Porsche 991 GT3

The Porsche 911 celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2013, what better way to celebrate than with a new Porsche 991 GT3! Now in its fifth generation, the Porsche 991 GT3 promises to be one of the best supercars of 2013. It make its debut tomorrow at the Geneva Motor Show 2013.

The engine, transmission, body and chassis are entirely new. The Porsche 991 GT3 gets a 3.8-litre flat engine developing 475hp at 8,250 rpm. It is an adaption of the engine used in the current generation Porsche Carrera S but with only a few common parts. The engine weighs around 25 kg less than the previous unit with a power output of 125 hp/litre of displacement.

The crankshaft and valve train, were specially adapted or developed for the GT3. The GT3 uses titanium connecting rods attached to forged pistons. Purists will have to adapt as, for the moment, the Porsche 991 GT3 only gets a Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) double-clutch gearbox. It is adapted and strengthened specially for the GT3.

All power is routed through the rear wheels. This also gets an innovative rear wheel steer feature for the first time. The system takes into account variables such as the speed and improves the cars agility and stability.

The new 911 GT3 is designed for further gains in precision and lateral dynamics throughout. Porsche is using active rear-wheel steering for the first time. Depending on the speed, the system steers in the opposite or the same direction as the front wheels, thereby improving agility and stability. Among the other new driving dynamics features are the electronically-controlled, fully variable rear differential lock, and the dynamic engine mounts.

The Porsche 991 GT3 features 20-inch forged alloy wheels with centre locking. The new GT3 is 44 millimeters wider than the Carrera S at the rear axle. Porsche have fitted a new rear wing to aid with downforce.

Porsche 991 GT3

Performance is as follows, 0 to 100km/h is passed after just 3.5 seconds, and 200km/h in less than 12 seconds. The top speed of 314km/h is reached in seventh gear of the PDK transmission. The lap time on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife was a very impressive 7:30 minutes. The last statistic is particularly important. Around 80 per cent of Porsche 991 GT3 customers also drive their cars on race tracks.

The GT3 features new cylinder heads with larger intake and exhaust ports, large valves, and separate valve control with rocker arm. It features valve actuation via rocker arms with hydraulic valve clearance compensation. The Porsche 991 GT3 is also the first to feature direct fuel injection. The two fuel pumps generate a system pressure of up to 200 bar.

The Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) double-clutch gearbox features two modes are available to the driver: manual shifting or the adaptive shift programme. Manual shifting is achieved using two paddles on the steering wheel, the left-hand for upshifts and the right-hand for downshifts. Shorter shifting travel and optimised actuating force result in even faster gearshifts with concise feedback, similar to the operating characteristics of the 911 GT3 Cup race car. Alternatively, the driver can also shift using the selector lever, with a shift pattern based on that used in professional motor sports: shifting up is done by pulling the lever back, shifting down by pushing it forward.

The chassis of the new 911 GT3 is a largely new design based on the chassis of the 911 Carrera, lowered by 30 mm. The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) variable damping system has two pre-selected specially tuned maps. At the rear axle, larger brake discs of 380 mm diameter are deployed, the ventilation holes of the discs have been redesigned, and cooling was improved by ways of additional brake cooling ducts on the rear axle. To further reduce unsprung weight, the new 911 GT3 offers the option of racing-derived ceramic composite brake discs with friction rings made of cast iron and aluminium pots, just like its predecessor. The two components are still connected by stainless steel pins.

The wide body, the special front and rear design with a large wing make the new 911 GT3 unmistakable. The new generation of headlights exclusively consist of LED light sources. The new Porsche 911 GT3 is available to order now from Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland priced from £100,540. First right hand-drive deliveries will arrive in November.

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