track car, for the road.
A mind boggling 6 minutes 49.328 seconds Nurburgring lap
Overview:
Porsche, renowned for its legendary 911 models, has reached new heights of uncompromising and astonishing speed with the 2024 911 GT3 and GT3 RS versions. These models are the epitome of track-focused sports cars.
Driven by a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine that produces a spine-tingling howl and revs to 9000 rpm. In the GT3 configuration, the flat-six engine delivers 502 horsepower, but if you opt for the GT3 RS or S/T variants, it’s pumped up to a remarkable 518 horsepower.
Parked alongside a standard 911, the GT3 models appear as entirely different beasts, especially the RS, which boasts wild aerodynamic features, including a colossal rear wing. These cars look like they belong on a racetrack because they do.
While the regular 911 offers a thrilling driving experience, the GT3 models take things up a notch in terms of precision, speed, and intensity. However, this doesn’t mean they’re too rough for regular road use. In fact, quite the opposite is true, particularly for the Touring model, which makes the ultimate 911 a vehicle you can comfortably drive to your local grocery store or embark on a long road trip. It’s difficult to imagine a more exciting way to travel.
Performance:
Under the rear hood of the 911 GT3 lives a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine producing an impressive 502 horsepower. This engine is the same as the one that powered the last 911 Speedster, with the ability to rev to 9000 rpm, delivering a mesmerizing and soul-stirring wail.
The GT3 offers the choice of a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (known as PDK) or a six-speed manual transmission. The PDK-equipped model we drove showed the automatic’s intuitive behavior along with the engine’s responsive nature and a captivating soundtrack.
During testing, the automatic GT3 achieved a rapid 2.7-second 0-60 mph time, while the manual-equipped test vehicle accomplished an impressive 3.3-second run to 60 mph.
The GT3 RS and S/T models receive a performance boost to 518 horsepower and incorporate additional aerodynamic elements to enhance the down force, keeping them firmly planted on the road.
The GT3 RS features an extravagant rear wing that includes a drag-reduction system similar to those used on Formula 1 race cars. At the test track, the GT3 RS achieved the same 2.7-second 0-60 mph time as the automatic GT3 we tested, but thanks to these down force-enhancing additions, it delivered an impressive 1.16 g of lateral grip on our skid pad, compared to the GT3’s 1.11 g result.
Interior:
The interior of the GT3 closely resembles the rest of the 911 lineup, featuring a clean design and a straightforward layout that pays homage to the iconic sports car’s heritage.
There are a few unique elements that distinguish the GT3’s cabin. The GT3’s gauge cluster maintains a prominent analog tachometer, flanked by digital displays. It includes a specific GT mode that concentrates essential information on the digital displays surrounding the central tachometer.
In the RS model, they provide extra steering wheel controls for adjusting the adaptive dampers’ rebound and compression settings. For models equipped with the PDK automatic transmission, the stubby center-console shifter found in regular 911s is replaced with a traditional-looking lever, mimicking the appearance of a manual shifter.
