Yeah, the title’s correct. I’m back. And I’m more pissed than ever. But one thing that’s comforting me is knowing the new 991.2 Porsche 911 GT3 will come with a manual.
As I sit here listening to some Cream, my all-time favorite band, I have a fire burning inside me. No, I don’t have to shit. Instead I’m annoyed that it’s been three-and-half years since I wrote about the sad state of manual affairs, and we’re still talking about this bullshit. Why do I have to be excited that a manual 911 GT3 is debuting? The fact that it has a manual should be a given, not a question.
Or, well, maybe I shouldn’t be so pessimistic and bitchy.
I have a problem. With everyone else I’m cheery and a glass is half full kind of guy. Alone, in my head, the glass is draining. There’s a leak somewhere. Now I have to pee.
In 2013, at the Geneva Auto Show (I don’t know why, but I prefer auto shows be called motor shows), Porsche unveiled the all-new, more epic 911 GT3… but it was a bit dull. We all loved the look. We knew it was gonna be a fast bastard on road and track, too. But there was something missing. That’s right, a third pedal. Regardless of all that, the 2018 991.2 Porsche 911 GT3 will have a manual gearbox again.
Now I could go on and on showing the e-mail back and forth between me and a Porsche PR person who told me to just wait to drive the car, or the billions of interviews with Porsche’s head of GT cars, Andreas Preuninger, but that would be pointless. I’m just glad to have that heartfelt lust for the GT3 again.
Yes, while the 991.1 GT3 didn’t have a manual, I rarely talked about it. I had almost completely expunged it from my vocabulary. Any time a picture of one would come up on social media, I wouldn’t like it, unless it was a personal journalist friend posting it. Then I’d hesitate, and maybe, reluctantly hit “Like”.
There are tons of new features of the new 991.2 GT3, including a 4.0-liter flat-six taken from the 911 GT3 R and 911 RSR race cars, this one making 500 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Luckily for us, the 2018 GT3’s redline stays maxed out at 9000 rpm.
The 0-60 times of the manually equipped GT3 are told to us by Porsche to be 3.8 seconds. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing 3.4-3.5. The PDK will get to 60 in 3.2, Porsche say. Expect three seconds flat. If you opt for the manual you’ll also save 37 lbs. The GT3s will weigh 3,116 pounds versus 3,153. Suck on that, left leg haters. Now you’re just fat.
The aerodynamics are different, with the spoiler, front and rear fascia, and over-engine wind suckers all being tweaked for max awesomeness.
Look, I couldn’t give a damn less about all of this stuff. Ya know why? Because the 991.1 GT3 was plenty damn good. Hell, the 996 and 997 GT3s are good, too. The only real thing I care about right now is that I can finally fantasize about having a GT3 again.
Below is a video of Henry Catchpole, formerly Features Editor at evo magazine, now doing the same for DriveTribe, talking with Mr. Preuninger about the new GT3. And there’s a press release below that.
Oh, and just like the purist’s GT3, I went away for a little while. But I’m back. And better than ever. I give fewer fucks. Thanks for reading.
2018 991.2 Porsche 911 GT3 Press Release:
500 hp from a naturally aspirated four-liter flat-six available with PDK or six-speed manual
Atlanta, Georgia. Porsche motorsport technology continues to be incorporated into street-legal sports cars. The new 911 GT3 was developed in Weissach,and will be manufactured on the same production line as all other 911 street and 911 GT3 Cup racecars. The centerpiece of the latest 911 GT3 is the new naturally aspirated 4.0 liter flat-six engine which produces 500 hp and 339 lb.-ft. of torque. This new, high-reving powerplant is based on the one now used in all 911 race cars, including the 911 GT3 R and 911 RSR. The redesigned chassis with Rear Axle Steering and systematic lightweight construction is specifically tuned to produce superior driving dynamics in conjunction with the naturally aspirated engine.
Thanks to a power-to-weight ratio of 6.4 pounds per hp, the 911 GT3 feels very much at home on the test track. With the standard seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) – specifically constructed and tuned for the GT3 – the 3,153 pound two-seater accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds with a top track speed of 197 miles per hour. For purists, Porsche will also offer the 911 GT3 with a six-speed manual transmission. With this transmission, the 911 GT3 weighs in at 3,116 pounds, allowing it to achieve a top track speed of 198 miles per hour and hit 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.
Fast in corners, stable on the straights: Track-bred chassis with rear axle steering
The chassis of the new 911 GT3 benefits from Porsche motorsport racing experience, and it has been tuned for improved handling and driving dynamics. The chassis and active Rear Axle Steering offer superlative handling characteristics. Depending upon the speed, the rear wheels are steered either in the opposite or the same direction as the front wheels, improving the vehicle’s agility and stability. The dynamic engine mounts and the rear locking differential, both fitted as standard, also boost the car’s driving dynamics.
Visually, the lightweight carbon fiber rear wing reinforces the fact that the design of the car is driven by aerodynamics. The lightweight front fascia and the front spoiler are designed for optimum airflow. The rear end with exhaust air openings and a new diffusor also contribute to the overall aerodynamic efficiency.
Interior: A control center for exceptional driving dynamics
The interior of the new 911 GT3 is designed to underscore the exciting driving experience. The GT Sport steering wheel designed with a 14.1 inch diameter was adopted from the 918 Spyder. The Sport Seats Plus feature enhanced bolsters for increased lateral support and electric adjustment of the seat back and seat height.
There are two other seat options available for the 911 GT3. The Adaptive Sport Seats Plus offer an 18-way electric adjustment along with a power steering column and seat memory. Alternatively, Full Bucket Seats with electric height adjustment and a fixed carbon fiber reinforced backrest are also available. As on all GT variants, the rear seats are omitted to save weight.
Porsche Track Precision App as standard
In addition to the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) – which includes a navigation system capable of real-time traffic information and the Connect Plus Module including Apple Car Play – the Porsche Track Precision App is also included as standard equipment. Using this app, 911 GT3 drivers can display, record, and analyze detailed driving data on a smartphone.
Pricing and availability
The 2018 911 GT3 is scheduled to reach U.S. dealers in fall 2017. The base MSRP will be $143,600, excluding the $1,050 delivery, processing, and handling fee.
