Hype: Let’s Just Drool Over The 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 For A Moment

First we want to apologize to Porsche, we got so caught up in the debuts for the McLaren 720S and the Civic Type R that we missed the fact that Porsche gifted the world with a new 911 GT3!  Not only did Porsche reveal the new GT3 but they also gave it a manual transmission option! Huzzah!  This is all on top of the fact that the new 911 GT3 is beautiful.  Also to all you people who are going to say “Why is it beautiful? It just looks like every other Porsche”, I say SHUT UP!  This is easily the best looking 911 GT3 I’ve ever seen and I’m personally looking forward to the chance to check one out in person.

The 2018 911 GT3 makes 500 horsepower from its 4.0 liter flat six engine and it does it au natural.  There is no forced induction to be found here!  How does the GT3’s engine make that much power?  The answer is a 9000RPM redline!  It will also go from a stand-still to 60mph in 3.2 seconds and will top out at 197mph.  Both impressive figures but anyone who is a fan of the GT3 knows that these cars are not about sheer straight-line speed; they’re about conquering corners.

To help the GT3 hunt apexes Porsche has equipped it with a rear axel steering system which as you may have guessed, turns the rear wheels independently of the front wheels to help optimize cornering.  There are also several other trick aerodynamic mods and dynamic motor mounts to help balance downforce and weight transfer to get the GT3 through twists and turns as fast as possible.

The 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 will arrive in the U.S. in fall 2017 and buyers can expect a starting MSRP of $143,600 not counting various fees and taxes.  If that price tag is too high for you, don’t feel bad because its also too high for me as well as 99% of the population.  So the easiest way for us to enjoy the 911 GT3 for now is to check out the gallery of official photos below.  You can also find the official press release which you can poor over to mine any additional details.  Enjoy!

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 Gallery:

Press Release:

ATLANTA, March 7, 2017 — Porsche motorsport technology continues to be incorporated into street-legal sports cars. The new 911 GT3 was developed in Weissach,and will be manufactured on the same production line as all other 911 street and 911 GT3 Cup racecars. The centerpiece of the latest 911 GT3 is the new naturally aspirated 4.0 liter flat-six engine which produces 500 hp and 339 lb.-ft. of torque. This new, high-reving powerplant  is based on  the one now used in all 911 race cars, including the 911 GT3 R and 911 RSR. The redesigned chassis with Rear Axle Steering and systematic lightweight construction is specifically tuned to produce superior driving dynamics in conjunction with the naturally aspirated engine.

Thanks to a power-to-weight ratio of 6.4 pounds per hp, the 911 GT3 feels very much at home on the test track. With the standard seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) — specifically constructed and tuned for the GT3 — the 3,153 pound two-seater accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds with a top track speed of 197 miles per hour. For purists, Porsche will also offer the 911 GT3 with a six-speed manual transmission. With this transmission, the 911 GT3 weighs in at 3,116 pounds, allowing it to achieve a top track speed of 198 miles per hour and hit 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.

Fast in corners, stable on the straights: Track-bred chassis with rear axle steering
The chassis of the new 911 GT3 benefits from Porsche motorsport racing experience, and it has been tuned for improved handling and driving dynamics. The chassis and active Rear Axle Steering offer superlative handling characteristics.  Depending upon the speed, the rear wheels are steered either in the opposite or the same direction as the front wheels, improving the vehicle’s agility and stability. The dynamic engine mounts and the rear locking differential, both fitted as standard, also boost the car’s driving dynamics.

Visually, the lightweight carbon fiber rear wing reinforces the fact that the design of the car is driven by aerodynamics. The lightweight front fascia and the front spoiler are designed for optimum airflow. The rear end with exhaust air openings and a new diffusor also contribute to the overall aerodynamic efficiency.

Interior: A control center for exceptional driving dynamics
The interior of the new 911 GT3 is designed to underscore the exciting driving experience. The GT Sport steering wheel designed with a 14.1 inch diameter was adopted from the 918 Spyder. The Sport Seats Plus feature enhanced bolsters for increased lateral support and electric adjustment of the seat back and seat height.

There are two other seat options available for the 911 GT3. The Adaptive Sport Seats Plus offer an 18-way electric adjustment along with a power steering column and seat memory. Alternatively, Full Bucket Seats with electric height adjustment and a fixed carbon fiber reinforced backrest are also available. As on all GT variants, the rear seats are omitted to save weight.

Porsche Track Precision App as standard
In addition to the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) — which includes a navigation system capable of real-time traffic information and the Connect Plus Module including Apple Car Play — the Porsche Track Precision App is also included as standard equipment. Using this app, 911 GT3 drivers can display, record, and analyze detailed driving data on a smartphone.

Pricing and availability
The 2018 911 GT3 is scheduled to reach U.S. dealers in fall 2017. The base MSRP will be $143,600, excluding the $1,050 delivery, processing, and handling fee.

About Porsche Cars North America, Inc. | One Porsche Drive, Atlanta, GA 30354 USA Established in 1984, Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche 911, 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman sports cars, Macan and Cayenne SUVs, and Panamera sports sedans. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia since 1998, PCNA is also home to the first Porsche Experience Center in North America featuring a module-based 1.6 mile driver development track, business center and fine dining restaurant, 356. The company operates a second Porsche Experience Center in Los Angeles. This 53-acre complex features a driver development track with eight educational modules totaling 4.1 miles, a business center, and Restaurant 917. PCNA employs approximately 300 people who provide parts, service, marketing, and training for 188 dealers. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brand’s 65-plus year history and leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety and efficiency. PCNA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.

At the core of this success is Porsche’s proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000-plus motorsport wins to date.

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