911 3-STYLE (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

For true drivers, this car needs no introduction. Here's Porsche's '992'-series 911 GT3. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 46

The '992' series version of Porsche's 911 GT3 sets an even faster and more rewarding benchmark for what a track-tuned super sports car can be. With changes to suspension, aerodynamics and more power, enthusiasts will find it utterly addictive. This is the most capable GT3 ever.

Backgroundword count: 143

When it comes to motorsport-tuned Porsche 911s, one version has always stood above all others, the GT3. Priced at the level of a 911 Turbo but with rear wheel drive and a race-ready manual gearbox option, the GT3 has long been the enthusiast's choice in this iconic model line. But of the many GT3 models we've had down the years, none represents a greater step forward than this '992' series version. Key changes lie with aerodynamics and suspension. Aero has been enhanced so much that there's now up to 385kg of downforce, a massive 150% more than before. And suspension changes see a front double wishbone design implemented for the first time in 911 history. It delivers the usual uber-firm GT3 ride quality though, which is why you might prefer the very slightly more road-ready 'Touring Package' GT3 model that we're trying here.

Driving Experienceword count: 410

The GT3-unique 4.0-litre normally aspirated engine in play here has gained 10PS in this '992' series version of this model, but the 510PS flat six powerplant isn't the real story here. With this '992' generation GT3, Porsche has gone to the very considerable trouble of re-engineering the suspension specifically for this track-tamed variant. Unless you count the Le Mans-spec $1 million 911 RSR racer, the 911 model line has never featured front double wishbone suspension, but this '992'-era GT3 gets it, together with revised multi-link rear suspension too (otherwise the four-wheel steering system wouldn't work as Porsche wants it to). You immediately notice that front suspension change - response from the wheel is even more instant and precise than it would normally be from a 911. Like a race car? Yep, pretty much like that. The ride is like a race car too, which isn't great for a typical British B road, where the standard GT3 is easily thrown about by bumps and cambers, sometimes somewhat disconcertingly. Which is why our preference would be for the GT3 'Touring Package' model we're trying here, which is still stiff but a much better road car, particularly when specified with either of the more road-focused tyre packages that Porsche offers. As we said earlier, the other key '992' series GT3 change lies with aerodynamics - an aggressively-profiled front spoiler and (on the standard model) a simply huge rear wing with swan-neck stanchions. With all the bits added and at maximum speed, Porsche says the standard GT3 develops 385kg of downforce, which is why this car is 18 seconds quicker round the Nurburgring Nordschleife than the last one. The rest to 62mph time is 3.4 seconds on the way to a maximum speed of 198mph, the stats hardly any different if you choose the 6-speed manual gearbox rather than the 7-speed PDK paddleshift automatic. The engine spins to 9,000 revs, you can hold 2nd gear at up to 80mph and it's all accompanied by wonderful combination of intake roar and valvetrain scream. There's nothing else quite like it. As you'll know if you're a long-time GT3 enthusiast, drive is from the rear only, this variant spurning the heavy 4WD system from the 911 Turbo. So for traction through the corners, you rely instead entirely on a locking differential that works alongside the car's brake-based torque vectoring system. And talking of brakes, track-ready ceramic discs with urgent stopping power are standard - as they should.

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