Porsche continues the development of the 992-series
911 GT3 on its favorite testing ground, the Nurburgring, with the prototype
pictured here by our spies believed to feature the much loved Touring package
as it misses the iconic fixed rear wing. Instead, the black 992 tester
uses the same retractable spoiler with the rest of the range but features
different bumpers and hood, deeper side skirts, a lower suspension, big wheels
with sticky tires and a set of rather powerful brakes.
The rear end also gets a diffuser which appears to
be unobstructed by the twin centrally mounted tailpipes for maximum downforce.
What’s interesting is that the front bonnet appears to feature an air intake on
its lowest section, indicating at a solution similar to the S-duct Ferrari used
for the 488 Pista. Porsche GT boss Andreas Preuninger
has already hinted that the 992 GT3 models will retain a naturally
aspirated flat-six engine; that powertrain will be related to the one that
debuted with the 718 Cayman GT4 and is rumored to produce at least 520 HP.
One key feature of the 911 GT3 will return, and that
is the six-speed manual transmission. We still don’t know if Porsche will offer
the same deal to its customers, meaning a manual-only Touring package and a
manual option to the ‘regular’ GT3 in addition to the dual-clutch transmission.
Whichever way they choose to move forward, customers will still get to row
their own gears and that’s what matters the most, at least for some of them.
The upcoming Porsche 992 GT3 Touring will continue
to target those who want the purest performance for the road, leaving track
addicts with the regular GT3. There are no naturally aspirated high-end sports
cars left with a manual transmission and that will make the 2020 Porsche 992
GT3 Touring even more special when it’s finally launched.
