six revs to the same glorious 9000rpm.
The output? Preuninger’s saying 503bhp, so the same as the Speedster, and an increase over the previous 991.2 GT3’s 493bhp.
Not a huge bump in power, then, but homologating what’s essentially a racing engine for the road isn’t the work of a moment, especially given ever-stricter regulations around emissions, particulates and sound. They’re so restrictive these days that Preuninger says some 80% of his team’s engineering time is applied just to maintaining the GT3’s level of performance, which leaves the remaining 20% of their efforts for improving it.
The gains this new GT3 will bring are generated elsewhere. Preuninger’s quick to point out, though, that there won’t be any more weight, saying: “I didn’t want the car to be heavier. That was critical. It has to be bigger because I've got the 992 body now, but I don't want to carry more weight.”
Using the usual GT3 mass-reduction route - no rear seats, less sound deadening, lighter materials, thinner glass and, now, a carbonfibre bonnet - the 992 GT3 weighs no more than its predecessor. That’s been achieved without resorting to things like deleting the air-con – which isn’t even possible with the new 992 GT3.
We’re in one of Porsche’s many prototypes and Preuninger is driving on familiar roads around Weissach. He says: “This is a Motorsport car so it has to live up to that expectation.” There’ll be a lap time applied to it when it’s launched, but for now, he’s saying nothing, except, obviously, it’ll be quicker. The improvements, then, are centred around the GT3’s chassis and aerodynamics, with significant changes throughout.
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Wishbone front suspension ? Will be very interesting to see how this has been engineered without loosing luggage capacity .
This is a great car, it may have its faults, but, if your really into the brand, any brand for that matter, you'll put up with it.
Be interested to hear what faults you are familiar with given its as yet unseen and undriven. Please enlighten us?
Not sure if your having a laugh or not. Aside from the frunk, theres ton's of space that the rear seats usually occupy. So the suspension and luggage capacity is moot, and if your average GT3 owner needs luggage space we go in the wifes Cayenne turbo? Simples.
It's gonna be some car. Porsche still offering naturally aspirated engine and manual. I wonder if this will be the last 911 generation to do so. Can't wait for the reviews.