2017 Porsche 911 GT3 unveiled, gets new 4.0L and 6-speed manual!



Making its grand debut alongside the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo at the Geneva Motor Show is the updated Porsche 911 GT3. Built based on the 991.2 Carrera, the facelifted GT3 gets a more powerful engine, improved dynamics and a manual transmission, for the first time since 2013.

The new 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine from the GT3 RS and 911 R makes its way here, producing 493 hp28 hp more than the previous model. As standard, the GT3 will come with a seven-speed double-clutch PDK transmission. But for enthusiasts, a six-speed manual gearbox can be had as an option.

On PDK equipped cars, the launch control function will enable the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds onwards to a top speed 318 km/h. The manual gets there half a second slower, at 3.9 seconds. It however boasts a higher top speed of 320 km/h.

To complement the extra grunt, Porsche engineers have optimised the front and rear aerokit to produce more downforce. It now sits 25mm closer to the ground when compared to the 911 Carrera S and features active rear-axle steering that steers the car either to the same or opposite direction as the front wheels. This improves the 911’s overall agility through corners.

Inside, there’s a new 360mm GT sports steering wheel taken straight from the 918 Spyder. It comes with manual adjustable sports seats, but an 18-way powered seats can be optioned, as are the sport bucket seats or full carbon fibre-reinforced bucket seats.

In addition to that, this track focused two-seater comes with Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with navigation, Connect Plus module and Track Precision app. The latter enables 911 GT3 drivers to display, record and analyse detailed driving data on their smartphone.

The Porsche 911 GT3 will go on sale in Europe by May this year, with prices starting from €152k (RM714k) before options. The previous GT3 made an appearance in Malaysia back in 2014, and we are pretty certain that Porsche Malaysia (Sime Darby Auto Performance) wouldn’t give this bad boy a miss. The only question is, would you rather have the paddles or the stick?


IMAGE GALLERY