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New Porsche 911 GT3: Top performer on the Road and Race Track
The second generation of the 997 series Porsche 911 GT3 will be more powerful, faster and even more refined when it goes on sale in Australia late this year. In developing the most sporting and dynamic road-going 911 with a normally aspirated engine, Porsche has applied a wide range of motor sport know-how to make the new GT3 impressive on the road and the race track. The new 911 GT3 stands out in two key areas: performance and driving dynamics. The proven six cylinder naturally aspirated engine now develops maximum power of 320 kW – up 15 kW over its predecessor. This is achieved first and foremost from an increase in engine capacity by 200 cc to 3.8 litres and from the improved gas cycle: now not only the intake, but for the first time also the exhaust camshafts are adjusted by VarioCam. Together with an upgrade in power, the boxer engine also offers a significant increase in torque at medium engine speeds. This improved performance results in the new GT3 accelerating from stand-still to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds (previously 4.3 secs) as it reaches 160 km/h in 8.2 secs (previously 8.7 secs). On a race track the top speed is marginally improved to 312 km/h (previously 310 km/h).
The second highlight in developing the new 911 GT3 to an even higher standard was to further improve the car’s driving dynamics. And so for the first time, the new 911 GT3 comes with a particularly sporting variant of Porsche Stability Management (PSM), offering the option to deactivate both Stability Control (SC) and Traction Control (TC) in separate steps. These functions are not reactivated automatically even under the most extreme driving conditions, but only at the touch of a button. The new GT3 offers even better grip and stability at high speed, with aerodynamic enhancements increasing down forces both front and rear to such an extent that the overall pressure pushing down the car is more than twice that of the former model. Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM) on the 911 GT3 enables Porsche’s engineers to make the springs and anti-rollbars somewhat stiffer yet again, ensuring even more precise handling in the PASM Sports mode, while retaining appropriate roll comfort suitable for everyday use in the PASM Normal mode. Visual changes include new bi-xenon headlights, LED rear lights and modified air intakes and outlets. Racing designed lighter wheels with a one-piece centre lock and ultra hi-performance tyres (featuring Type Pressure Monitoring) round off the functional and visual enhancements. In true Porsche fashion, the braking system has been enhanced to meet the car’s higher performance levels. Larger diameter rotors are now fitted and improved brake ventilation guarantees a higher level of consistent braking performance over long periods. An exclusive version of Porsche’s acclaimed PCCB ceramic brakes are available as an option.
The new Porsche 911 GT3 will also be available at a later stage with an additional feature to optimise its on-track potential: Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts (PADM). These special engine mounts are suited to race track driving, making the normally elastic engine suspension hard and particularly resistant. PADM retains all the motoring comfort of the GT3 in everyday traffic, while on the race track the car is not affected by any mass forces coming from the engine, as would otherwise be the case in fast bends and on winding tracks. Driving the GT3 everyday is made even easier with the optional lift system for the front axle, raising ground clearance by 30 mm at the touch of a button for easier entry up driveways and the like. The new 911 GT3 goes on sale in Europe in May following its debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show on 5th March, 2009. An Australia arrival is expected in late 2009. It will be priced from $279,300 (RRP). More Porsche News ..... here | ||||||
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