The current 911 GT3 (based off of 991-generation Porsche 911) was first unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Four years on, the Zuffenhausen-based sports car maker is ready with a update to the potent rear-engine performance machine.
For the 2017 Geneva show, the new GT3 is expected to sport an evolutionary design change, but still very much identifiable from long range as a current day 911 much like the Carrera range did earlier last year, according to information obtained by Autocar UK.
Also like the Carreras in 2016 - which are all now turbocharged - will be focusing on the car’s engine, with the high-revving naturally-aspirated flat-six expanding from 3.8-litres to 4.0-litres and power rising from the current car’s 354kW to “at least” 373kW.
This engine, however, will not be the same 4.0-litre as the version used in the GT3 RS but rather an improved version of the ‘standard’ GT3 engine of today. The power and displacement increases are but a consequence of the engine’s primary development goals, particularly the latter.
Reportedly, Porsche wanted to improve the motor’s durability, having it be able to stand thousands upon thousands of kilometres driven absolutely flat out without issue.
Also expected to make a comeback is the fan favourite 6-speed manual transmission. Back in 2013, the decision to introduce the GT3 only with a 7-speed PDK dual clutch was controversial and subject of criticism from enthusiasts.
It’s true that the 911 GT3 is one of the last bastions of a true driver’s car, with the manual shifter being a central ingredient. Having it back will certainly be a welcome relief for some.
Porsche is also busy preparing for the release of the fastest model in their GT line-up, the GT2, which in simple terms stripped-down, driver-focused GT3 paired with their most powerful twin-turbocharged engine at the back. Unlike the 911 Turbo’s standard all-wheel drive system to rein in all that shove, however, the GT2 is and will remain two-wheel drive.
The previous GT2, based on the 997-gen 911, produced 456kW, and an even higher output is expected for the newer version which is expected by the end of 2017.
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