Porsche unveils the 911 GT3 S/C as its first GT3 convertible

Porsche has just unveiled the new 911 GT3 S/C, a landmark debut for the German sports car as it becomes the first ever GT3 convertible. It is an unexpected addition, yet not entirely out of left field.

The previously released images left little room for doubt about what was coming. Now it is official: all specifications are confirmed, along with the Portuguese market price for this GT3.

A GT3 in the open air

The new Porsche 911 GT3 S/C blends elements from the 911 S/T with the mechanical foundation of the current GT3. The end result is a model built around a purist ethos, now paired with the option of driving under open skies.

It also brings to mind the Porsche 911 Speedster (2019). Unlike that car, however, the new 911 GT3 S/C will not be a limited-run model, and it stands out by using an automatic soft-top that can open or close in around 12 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h.

One of the usual drawbacks of convertibles is weight, which tends to rise compared with the fixed-roof model they are based on. In the case of the 911 GT3 S/C, the figure is 30 kg more than the 911 Speedster (991), bringing it to 1497 kg.

That modest gain is helped by extensive use of 911 S/T components made from carbon fibre (doors, bonnet and wings) and magnesium (wheels). Even the roof mechanism structure is magnesium. Any loss in torsional rigidity is unavoidable, but considering how the standard 911 variants behave, it should not undermine the core principles of Porsche’s GT3 line-up.

Naturally aspirated flat-six with 510 hp

At the heart of the experience is the iconic 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six, delivering the same 510 hp and 450 Nm of torque as the 911 GT3. It is offered exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox, putting to rest the rumours that it would use PDK.

As you would expect, performance is strong: just 3.9s for the 0–100 km/h sprint and a top speed of 313 km/h.

But it would be wrong to think the changes to the 911 GT3 S/C stop at removing the roof. This is also the first convertible 911 to use a double-wishbone front axle - a layout found on GT3 models.

Chassis tuning matches that of the GT3 Touring which, according to Andreas Preuninger, head of Porsche’s GT models, “takes the driving pleasure on a winding road to a level never before seen in a convertible”.

In styling terms, the new Porsche 911 GT3 S/C is set apart by a black windscreen frame, a roof finished in the same colour, and bespoke aerodynamic details - including a retractable rear wing with a gurney flap, making its debut on a 911 convertible.

An interior focused on the essentials

Inside, the approach remains consistent: two seats, a driver-first layout and a strong focus on saving weight. Standard equipment includes adjustable sports seats, with carbon-fibre bucket seats available as an option, while materials such as perforated leather and carbon fibre feature across multiple cabin elements.

A detail purists will appreciate also remains: ignition via a key to the left of the steering wheel, which on Porsche’s electric offerings has been replaced by a button.

Available to order

The new Porsche 911 GT3 S/C can now be ordered in Portugal, with prices starting at €340,762.

For buyers seeking more personalisation and extra exclusivity, the optional Street Style package (around €28,880) is available, adding numerous visual elements and distinctive details to both the exterior and interior of this model.