The Porsche GT3 is the pinnacle of an analogue road-legal racecar. Essentially, it is a Porsche Cup Car engine legalised for the road which makes it an ideal track machine. Whilst the GT3RS and GT2RS trumps the GT3, they aren’t offered with a manual, it can be argued that they aren’t as analogue as the GT3. There is also the Touring version which has been a fan favourite for people who want the track-focused characteristics but avoid the exterior track-focused characteristics, like the rear wing, to give a more understated appeal. Porsche has refined these two darlings with a mid-cycle refresh known as the 992.2. It adds some practicality and some never-seen technologies to the GT3 and Touring.
It is important to note that in the times of automatic transmission compulsion and downsized engines, the GT3 and Touring version retains the 4.0 Litre Flat Six which produces 503hp and 463Nm of torque. Whilst this isn’t an increase over the previous generation, Porsche hasn’t changed this number since the 991 generation. The makers of the ultimate track machine understand the perfect balance between power and weight. The more interesting aspect is the rev limit is still the high 9000rpm. There were various changes such as hotter cams from the 992 GT3RS, a revised cylinder head design and flow-optimized individual throttle bodies. Various learnings were taken from the 911 S/T to produce the figures more efficiently. The Porsche GT Boss Andreas Preuninger said, “500hp and 1400-ish kilos is the sweet spot with the GT3. No matter what the competition does, we are faster anyways”.
In terms of learnings from the 911 S/T, comes the PDK transmission and 6 Speed Manual Transmission, with 8 per cent shorter final drive ratio. It will be no surprise that the PDK is quicker with a 0-100 time of 3.4 seconds whereas it is 3.9 seconds for the manual. The top speeds are lower than before at 310km/h for automatic and 311 km/h for the manual. The Porsche GT Boss assured that this isn’t a matter of concern for them. On the Nurburgring Nordschleife’s Dottinger Hohe, the longest straight of any track in the world, the car was faster than before due to the shorter gearing. The 911 S/T’s suspension and steering box are also transferred to the 992.2 and according to AP, it was the best suspension out of all the GT Products. The 992.2 should be more confident off-centre, thanks to the S/T’s new steering box! The ride and stability should also be improved, as a result of the new suspension. There is also the use of RS-inspired Anti Dive Traits at the front. The use of longitudinal arms on the front axle adds a downforce-generating teardrop cross-section.
There are also a bunch of cooling upgrades as most of it is due to the reprofiled and redirected aero underneath, a spot for the GT3RS coolers! The drive axles for the 992.2 help increase the aerodynamic cooling and the introduction of warp-resistant brakes and gearboxes which are thicker.
The stylistic changes are minimal from the get-go. Something we are well aware of Porsche. The look seems to be edgier with larger front openings which are angled off at the sides. Whilst it may be a small change, it is noticeable and looks more appealing compared to the 992. There is redesigned Matrix LED lighting which integrates the newest Porsche design language. The addition of underbody aero, splitter, diffuser, inlets, engine lid and end plates improve the balance and downforce by bits which adds to a better overall experience.
There is also the introduction of the Weissach Package and Leichtbau Package for GT3 and Touring respectively. There was an emphasis on the Wing Car being the weapon of choice when it comes to track and the GT3 Touring should be the ultimate road and weekend driving machine. The Weissach package costs almost Rs. 14 Lakhs which adds a lot of exposed carbon fibre throughout the car. There is a single carbon fibre strip from the nostril to the engine lid. The roof is also carbon fibre and so are the sway bars. The optional Magnesium Wheels which cost roughly Rs. 11 lakhs save 9kg while the lithium-ion battery saves 4kg. On the inside, the Weissach GT3 comes with Race Tex and carbon and a new version of the roll cage which raises the price to almost Rs. 17 Lakhs! With everything accounted for, the Porsche GT3 will weigh 1420kg. However, the loved magnetic paddle shifters from the 992 Porsche GT3RS don’t come with the 992.2 Porsche GT3 or GT3 Touring which is a shame as they would’ve been too expensive.
The leichtbau package is available only to the GT3 Touring and is Weissach Package without the craziest race-y components. The Race Tex and carbon aren’t there on the Touring but there are lightweight components. The magnesium wheels are standard on the Leichtbau package. Not to mention, you also get the short throw shifter in the manual version of the 911 S/T.
The interior of the GT3 Touring has the addition of rear seats which is a demand many customers have been making for years. The bucket seats, borrowed from 918 Spyder, are also folding for the first time which makes them more appealing for young families. There is also a lid-friendly removable panel on the headrest. This also means that you can access the rear compartment for helmet storage. The most surprising revelation is that the Sport Chrono dial doesn’t make it to the refreshed GT3 and Touring.
The Porsche GT3 and Touring version retains some of the best aspects we have loved of the GT3 since its launch 25 years ago, and add a crucial bit of practicality which helps to make it more mass market. Whilst Porsche Purists would argue that the 1980s Porsche 911 was the best and will pay anything for even a toilet paper branded with the name Porsche, a more realistic outlook will show that Porsche has stayed true to its word and delivered the best combination for the road and track. It is a car which you can drive to the track, have an absolute field day at it, and then drive back home without even breaking a sweat. We must say that the Porsche GT3 going for the masses isn’t a bad thing as the significant others need a good case for spending almost Rs.1.6 crore (before taxes), plus more when brought to Indian borders.
