It’s hard to believe that it has been a solid 3 years since Porsche introduced the 911 GT3 (Type 991), but the Zuffenhausen-based automaker is reported to be well into development for a mid-cycle update to the performance car.
When it did makes its debut in 2013, the prevailing wisdom at the time was that there would not only be a PDK dual-clutch transmission on offer, but that it would not even have a manual transmission option at all. It was quite jarring when it was confirmed upon launch, but the motoring media set eventually came to embrace a self-shifting GT3.
Now, though, in addition to the requisite styling tweaks, mechanical refinements, and performance bumps that are par for the course in these kinds of ‘facelift’ introductions, Porsche will indeed be bringing back the six-speed manual transmission as an option to the standard-fit auto. We previously reported on this development back in March.
Earlier this year, project lead for Porsche’s GT3 department Andreas Preuninger told Autocar UK that the option manual that will feature in the next car will be identical to the unit found in the wonderfully pure 911 R.
In terms of visual differences, however, spy photographs indicate little will change from the Gen.I car. However, there’s a good chance there will be more pronounced air intakes at the front, an altered fixed rear wing.
At the rear of the car, the high-revving 3.8-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six engine will reportedly be carried over untouched from the current version. Although, some slight alterations to the intake system and engine mapping could result in a slight power bump.
As it stands, the 911 GT3 produces 354kW and 440Nm of torque with a redline at a dizzying 9000rpm, needing just 3.5-seconds to accelerate to 100km/h from a standstill.
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