Official details about the 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 have
just been announced at the Geneva Motor Show and the facelifted
GT3 is precisely what the rumors suggested; faster, more powerful and available
with a six-speed manual. The 991.2 GT3 has
been fitted with a new naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine that
delivers 500 hp and 338 lb-ft of torque.
While the same size as the engine from the GT3 RS
and 911 R, this unit is bespoke to the GT3 and actually based around the
engines used in the 911 GT3 R and 911 RSR race cars. All up, the 2018 GT3 tips
the scales at 1,430 kg and when the engine is mated to the
standard seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission, the car will accelerate from
0 to 96 km/h in a blistering 3.2 seconds before topping out at 317 km/h.
Perhaps the real headline of the new GT3 is the
re-introduction of a six-speed manual to the car. If selected, it drops weight
to 1,413 kg and adds 0.1 seconds to the 0-60 mph sprint but lifts
top speed to 318 km/h.
The 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 receives a tuned
chassis aimed at improving handling and driving dynamics. Rear Axle Steering
has been added, a new lightweight carbon fiber rear wing installed and a
modified front fascia fitted aimed at optimizing airflow. A new
diffuser and tailpipes are included. Other visual tweaks include new headlights
and taillights.
Inside, the updated car benefits from the same
steering wheel as the 918 Spyder, modified sports seats with 18-way electric
adjustment and the option of full bucket seats with fixed carbon fiber
backrests. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) also comes standard.
When the car lands in U.S. dealerships this fall, it
will start at US$ 143,600 excluding the US$ 1,050 delivery, processing and handling
fee.
