Porsche was caught testing the upcoming
2021 911 GT3 at the Nurburgring, with the test car being the most revealing to
date thanks to its minimal camouflage. It’s the first time we get to see
details like the design of the bumpers, the large rear diffuser with the center
exhaust tips prominently featured, and of course that pair of air intakes on
the bonnet.
Together with the center-lock wheels and
that massive fixed rear wing, the new Porsche 911 GT3 will be easily
distinguished from its lesser siblings and the recently revealed Turbo models. The
new spy shots follow the brief appearance of the final production 911 GT3 at
Porsche’s Super Bowl commercial.
The new Porsche 911 GT3 will remain the
only model in the range featuring a naturally aspirated powertrain, making use
of an updated version of the 4.0-liter flat-six unit found in the last
991-based 911 Speedster and Cayman GT4.
The 4.0-liter flat-six engine, which will
be fitted with the obligatory particulate filters for emission purposes, is
expected to offer an output of around 520 HP and a redline of at least
9,000rpm, combined with either a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch automatic
transmission. Following the success of the previous model, Porsche will also
offer a wingless Touring variant as well.
The aero agenda of the new GT3 will employ
plenty of new tricks to drive the downforce figure up a few notches, helping
the more rigid chassis and its suspension to extract more speed out of corners.
Andreas Preuninger, Porsche GT division’s boss, has promised in the past that
the new 911 GT3 will not be heavier than the previous model.
The new Porsche 911 GT3 is expected to be
revealed sometime in the second half of the year. As with every upcoming new
model, the current COVID-19 outbreak has forced pretty much every automaker to
rethink its schedule so don’t act surprised if the new GT3 will show up late
for the party.
