997 GT3



911 GT3 What is it?
The most focussed and involving 997 besides the road compromised GT3 RS.

So it’s a Carrera on steroids?
It may look like a Carrera with a fancy rear wing and some scaffolding in the back, but its persona is every bit as sharp as its exterior implies. Unlike the GT2, it’s not the engine that takes centre-stage of the whole experience, though it does deserve a special mention.

The Le-Mans winning GT1-sourced engine produces a menacing 415bhp at 7600rpm from its 3.6-litre displacement and melds perfectly with the rest of the package. This really is motoring nirvana; the howling flat-six engine is sensational and only to be matched by the rest of the car’s cat-like responses, resulting in a point-to-point adrenaline filled rollercoaster ride. Porsche’s optional Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) are superb, the gearchange- perhaps a slight exercise in over-engineering- is nevertheless placed perfectly for blink-of-an-eye changes.

The seats, again, are perfect for the job and with the engine slung out over the rear wheels and super sticky semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport Cup rubber, the car has phenomenal levels of grip and never feels anything less than planted. But, amazingly, all this performance and mind-warping ability doesn’t come at the cost of a loss in all practicality. The ride is firm, sure, but nothing you can’t tolerate. Put simply, the GT3 is an intoxicating 911.

What’s it like compared to the GT2?
The two cars may share the same ‘GT’ prefix, however their demeanours are entirely different. Where the GT2 uses brawn, the GT3 uses razor-sharp tactile responses to assault the senses. Both are utterly absorbing to drive but for different reasons.

The GT2 commands respect and its spikier turbocharged power delivery-combined with its wider Carrera 4 body-shell- means its full potential can rarely be exploited on the typical British road. The normally aspirated 911, however, beckons you in to drive it hard and communicates all its messages through its wonderful informative steering, providing a constant drip-fed update on the road surface and levels of grip.

Both cars have phenomenal engines; the normally aspirated unit is a firecracker, storming towards its 8400rpm redline with a simply awesome flat-six wail. For the ultimate in smack in the gob acceleration the GT2 has the edge, though. However, the accolade of ultimate driver’s 911 must go to the GT3.

Does it live up to the hype?
Of course it does. The GT3 is sorely missed, but we’ve no doubt the next one will be even more accomplished than its predecessor.

Verdict?
A truly epic 911.

Specification
911 GT3
Engine: 3600cc, flat-six water-cooled
Max Power: 415hp @ 7600rpm
Max Torque: 298lb ft @ 5500rpm
Weight: 1395kg
Transmission: 6-speed gearbox, rear-wheel drive
Max Speed: 192mph
0-60mph: 4.3 seconds
Price: £ 80,600
Price as tested: 94,792


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