Porsche 911 GT3 (992): what we already know so far

Don’t watch it-listen instead. Play the opening seconds of the featured video and the one below showing the new (still camouflaged) Porsche 911 GT3 (992) and you’ll understand everything you need to: that kind of ~~noise~~ music can only come from a naturally aspirated engine.

We’ve nothing against turbochargers and, certainly, nothing against the 911 Turbo models-at Razão Automóvel, for the first time, we awarded top marks to a tested car, and it was the new 911 Turbo S. Even so, it’s reassuring to know there’s still room for cars like the new 911 GT3: purer, sharper… and more thrilling.

This is not yet the official final unveiling, so there are no specifications to share. Even so, Porsche-via Andreas Preuninger, head of development for the GT models-has allowed a handful of outlets early access, letting slip some valuable snippets about the new 911 GT3.

What have we learned?

The flat-six boxer will remain naturally aspirated, as we’ve already seen, and despite being fitted with a particulate filter, it sounds divine-as we’ve already heard. Beyond that, nothing is confirmed, but we’d be surprised if it produced less than the 500 hp its predecessor had. It will be paired with either a manual gearbox or a dual-clutch transmission (PDK), and drive continues to go exclusively to the rear wheels.

It’s worth pointing out that, on the PDK version, the selector is the same size as the manual gear lever, rather than the small toggle found in the “normal” 911 models. This means the lever can be used to shift sequentially (something you can’t do with the mini selector) without relying on the paddles behind the steering wheel. Some prefer it that way-Preuninger included-when driving the 911 GT3 on the road, saving the paddles for track use, all in the name of increasing interaction with the machine.

As the first GT model to emerge from the 992 generation, the new 911 GT3 is longer and wider than its predecessor. Even so, the larger footprint hasn’t brought extra weight: kerb mass is quoted at 1430 kg (with all fluids included, ready to drive), matching the previous model. To achieve this, the new 911 GT3 uses a carbon-fibre front bonnet, a lighter exhaust system, thinner glass for the rear screen, and reduced sound-deadening material-among other measures we’ll learn about shortly…

The growth in size also allowed more rubber on the road: up front there are 255 tyres on 20-inch wheels, while at the rear they are now 315, with wheel diameter increasing from 20 inches to 21 inches (the same size as the 911 GT3 RS of the 991 generation).

A first for the new Porsche 911 GT3 is the adoption of a double-wishbone front suspension layout (replacing the usual MacPherson set-up), a solution previously seen only on certain competition 911s such as the “monster” 911 RSR. The braking system has also been uprated, with the front steel discs growing in diameter from 380 mm to 408 mm.

“Swan-neck”

And because a 911 GT3 is a 911 GT3, aerodynamics must be part of the conversation. The headline change is the new rear wing, whose look has triggered plenty of controversy in countless online comments.

It stands apart from every wing that has graced the back of the 911 over the decades by supporting the wing from above, creating mounts known as a “swan-neck” (swan-neck). Love it or hate it, Porsche wouldn’t choose this approach without a benefit-and those gains have already been proven where it matters most: on track. It’s the same solution used on the 911 RSR.

As you can see, the wing’s underside is left “clean”, free of any interruptions. The advantage? It can generate more downforce with a smaller wing angle, which also means less aerodynamic drag-so you get the best of both worlds…

When will we see it without camouflage?

Despite Chris Harris’s best efforts (in Top Gear’s video) to peel back the cover on Porsche’s latest darling, the final reveal may still take a little longer. But given that these two videos have now been published-the featured one at the top is Carfection’s-it shouldn’t be far off.

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