New Porsche 911 GT3 goes harder and faster
Porsche’s new 911 GT3 gets a bigger engine, more power and a whole host of electronic driver aids
By Justin Lee
THE NEW PORSCHE 911 GT3 is due to make its debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March.
The capacity of the 3.6-litre flat-six found in the outgoing car has been increased to 3.8-litres and this unit now produces 435bhp, 20bhp more than its predecessor.
Porsche says the engine’s extra power output is not only due to the the increase in capacity but also from improved cylinder head gas flow and the Variocam (Porsche speak for variable valve timing) system which for the first time controls the exhaust as well as the intake camshafts.
Performance wise, the 911 GT3 is faster than the superseded car completing the century sprint in 4.1 seconds as opposed to 4.2 seconds and has a higher top speed by 2km/h at 312km/h.
It comes with a specially programmed Porsche Stability Management (PSM), which allows the driver to deactivate both the stability control and traction control individually in separate steps. These safety devices will not intervene under any condition and can only be reactivated by pressing a button.
Porsche claims that its Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) fitted on the 911 GT3 allows it to provide better ride comfort in ‘normal’ mode and more precise handling in ’sports’ mode. There are also subtle aerodynamic tweaks that increase grip and stability at high speeds.
It rides on new, lighter wheels that come with a racing inspired centre locking nut and is equipped with a standard tyre pressure monitoring system.
The brakes have been uprated and now feature larger friction discs and an aluminium cover to reduce un-sprung weight. On the options list are a specially developed version of Porsche’s Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB).
To make the car better suited to the race track, the German premium sports car company has also introduced an additional cost item in the form of the Porsche Active Drivetrain Mount (PADM) engine mountings. These special engine mounts can recognise enthusiastic driving and stiffen up to negate the effect of the flat-six’s movements and improve traction when accelerating from a standstill.
Another optional feature is the lift system for the front axle which is able to increase the ground clearance of the car by 30mm.
A representative from local Porsche distributor Stuttgart Auto says that the 911 GT3 is expected to arrive here by the end of the year.
