Arguably one of the most highly-anticipated sportscar launches for this year, the all-new 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 has finally been unveiled. The high-performance version of the 992 generation Porsche 911 massively improves upon what made every GT3 so good in the first place, it now laps the famed Nurburgring race track in under 7 minutes.
The huge leap in performance is thanks to numerous improvements made to the chassis and engine. Amid the world’s focus towards electrification and turbocharging, Porsche still uses a naturally aspirated engine. In this case, it’s a 4.0-liter six-cylinder boxer engine that’s identical to the 911 GT3 Cup racecar and revs up to 9,000 rpm. Not only does it sound far better than any electrified or turbocharged engine, but it also produces an impressive 502 hp and 469 Nm of torque.
Power is, of course, sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) as standard. Thankfully, those who still prefer rowing their own gears and have three pedals can still rejoice because the 911 GT3 will continue to be offered with a 6-speed manual as an option. However, opting for this transmission means zero to 100 kph is achieved in 3.9 seconds, 0.5 seconds slower than the DCT-equipped 911 GT3. Top speed is slightly higher though at 320 kph, 3 kph more than with the DCT.
One of the most noteworthy highlights of the all-new 911 GT3 is its chassis upgrades. The front track is wider by 1.9 inches, and this has also enabled the 911 GT3 to utilize an independent double-wishbone front suspension for the first time in decades. This significantly improves the 911 GT3’s cornering stability and grip, especially on uneven surfaces. At the back, the 911 GT3 still uses an independent multilink suspension, though Porsche used more ball joints for this model.
Aerodynamics also plays a crucial role in the 911 GT3’s impressive Nurburgring lap time. The high-performance 911 gets a manually-adjustable front spoiler lip and front diffuser, aerodynamic side skirts, a rear diffuser and that “swan-neck” rear wing that’s also manually adjustable. Porsche says that even with all the adjustable aero kits in their normal position, they already produce 50 percent more downforce than the 991 model. When switched to its ‘performance’ position, the downforce increases by a whopping 150 percent, which Porsche says isn’t ideal for use on public roads.
Despite being ever-so-slightly larger than the 991 model, this 992 generation 911 GT3 still weighs the same as its predecessor, weighing at 1,418 kg for the manual models and 1,435 kg for those with the DCT. This is thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials on the hood and rear wing. Meanwhile, the fixed spoiler under the rear wing is now made out of carbon fiber. The windows are also made out of lightweight noise-insulating glass for further weight reduction.
As a result of all these upgrades, the all-new Porsche 911 GT3 laps the Nurburgring Nordschleife in just 6 minutes 59.927 seconds. For perspective, that’s 13 seconds quicker than the 991-generation GT3 and six seconds faster than its more capable GT3 RS sibling.
Porsche also implemented a number of upgrades to the interior of the 911 GT3. These include a GT3-specific multifunction steering wheel wrapped in Race-Tex as standard. For the first time ever, the 911 GT3 now comes with a drive mode switch. Drivers can opt for two seat options, one with 18-way adjustment or the full carbon fiber bucket seats, with the latter being 11.8 kg lighter than the standard seats. Lastly, the gear lever has also been redesigned. Whereas the standard 911 uses a tiny electronic gear shifter, the 911 GT3 uses a mechanical gear lever, with the DCT-equipped model featuring a very similar design to the manual gear lever.
The all-new 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 is expected to go on sale this fall in the United States and in Europe.
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