If history is a guide, expect to see the Porsche 991 GT3 at the Geneva Motor show in March 2013...
Porsche Unveils Most Powerful Non-Turbo 911 in History: the 2007 911 GT3
415-horsepower model to debut at Geneva Motor Show
ATLANTA, 24 February 2006 – Porsche’s new 2007 911 GT3 will make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show on February 28, 2006. The latest race-bred 911 sports coupe features a 415-horsepower naturally aspirated engine with an 8,400 rpm redline, an active suspension setup tuned for the track, and a mechanical limited-slip differential.
Serving as the homologation basis for Porsche’s 911 GT3 RSR racecar, the 911 GT3 provides enthusiasts with an uncompromising road car that can easily transition to weekend track-day outings. The 415-horsepower, 3.6-liter flat-Six engine produces a specific output of 115.3 horsepower-per-liter, among the highest of any naturally aspirated production car. The Boxer engine’s power peak is reached at 7,600 rpm, on the way to an 8,400 rpm redline -- 200 rpm beyond the previous GT3 model.
In addition to its high-revving characteristics, the GT3 engine’s performance has been fortified by careful attention to airflow rates. Changes to the variable intake system include a throttle valve enlarged from 76 to 82 millimeters, optimized cylinder heads, and a low-backpressure exhaust system.
To take advantage of the extended-rev characteristics of the engine, the 2007 911 GT3 features a revised six-speed manual transmission, with lower gear ratios for 2nd through 6th, as well as shortened shift-lever throws. A new change-up display, which illuminates the tachometer shortly before the relevant engine speed is reached, provides GT3 pilots with an additional signal to optimize shift timing.
The combination of a more powerful, higher-revving engine and shortened gear ratios produces impressive acceleration figures, allowing the 2007 911 GT3 to reach 60 mph from a standstill in 4.1 seconds (0-100 km/h, 4.3 sec.), and 100 mph (160 km/h) from a standing start in 8.7 seconds. The top test-track speed of the new 911 GT3 is 193 mph (310 km/h).
For the first time, the 911 GT3 boasts an active suspension. The standard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system offers two chassis in one: the basic configuration is similar to that of the previous model and is suitable for driving on alternating road surfaces. In Sport mode, the system provides even firmer damping, enabling more focused dynamics for the racetrack.
For the best possible transmission of engine power to the road, the GT3 is equipped with a comprehensive traction package, including new electronic Traction Control adapted from the Carrera GT, standard-equipment 19-inch sports tires, and a mechanical limited-slip differential. The new Traction Control setup features traction-slip and drag-torque control functions, allows the safe application of power under any driving conditions, and can be completely disabled if desired.
The 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 will be available in North America beginning in August 2006. US pricing for the new model is $106,000.
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Improved Aerodynamics, Suspension, Braking Distinguish 2010 GT3
ATLANTA --- 29 January 2009 --- 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 in 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. 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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2013 Porsche 911 GT3 Debut in Geneva...
...and Porsche Motorsport has indicated that the 991 GT3 RSR will launch in 2014...
Porsche Motorsport Development Activity to Transition to Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (type 991) Starting in 2013
Stuttgart, Germany/Santa Ana, California – 26 October 2012 -- With a new race car based on the new, seventh-generation Porsche 911 (type 991) street car on the horizon, Porsche Motorsport has announced it will wind down its development program for the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (type 997) – a very successful venture which began in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) in 2005.
Hartmut Kristen, head of Porsche Motorsport worldwide, in making the announcement, explained that the current 911 race car will reach the end of its product cycle, and, while support will continue for customer teams, further new component development will be discontinued in favor of resources devoted to the all-new car.
“Just like our recent Porsche RS Spyder program, we must appreciate the success of our race cars during their product cycle, but move on to new models when it is time to do so. The venerable Porsche 911 GT3 RSR has provided our Porsche customer teams with numerous wins and championships, and will remain competitive in 2013. Porsche will support the customer teams which continue to race that car, but the time has come and we now must focus our research and engineering development efforts on its successor,” said Mr. Kristen.
“The new Porsche 911 GT3 RSR is slated to make its North American debut in 2014,” said Kristen.
In North America, the development partner helping to design, engineer and implement improvements in the current 911 RSR race car has been Flying Lizard Motorsports in the GT class of the ALMS. This partnership now is discontinued.
Jens Walther, president of Porsche Motorsport North America, was quick to point out that customer teams still wishing to run the current 911 race car will be able to continue to do so in the American Le Mans Series with full at-the- track engineering and parts support. PMNA shop service from Porsche will also continue in 2013.
“We will be at the track with our usual support for 2013, and some of our current customer teams have already committed to run the 911 GT3 RSR (type 997) next year. Each of the current teams will be announcing their plans as we get closer to the ALMS Winter Test in February,” he said.
Walther also pointed out that the Flying Lizards have been a terrific development partner since they took on the role with Porsche Motorsport in 2007.
“Team owner Seth Neiman and his entire Flying Lizard Motorsports organization have helped both Porsche Motorsport and all our customer teams around the world by being our development partner in the U.S. Together we have won multiple championships in the ALMS. The team has assisted in testing everything from new engines and transmissions to the latest aero package we introduced earlier this year – all to improve the car for everyone. In the midst of all that, they won three straight ALMS GT championships in the
most competitive class in sports car racing. We thank Seth and his team for that service, and hope their racing plans going forward continue to include Porsche,” Walther said.
“It’s impressive how the 911 GT3 RSR has developed from year to year. The lap times alone are astounding, because despite the restrictions imposed on us again and again by the regulations, the car just got faster every year,” says Porsche works driver Joerg Bergmeister, who has celebrated the majority of his successes at the wheel of the 911 GT3 RSR.
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