The new Porsche 911 GT3 is getting its U.S. debut at the 2013 NY Auto Show.
Making 475 horsepower, enough to launch from 0 to 60 in just 3.3 seconds, you might be excused for calling the new Porsche 911 GT3 a German muscle car. But the new two-seater is designed to deliver both track performance and on-road manners.
Making its North American debut during the New York International Auto Show, the fifth generation of the 911 GT3 has been completely redesigned from the ground up with both a new engine and transmission, as well as body and chassis, as well as a variety of sophisticated new technologies, such as the new rear axle steering system which Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller says is designed to deliver tighter, even more sure-footed cornering.
Rated at a top speed of 195 miles per hour, the new GT3 is powered by a 3.8-liter boxer engine that can rev up to a screaming 9,000 RPMs. That required a specially developed Porsche dual-clutch, seven-speed transmission, which drives the rear wheels. The six-cylinder engine is based on the 911 Carrera S six, though the two engines end up sharing only a few common parts.
All other components, particularly the crank – shaft and valve train, were specially adapted or developed for the GT3. For example, Porsche is once again using titanium connecting rods and forged pistons.
The Porsche dual-clutch transmission was based directly on a sequential gearbox from the maker’s motorsports program, providing further performance and dynamic advantages to the driver. Highlights include shorter gear ratios with closer spacing, even faster shifting, and shift paddles with shorter travel and increased tactile feedback.
The new Porsche 911 GT3 features an independent all-aluminum chassis lowered by just over an inch. It also has a nearly 2-inch wider track and a fixed rear wing that maximizes downforce at track speeds.
The active rear steering system works both on the track and off, and the sophisticated computer control system can vary the direction the back wheels point depending upon vehicle speed.
Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) variable damping is standard equipment and includes two pre-selected, specially tuned maps, as was the case with the predecessor model. At the front axle, independent wheel mounts, as well as extended wheel bearings and hubs, provide greater stability and strength, according to Porsche.
The transverse control arm at the front axle is also a new development that yields additional stability and reduced weight. The lightweight design also involves the use of lighter springs and damper struts an aluminum outer tube. These two measures alone resulted in a weight reduction of over six pounds compared to standard components.
The multi-link rear axle was also largely developed from scratch for the 911 GT3. Again, independent wheel mounts and wheel hubs, as well as larger mounts, result in increased stability and strength. The subframe of the high-performance sports car, including side panels and control arms, are exclusively made of hollow aluminum casting, which brings about a weight saving of around 8.6 lbs, as well as increased strength.
The wheels, developed from scratch, round off the package of measures for further improvement of driving dynamics. Compared with the 19-inch wheels of the previous model, the current 20-inch GT3 wheels are not just one inch bigger, but also half an inch wider at the front.
For those who might have serious motor sports plans, the conventional brakes can be upgraded to carbon-ceramic and there’s also a Club Sport package that includes a roll cage, racing harness and fire extinguisher.
Also optional are new high-performance LED headlamps.
Porsche will bring the 2013 911 GT3 to the U.S. later this year for $131,350, that price including delivery charges.