Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has finally launched the new Porsche 911 GT3 in Malaysia after almost six months since its world premiere at Geneva Motor Show in March. Good thing Porsche AG has put out the fire in the GT3 engine before it reaches our shores.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Porsche 911 GT3 |
| Segment | GT3 spec sports car |
| Engine | 3,799cc 6-cylinder Direct Fuel Injection |
| Max Power | 475 hp @ 8,250 rpm |
| Max Torque | 440 Nm @ 6,250 rpm |
| Price | RM 1,230,000.00Â |
This is the fifth generation road legal GT3 series, a trimmed down high performance Porsche 911. Based on the current generation 911 Carrera, with hybrid steel-aluminium body, it features the first active rear-wheel steering in a production Porsche, first direct-injection engine, as well as optional full LED headlights. It achieves an impressive lap time on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7:25 minutes, 15 seconds faster than its predecessor.
EXTERIOR
The few design variances that differentiates between a standard 911 and a GT3 are the aerodynamic designs on both front and rear bumpers, side mirros and of course the huge GT3 rear wing.
The new front end has further improved the aerodynamics of the centre radiator, the customary 911 GT3 air outlet to the front of the luggage compartment lid, the wider front spoiler lip, the cooling air openings are protected by titanium-coloured air intake grilles.
Front headlights are Bi-Xenon, fitted as standard with LED daytime running lights. LED headlights are available as options. Rear lights are LED as standard. The new GT3 now comes with larger wheels, 20-inch as compared to the previous generation’s 19-inch. They are platinum-coloured forged alloy, wrapped with Michelin’s Pilot Sport Cup 2; 245/35 ZR 20 on 9 J x 20 at the front and 305/30 ZR 20 on 12 J x 20 at the rear.
Derived from motorsport is the central locking device with ‘GT3’ logo. It reduces rotating masses as compared with the conventional five-bolt wheel connection, hence improves performance. Faster wheel change as wheel if there’s a need.
INTERIOR
Even the cabin design is designed with speed in mind, it is however not as trimmed down as you would think. Interior ergonomics concept enables the driver to access information and functions quickly.
Porsche believes in its philosophy ‘Precise not fanciful, minimalist not kitsch’. The instrument cluster is a simple five circular instruments with the rev counter in the middle. For the first time in a 911 GT3, it is equipped with a high-resolution 4.6-inch TFT colour display in one of the circular instrument.
It feeds the driver data from the on-board computer, including average speed and fuel consumption, fuel range and outside temperature, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM) information as well as data from the stopwatch of the optional Sport Chrono Package.
Its GT3 SportDesign steering wheel is wrapped in black Alcantara leather and of course fitted with gearshift paddles. Shift throw of the paddles has been further reduced by 50%.
Sports seats Plus are fitted as standard, with elevated side bolsters, electric seat height and backrest adjustment and manual fore/aft adjustment. The seat side bolsters are upholstered in leather and the seat centres are lined in black Alcantara. The headrests are embroidered with the ‘GT3’ logo.
PERFORMANCE
The new Porsche 911 GT3 is powered by a 3.8-liter flat six with for the first time Direct Fuel Injection. Coupled with a 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) gearbox, generating 475 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 440Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm. And it revs up to 9,000 rpm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, 0.6 seconds faster than its predecessor, reaching a maximum top speed of 315 km/h.
For the first time in a production Porsche and fitted as standard, the new active rear-axle steering is an electromechanical adjustment system at each rear wheel enables the steering angle to be adapted based on the current driving situation, steering input and vehicle speed. Similar to the one from the 918 Spyder.
During low-speed manoeuvres, the system steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction to that of the front wheels. This has the virtual effect of shortening the wheelbase. The turning circle is reduced to make it easier to park. During high-speed manoeuvres, the system steers the rear wheels in the same direction as that of the front wheels.
For enthusiasts that would like to take the GT3 to the track can opt for the Sport Chrono package including Porsche Track Precision app and lap trigger preparation. The newly developed Porsche Track Precision app allows lap times to be measured via GPS and a host of driving data (such as speed, steering angle, braking and acceleration behaviour, gear indication as well as engine speed) to be recorded and managed on a smartphone. This data can then also be shared and compared with other drivers.
In addition to the dual front airbag, the cockpit is also equipped with POSIP, Porsche Side Impact Protection System as standard. It consists of side impact protection beams in the doors and two side airbags on each side: an integral thorax airbag is located in each seat side bolster and an upwards-inflating head airbag is incorporated within each door.
WHAT ELSE?
SDAP CEO Mr. Arnt Bayer is glad that the new 911 GT3 is now available in Malaysia and happy with the current number of bookings for the new car, which stands at 20 as of launch day. Delivery will be made in stages depending on the options selected. He also clarified that the fire issue from the GT3 engine has been resolved.
When asked about the highly anticipated compact SUV, the Porsche Macan, he confirmed the arrival of stock in Malaysia and added that launch will take place very soon.
The new 911 GT3 comes in 4 standard colours, 6 metallic colours and 4 special colours. The base price for the 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 is RM1.23 million.
[divider]
VIDEO GALLERY
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY
