Feb 1st, 2009 by RJ Menezes
Porsche’s 911 GT3 is the pinnacle of naturally aspirated Porsche performance. The recipe is quite simple really. Take one 911, make it a boatload lighter, give it a racing engine, and your done. Okay, so it’s not that simple. A lot of research and development went into making this the perfect platform for sports car racing domination.
I could spend a few hours talking about all the technical differences between this GT3 and the older GT3. There are so many little details that one could litteraly get a headache just going over it all. Conviniently, Porsche has put out this official press release showcasing all the new car’s features, and making my job a whole lot easier. Thanks Porsche!
Official Porsche Press Release:
“…The 911 GT3 offers an even higher standard above all in two key areas: performance and driving dynamics. Now the proven six-cylinder naturally-aspirated power unit develops maximum output of 435 bhp (320 kW), up 20 bhp over its predecessor. This results first and foremost from an increase in engine capacity by 200 cc to 3.8 litres and from the improved gas cycle: now not only the intake, but for the first time also the exhaust camshafts are adjusted by VarioCam.
A further important point is that, through its upgraded power and performance, the boxer engine also offers a significant increase in torque at medium engine speeds, a benefit of particular significance in everyday motoring. Clearly, this also means a further improvement in performance, the new GT3 accelerating from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and reaching 160 km/h in 8.2 seconds. Top speed is 312 km/h or 194 mph.
The second highlight in developing the 911 GT3 to an even higher standard was to further improve the car’s driving dynamics: For the first time the 911 GT3 comes with a particularly sporting variant of PSM Porsche Stability Management, offering the option to deactivate both Stability Control (SC) and Traction Control (TC) in separate steps. And to give the driver unrestricted, individual control over the driving dynamics of his car, these functions are not reactivated automatically even under the most extreme driving conditions, but only at the touch of a button.
The new GT3 offers even better grip and stability also at high speeds, specific modifications of the car’s aerodynamics increasing down-forces both front and rear to such an extent that the overall pressure pushing down the car is more than twice as great as on the former model. At the same time the new Aerodynamics Package gives the GT3 a brand-new look further accentuated by the new bi-xenon headlights, LED rear light clusters, as well as modified air intakes and outlets.
The active PASM suspension of the 911 GT3 enables Porsche’s engineers to make the springs and anti-roll bars somewhat stiffer yet again, thus ensuring even more precise handling in the PASM sports mode, while retaining appropriate roll comfort suitable for everyday use in the normal PASM mode. New, even lighter wheels in racing design with central locking and UHP (ultra-high performance) tyres now even featuring tyre pressure control round off the functional and visual enhancement of the GT3.
With driving dynamics and performance increasing to an even higher level, the brake system, following an old Porsche tradition, has been enhanced accordingly on the new 911 GT3. The brake discs now come with an even larger friction disc and an aluminium cover to reduce weight even further. Further improvement of brake ventilation, in turn, guarantees an even higher level of consistent brake power also over long periods. And as an option the GT3 comes as before with an exclusive version of PCCB ceramic brakes made specifically for this model….”
Above: Wanna go fast in a 911 without turbos? It’ll be the GT3 then sir……
Source: The German Car Blog
Photo: Porsche AG
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