5…PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS

PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS

It is equipped with a 3,996cc flat-six naturally aspirated petrol

mill that is married with either a seven-speed PDK automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox. This motor generates a whopping 503bhp and 470Nm of torque and hence it is by far the most powerful 911 GT3 Porsche has ever made. In fact, this souped-

up version of the 911 has successfully lapped the 20.8km Nürburgring Nordschleife in just 06:59:927 minutes.

The brand-new 911 GT3 is somewhat identical to the standard 911 in terms of exterior design despite a big swan neck-shaped rear wing that defines the GT3 nameplate. Moreover, Porsche has outfitted a double-wishbone suspension in the 911 GT3 and hence it has become the first 911 road car to get such trackfocussed mechanicals. Apart from that, many significant parts in the 911 GT3 are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic. Meanwhile, the 911 GT3 Touring does not get the same rear wing, instead making do with an adaptive spoiler.

The 911 GT3 is a track-focussed car, yet, Porsche has fitted it with a reasonably large 10.9-inch infotainment system inside. There are two seven-inch displays on either side of the rev counter. Additionally, Porsche offers sports seat plus and dualzone temperature control. On the other hand, the 911 GT3 Touring gets more leather in order to make the cabin feel more luxurious rather than a bare-bones race-car cockpit.

At the tail end of the 911 GT3 is a familiar naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six that makes 502 horsepower. The engine is essentially identical to the one that powered the last 911 Speedster we tested, which spun to 9000 rpm and sung a hypnotic tune. The new GT3 offers both a seven-speed dualclutch automatic (a.k.a. PDK) or a six-speed manual.

The PDK-equipped example we drove showcased the

automatic’s intuitive behavior as well as the engine’s spirited responses and intoxicating soundtrack. The most notable performance upgrade on the GT3 is its control-arm front suspension, which is inspired by the racecar version and is a first for a production 911. Combine that with standard adaptive dampers and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2–or stickier Cup R–tires and the coupe’s chassis provides tremendous cornering grip and unfiltered feedback. While the ride is undeniably firm, it’s never punishing, and the electrically assisted steering is so divine that it deserves anointment as the best in the business.

Period. Stopping the purist’s Porsche are massive binders that include a carbon-ceramic option that provides heroic braking power, easy modulation, and resists fade at the track.

The GT3’s interior is very similar to the rest of the 911 lineup, with a clean design and simple layout that pays homage to past iterations of Porsche’s quintessential sports car. However, there are a handful of unique characteristics throughout the cabin. The GT3’s gauge cluster still features a prominent analog tachometer flanked by digital displays, but it gets a specific GT mode that puts all important information directly on the displays surrounding the central tach. Models with the automatic transmission also replace the stubby center-console shifter found on the regular 911s with a traditional-looking handle that mimics a manual shifter.

As in the last GT3, there’s no cramped backseat for kiddos, but

furbabies can snuggle in there if they can stand the noise. Porsche also offers more than one style of front seats, with an optional set of lightweight buckets designed to reduce mass and increase support.

Specifications

2022 Porsche 911 GT3

VEHICLE TYPE rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door coupe BASE PRICE $163,500 (C/D est) ENGINE TYPE DOHC 24-valve flat-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection Displacement 244 in3, 3996 cm3 Power 502 hp @ 8400 rpm Torque 346 lb-ft @ 6100 rpm TRANSMISSIONS 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 96.7 in Length: 180.0 in Width: 72.9 in Height: 50.4 in Cargo volume: 5 ft3 Curb weight (C/D est): 3300–3350 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 3.3–3.9 sec 100 mph: 6.8–7.4 sec 1/4 mile: 11.0–11.4 sec Top speed: 197–199 mph EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST) Combined/city/highway: 16–17/13–15/20–21 mpg

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