2022 Porsche 911 GT3 review: The superlative sports car

An orange Porsche 911 GT3 next to the Newcombs ranch sign on the Angeles crest highway
Enlarge / There are 911s, and then there are 911 GT3s.

Bradley Iger

Originally created to fulfill homologation rules for FIA competitors, the 911 GT3 has had an intrinsic link to Porsche’s racing initiatives considering the fact that the design debuted in 1999. With the introduction of the 992-generation GT3, the shared DNA is more obvious than ever. Still Porsche has someway managed to strike a equilibrium involving capacity and pragmatism, ensuing in a effectiveness equipment that will mercilessly hunt down apices on a observe while delivering an enjoyable driving knowledge outside the house a curated road program.

But you should not consider for a minute that the GT3 has long gone gentle. Made together with its racing counterparts by Porsche’s GT division, the new car’s sub-3,200 lb (1,451 kg) curb pounds stays just about unchanged from its predecessor regardless of the transition to the more substantial 992 platform thanks to a solid concentrate on lessening mass all through the car or truck. A new exhaust system saves 22 lbs (10 kg) below, a lithium iron phosphate battery shaves off a handful of kilos there—it all provides up. And that strategy is a recurring concept in the 992 GT3.

New adjustable aerodynamic aspects make it possible for downforce to be elevated by as considerably as 150 percent about the previous technology GT3 (recognised as the 991.2). And in a 1st for any road-heading 911, the new GT3 adopts the 911 RSR racing car’s double-wishbone entrance suspension configuration to enhance managing precision. According to GT division boss Andreas Preuninger, the style and design increases get hold of patch security as the suspension absorbs bumps and other imperfections in the road floor, making it possible for Porsche engineers to stiffen the chassis when retaining journey compliance. New adaptive dampers, which can respond to highway situations in around 50 {09e594db938380acbda72fd0ffbcd1ef1c99380160786adb3aba3c50c4545157} the time, further support that mission.

Note the gooseneck rear-wing uprights.
Enlarge / Note the gooseneck rear-wing uprights.

Bradley Iger

But as the sole the natural way aspirated model in the recent 911 lineup, the engine is arguably the centerpiece of the GT3 components. Ostensibly an up-to-date variation of the 4. L flat-six utilised in the 991.2 Speedster, its soaring 9,000 rpm redline is the things goals are manufactured of. Peak output quantities of 502 hp (375 kW) and 346 lb-ft 469 Nm) of torque are marginal will increase more than the preceding generation, but the outgoing GT3 was not exactly missing for straight-line thrust. The 992 platform’s new electrical architecture authorized engineers to outfit the GT3 engine with 6 particular person throttle bodies for even much more speedy response.

That motor is paired with a seven-speed PDK automated gearbox in the GT3, and the combination is able of rocketing the rear-drive coupe to 60 mph from a standstill in 3.2 seconds. For these who like to row their possess, on the other hand, a six-pace guide gearbox with computerized rev-matching is also offered as a no-expense solution. Our tester was outfitted with the latter, and we’d take into account it really worth the additional half-second it takes to access that velocity. American Porsche purchasers would seem to agree, as above 70 per cent of them opted for 3 pedals with the last technology GT3.