German Car Zone

Another Press Release:

ATLANTA, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Porsche will launch the fastest, most powerful 911 GT3 to-date at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3, 2009. The high performance GT3 is the latest in the new generation 911 series and carries over a wide range of expertise learned from motorsports -- resulting is superb capabilities both on road and on track.

New Engine
The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 raises the performance bar thanks to an increase in engine size to 3.8 liters and VarioCam technology now on both the intake and exhaust. The naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine develops 435 bhp, 20 bhp more than its predecessor.

The new, larger engine offers a significant increase in torque at medium engine speeds, which is particularly important for everyday driving. Track performance is also improved; the new GT3 accelerates to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and reaches a top track speed of 194 mph.

Improved Suspension

Driving dynamics have also been enhanced, and the new GT3 offers even better grip and stability. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) has enabled Porsche's engineers to make the springs and anti-roll bars stiffer, thus ensuring even more precise handling in sport mode, while retaining a level of comfort suitable for everyday use in normal mode. For the first time, the 911 GT3 comes standard with Porsche Stability Management (PSM), with suspension mapping mirroring that of the GT2. The driver can disengage both stability control and traction control in separate steps.

Refined Aerodynamics

At high speeds, aerodynamic improvements have increased downforce at both the front and rear, more than doubling the effect of the previous GT3. At the same time, the new aerodynamics package, with larger vents in the front and rear bumpers gives the GT3 a brand-new look, accentuated by standard bi-xenon headlights, LED rear light clusters and modified air intakes and outlets.

Innovative Engine Mounts

The new GT3 will be available with new and highly innovative dynamic engine mounts. Utilizing magnetic fluid, these inventive mounts automatically stiffen to create a more solid coupling between the engine and chassis when the car is driven energetically. This provides a sporting, rigid assembly on fast bends and winding racetracks yet allows for engine isolation and increased comfort while driving in everyday traffic. Traction is also improved when accelerating from a standstill.

Upgraded Brakes

With driving dynamics and performance at an even higher level, the brake system, following a long Porsche tradition, has also been enhanced accordingly. Brake discs are larger and feature an aluminum hub to reduce weight. Increased brake ventilation ensures a high level of brake power over long periods, and the GT3 can also be equipped with PCCB ceramic brakes, developed specifically for this model.

Creative Front End Lift

A new lift system for the front axle is also available. By utilizing an on-board air compressor, the front of the car can be raised for steep driveways or inclines. A the touch of a button raises the front ride height by 30 mm, or 1.18 inches and at speeds up to approximately 30 mph. New, lighter GT3 specific center lock wheels and ultra-high performance tires round out the functional and visual enhancement of the GT3.

The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 will be available in the fall of 2009, MSRP $112,200 US.

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So it seems that my anticipation of Direct Injection on the new GT3 was misguided. No mention is made anywhere of DI as yet. And I find this exclusion of DI to be rather interesting I must say... if it is the case.

Yeah I was looking for that and PDK too. Seems like only Audi and Lambo are willing to pair DI with a truly screaming engine.

M

It's absolutely gorgeous... Gorgeous.

And seriously... Central wheel nut, racing engine mounts (as an option, surely as expensive as my whole car), downforce x2 at high speed, stiffer suspensions... This car means serious business, it seems to be a bit more than a mere facelift, with the all-new motor and aerodynamics...

DI and PDK... well I won't miss these features on a GT3. It's the Turbo and GT2 who are missing these.

God I love Porsche's GT3 so much...

^ On the DI issue, I agree with you, Marcus. Even on the Ferrari California the engine doesn't rev into the 8K range.

What's interesting to note is that this new engine, together with the Scuderia's V8, is pushing the envelope for specific outputs per litre - particularly in the torque department. Here's some rough comparision...

Torque per Nm
R8 V10: 101.84 Nm / litre
LP560-4: 103.77 Nm / litre
430 Scud: 109.10 Nm / litre
California: 112.87 Nm / litre
GT3 MK2: 113.75* Nm / litre

HP per litre:
R8 V10: 100.88 HP / litre
LP560-4: 106.17 HP / litre
California: 107.03 HP / litre
GT3 MK2: 114.56 HP / litre
430 Scud: 118.38 HP / litre

It's clearly one heck of a naturally aspirated engine with the highest specific torque output per litre I know for an NA engine in current production. *It's only ever so slightly bested by the S54 engine in the M3 CSL with 113.99 Nm per litre (but this engine had a longer stroke to its advantage) which, besides, had a lesser specific output on the power side with 110.90 HP / litre.

I think Porschephiles can rest easy; the increase in displacement has not in any way yielded a less hardcore powerplant - in fact, it's more impressive than ever. Quite astonishing.

^^ Any info on the red zone of this new motor? Does it revv as high, or maybe higher than the 3.6?

The exhaust note seems deeper. That's a tad disappointing, but of course you can't judge from a YT video, you have to experience that type of noises (and vibration, too) IRL.

Max power @ 7600 rpm
Max revs @ 8500 rpm

Awesome engines

But u should also count the engine propelling the Zonda Cinque and R models

I was never sold on the 997 MkII looks, but this looks amazing. Can't wait for the GT3 vs GTR redux.

Nice update, with some fancy technology, I don't if those dynamic engine mounts will really contribute that much to the car's handling.

Is Red the new White?

I don't like red Porsches - never have. Red is best on just one car really. Anyhoo first the R8 V10 and now the GT3 - seems that red is the in colour at the moment.

@Tarek, yeah, I intentionally omitted the Zonda's engine as it's so rare and so bespoke. But yes, with 118.59 Nm / litre and 125 hp / litre the Zonda R is impressive. Too bad it's track-only car with nary a thought going toward fuel consumption or emissions.

Edit; ...and just for the sake of proper comparison, the ultra-rare Zonda F with its 7.3 litre engine "only" makes 106.98 Nm / litre and 89.15 hp / litre.

Before anyone lambastes me for the comparisons - they're done for the sake of interest only and have little consequence on outright performance if viewed in isolation; there are many other factors to take into account to judge an engine's performance potential in a given vehicle.