911 GT3

Make
Porsche
Segment
Coupe

It's been more than two years since Porsche pulled the sheets off its 992 generation 911. Since then, the new convertible, Turbo, and Targa models have arrived and today the first 992 GT series is finally here. The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 is described by the automaker as the "closest connection to 911 race cars of any GT3" to date. The specs clearly prove this.

Power comes from a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six that revs to 9,000 rpm and produces a total of 502 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque. This engine is nearly identical to the one in the track-only 911 GT3 Cup race car. It also powers the 2019 911 Speedster, though Porsche says it's been upgraded with new pistons.

A seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox is standard, routing power to the rear wheels only. And yes, a six-speed manual remains offered for serious enthusiasts, though the PDK does have a special gear selector lever enabling manual shifts.

With the PDK, 0-60 mph happens in 3.2 seconds and cruises to a top speed of 197 mph. As with any track-focused machine, shaving weight is the name of the game. Despite the GT3's front track width increasing by 1.9 inches compared to the regular 992, it still weighs nearly the same as the 991.2 GT3. This was accomplished with greater use of lightweight build materials. The hood, rear wing, and fixed rear spoiler underneath that wing are all carbon fiber. Insulated and lightweight glass is found on every window.

Exterior modifications are all about aerodynamic efficiency, such as the new front fascia with integrated cooling intakes and an adjustable front spoiler lip and diffuser. Unique side skirts further optimize airflow around the wheels. Supported by swan-neck connections is the manually adjustable, four-stage rear wing. Downforce is up by 50 percent in the "normal" position while the track-only performance position increases that to up to 150 percent.

The GT3's suspension shares zero parts with any 911 Carrera model. Engineers took the double-wishbone setup from the 911 RSR and GT3 Cup cars, though some modifications were necessary for road car use. The rear unit continues with a multilink design and additional ball joints were added front and rear for an even sharper chassis. Bigger brakes were also utilized and despite having the same 408-mm diameter as the 911 Turbo's they're 17 percent lighter thanks to a narrower friction ring. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes remain optional.

A set of staggered forged alloy wheels, measuring 20/21 inches front/rear are wider than those of the previous GT3 but are also nearly 3.5 pounds lighter. Ultra-high performance summer tires are standard and, for the first time, buyers can get street-legal rubber found only on RS models. These are the same tires used for Nurburgring benchmark laps.

And speaking of which, Porsche says the new GT3 lapped the Nurburgring-Nordschleife in 6:59.927 - over 17 seconds faster than its predecessor.

Step inside and you'll find a multifunction sport steering wheel covered in Race-Tex upholstery and a drive mode switch. A set of four-way sport seats are standard and 18-way seats are optional, as are carbon-fiber full bucket seats. The most significant interior change, however, is the aforementioned PDK manual gear selection lever designed only for the GT3. Drivers unlock it by pressing the shift pattern on top, making manual upshifts and downshifts possible without using the paddles.

Like before, a GT-specific track screen function makes it easier for drivers to see vital information like tire pressure and water temperature. The Chrono Package, which tacks on an analog stopwatch and Lap Trigger support, remains optional.

Pricing will be announced closer to the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3's arrival in dealers next fall.