sfo:
Sorry to change the dermitalogical subject for one moment, but can someone tell me why the 991 is considered to have such a better interior? Taking sfo's late 997.2GT3 as an example (my GTS is the same), and comparing it to the 991 interior (again, I have a 958 Cayenne which was used almost unchanged for the 991) - I think the interior of the late 997's is not only more sporty, but (a) will date better, (b) will be more durable and (c) is no less luxurious to start with....
Porsche Carrera GTS (2012); Porsche Cayenne Diesel (2012)
1100 miles and 2 months later, the love affair with my GT3 is getting stronger than ever. Every drive is an occasion, and a delight. I enjoy warming up the engine, transmission and tyres, checking the gauges to watch progress of warming fluids and tyres, and the car becoming progressively more ‘on’. Bit like a tortured genuis’s routine for waking up in the morning, like someone who doesn’t enjoy waking up, but once up, is lots of fun.
Thanks to relatively benign winter conditions, I have been able to drive the GT3 on all sort of roads, but not yet on track.
I find it a fine motorway car, lots of thrust, well damped, yet awake and responsive. I don’t find it noisy or uncomfortable. I rarely have the radio or music on, such is the aural pleasure of engine. I press the “Sport” button quite a bit to change tunes. There is enough going on to ensure that a motorway drive never produces a yawn. The Sound Package Plus is much better (depth, clarity and volume) than I expected .. perhaps the significantly increased passenger compartment volume (compared to a Boxster) makes all the difference.
The Pirelli Corsas are fine in the rain, but deep puddles have meant that I have experienced a little more front end lightness than I am used to. In the drier conditions, the grip is much better than anything I have ever used, but early days. Also, Pirelli have produced N rated (N1) Corsas for the 7 GT3 which are now available. I will probably fit those again. In 7500 miles, my car is still on original tyres front and rear, with about 5mm on the front and 4mm on the rears. The first owner really didn’t drive it very hard at all.
On A and B roads, I have scared myself a number of times .. corners come up a lot quicker than I am used to, but the PCCBs are awesome. You can brake very late, and steer into and out of corners with abandon. I am still taking it carefully, but each time I push a little harder, I am amazed how utterly composed and balanced the car is. I have scratched no more than 20% of its abilities. Each time I think I’m being daring, the car responds and asks: “is that it?”.
I could listen to the engine all day long. It sounds completely analogue, unfiltered, natural and sometimes a little bit rude. Very rude past 5k rpm and onwards .. I cannot imagine ever tiring of the noise. Main disadvantage is 5k and beyond engine speeds are not often doable on public roads. When you do, well, it’s such a treat. Naughty, but what cat does not like cream?
Coming from Boxsters, I love the feel of the GT3, the much more interesting and varied sounds from the engine, the sense of driving a very large go kart, and most of all, the sensation of the large pendulous thing at the back on the entire driving experience. It feels so safe, and yet at the same time, somewhat terrifying. It very much keeps you on your toes. And you delight in being on your toes ..
Is it a 100% race car and raw experience? No, but it’s close. Think of it as camping in the wilderness, but with all the right equipment to ensure that you are warm and safe. You get the experience of the wilderness, but with some comfort and not too much modern conveniences, which might remove the essence of camping.
The GT3, it’s the real thing. Once sampled, always desired.
I am merely at the beginning of starting to uncover the wonder that is Porsche’s incredible GT3.
sfo:
The GT3, it’s the real thing. Once sampled, always desired.
I am merely at the beginning of starting to uncover the wonder that is Porsche’s incredible GT3.
Wait until you get a taste of it...you'll want the RS then.
RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche Panamera Turbo S, Cayenne GTS (958), BMW X3 35d (2012), Mini Cooper S Countryman All4
But isn't that the beauty of the 911 ownership proposition. Even in my lowly 991 Carrera with "only" 3.4l & 350bhp I can have loads of fun and perhaps 4/5th of the performance - more than enough for my mortal abilities.
Yet, actually more fun because much more of it can be had on public roads.
If only P could fix my front parking sensors!
991 (what a car!) XC90 - Black/Black 2 kids, 1 dog
thanks for the great write up with I 100% share - I even run the car in the garage a couple of minutes when it's cold just to hear the noise bouncing back from the walls - in sport mode - what a sound ! enjoy pushing it further - it's very rewarding and with the manual you have to grab it by the horns ! I am most impressed by it's cornering-abilities - something that made grown men scream in the passenger seats !
BjoernB:
thanks for the great write up with I 100% share - I even run the car in the garage a couple of minutes when it's cold just to hear the noise bouncing back from the walls - in sport mode - what a sound ! enjoy pushing it further - it's very rewarding and with the manual you have to grab it by the horns ! I am most impressed by it's cornering-abilities - something that made grown men scream in the passenger seats !
Agree .. you have to be very firm and decisive with the gearbox and clutch.
I took my godson's grandfather for a drive .. he loves to talk, but he was very quiet, all he said was, in typical farmer understatement: "it's very quick, isn't it?".
bridggar:
But isn't that the beauty of the 911 ownership proposition. Even in my lowly 991 Carrera with "only" 3.4l & 350bhp I can have loads of fun and perhaps 4/5th of the performance - more than enough for my mortal abilities.
Yet, actually more fun because much more of it can be had on public roads.
If only P could fix my front parking sensors!
I very seriously considered a 991 C2S .. but the GT3 was about the same cost, and I wanted the more raw experience of the GT3. IMO, 991 is CD, 997 is vinyl.
The 997 GT3 Mk2 is one of the best GT3 Porsche ever built, you can't really go wrong with this car.
Of course the new 991 GT3 will top it in any possible (performance) way but from a "raw" experience point of view, I think the 997 GT3 is just the right product.
RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche Panamera Turbo S, Cayenne GTS (958), BMW X3 35d (2012), Mini Cooper S Countryman All4
981S's steering is superb: pin point accurate, well weighted and effortless. It's too perfect if anything. It's a like picture that has been photo shopped to perfection. GT3's steering is like being where the camera was that took the picture that was photoshopped to perfection ..
For me, moving from 981S to GT3 is a bit like swimming in pool and then leaping off a yacht moored in the Ocean.
dreamcar:
sfo:
For me, moving from 981S to GT3 is a bit like swimming in pool and then leaping off a yacht moored in the Ocean.
Just make sure the sharks don't get you....
RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche Panamera Turbo S, Cayenne GTS (958), BMW X3 35d (2012), Mini Cooper S Countryman All4
I somehow completely missed this thread. Congratulations on your beautiful GT3 and thank you for the write-up. The yellow seat belts look cool. It is great to see that we all love the GT3 cars for the same reasons. This is why I decided to go all in as well.
If I don't fly, I drive my .:RS
BjoernB:
thanks for the great write up with I 100% share - I even run the car in the garage a couple of minutes when it's cold just to hear the noise bouncing back from the walls - in sport mode - what a sound !
I do the same thing every time I come home. The people in my neighborhood must hate me. I know one guy probably doesn't appreciate the engine sound too much, one time when I revved it up his car alarm went off-- I think it was scared
If I don't fly, I drive my .:RS