Porsche 911 GT3

Overview:

  911 series cars doesn't need any introduction in high performance sports cars world. 911 GT3 is the racing version of the infamous 911 and has won many competitions around the globe. Porsche Supercup, 24 Hours of Daytona, 24 Hours Nürburgring, American Le Mans Series, this car has won many national and international cups and series. It has rear engine rear drive layout. GT3 is amalgamation of Carrera's outer shell and Porsche's racing inspired technology. In its latest avatar Porsche has for the first time fitted it with Direct fuel injection system along with 7 speed PDK automatic transmission which has further enhanced its already unmatched performance characteristics. It is powered by 3.8 liter 6 cylinder flat-engine delivering maximum of 475 hp with maximum torque of 440 Nm giving mileage figure of 8 Kilometer per liter.It look similar to Carrera with few tweaks here and there, its a Porsche and they knows about styling better than anyone else. Interior are designed to keep the driver's focus more on road, in the cabin you get the traditional tail end design dashboard with all the basic features along with comfortable sports seats and enough space. GT3 carries heritage of Porsche's more than half century racing heritage. The GT3 on sale is closest to the race cars you see on track. And you can own this race-track super model now through Eurocars (Private) Limited which is the sole authorized importer and dealer for Porsche vehicles in Sri Lanka.

Mileage and Fuel Economy:

Though when we talk about sports cars we don't talk much about their fuel efficiency, neither the manufacturers take this in consideration during design phase. Still Porsche designers efforts like introduction of Direct fuel injection (DFI) for the first time in GT3 model, improvisation of intake manifold by introducing a resonance pipe with resonance flap to supplement conventional distributor pipe, better aerodynamics than previous version and the PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung ) automatic transmission has resulted in mileage figure of around 8 Kilometer per liter of fuel.

Power:

GT3 is powered by 3.8 liter 6 cylinder flat-engine which generate a maximum power output of 475 hp at 8250 rpm and a maximum torque of 440 Nm at 6250 rpm. The engine is mated with seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission which is silent and shifts gear in few milliseconds without any lag in power.

Acceleration & Pickup:

Changes like Direct fuel injection (DFI), which has increased performance of the engine, PDK(Porsche Doppelkupplung) automatic transmission which results in faster gear change with no interruption in the flow of power to provide faster acceleration and racing inspired aerodynamics helps GT3 in achieving acceleration figure of 0 to 100 Kmph in just 3.5 seconds 0.6 seconds faster than its predecessor. Porsche 911 GT3 can run at top speed of 315 Kmph.

Exterior:

It's designed to be the closest you'll ever get to a 911 race car for the road. You simply cannot ignore its looks, though most of its exterior design elements are borrowed from its predecessor. Its Bi-Xenon headlamps are part of Porsche's racing heritage. The air outlet over front luggage compartment improves the aerodynamics, the front spoiler wider improves down thrust at the front axle. Its basic body elements are taken from 911 Carrera S. The base of the sport design exterior mirrors reflects the v-shaped styling of the wheel spokes. The rear houses a huge wing , signature dual exhaust pipes placed at the center. The rear bumper houses vertical air ducts at the ends. The tail light is sleek in design with day time running lights their design reminds of Porsche motorsport classics.

Exterior Measurements:

It has a wheelbase of 2457 mm which provides it enough legroom and adds to its stability at high speeds and tight turns. Compared to its predecessor its is 118mm longer and 44 mm wider from the rear end, the overall dimension being 4545mm x 1852 mm x 1269mm (L x W x H).

Interior

Porsche has tried to keep cabin simple to improve its performance but you can upgrade it by your choice. The interior is dominated by alcantara and leather. Alacantra provides grip therefore it is used smartly on the steering wheel rim and gear selector. The dashboard is traditional tail end design with various buttons to activate various features like PDK sport, sports exhaust feature etc. The instrument cluster includes with a high-resolution 4.6-inch TFT color display. Which provides data such as average speed and fuel consumption, fuel range from the on-board computer. Instead of providing a digital dial, Porsche has provided traditional dials carrying decade old Porsche heritage. You can also choose optional Sport Chrono package which comprises an analogue and digital stopwatch on the dashboard with Porsche Communication Management (PCM).

Interior Comforts:

Seats are sporty yet comfortable with “GT3” logo in the middle. Made of carbon fiber height can be adjusted electronically. Porsche gives you option of Sports bucket seats and Adaptive Sports seats Plus. Sports bucket seats are lightweight racing seats with folding backrest along with integrated thorax airbag. On the other hand Adaptive Sports seat plus is combination of sport and comfort and is suitable whether you drive driving on road or race track. It offers 18-way electric adjustment, fore/aft adjustment and four-way lumbar support. But to sit over them you need to request Porsche first.

Interior Measurements:

You don't judge a sports car by looking at its cargo space or asking about the same. But still since its a RR(rear engine rear wheel) drive car therefore if you want to spend your weekend in Bentota Beach you can carry small suitcase in its front luggage compartment. Which has decent cargo volume of 125 liter.

Engine and Performance:

Porsche has fitted Direct fuel injection (DFI) in GT3 model, which has increased its power output and improved it fuel efficiency simultaneously lowering CO2 emissions. The engine's intake manifold is also tweaked the conventional distributor pipe is now supplemented by a resonance pipe with resonance flap which results in optimizing amount of charge entering cylinder. With these improvement the 3.8 liter flat 6 engine of GT3 now produces a maximum power of 475 horses at 8250 rpm and peak torque of 440 Nm at 6250 rpm. As already mentioned engine is mated with PDK(Porsche Doppelkupplung) dual clutch automatic transmission which is in continuous refining process since 1960's assists in gear changing with a blink of eye with no interruption in the power flow. Its gear ratios are specific to the 911 GT3. To experience its true performance you need to shift to race-track.

Stereo and Accessories:

The CDR audio system comes as standard it features a 7 inch touchscreen color monitor. It supports MP3 playback an FM dual tuner, speed-sensitive volume control, dynamic autostore and 30 memory presets. To give sound to the music it comes fitted with 4 loudspeakers and an integrated amplifier. For enhanced features and sound experience you can also choose from following options CDR Plus audio system, Sound Package Plus and Porsche Communication Management (PCM). With CDR Plus audio system you get 9 loudspeakers with total output of 235 watts. Sound Package Plus comes with specially tuned 9 loudspeakers according to interiors of the car with a separate amplifier. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) comes with 7-inch intuitive touchscreen which controls you audio, navigation and communication features.

Wheels

On race track the performance of the car can be seriously hampered with bad set of tyres. So for better performance Porsche has provided 2 different set of tyres for summer and winter season. The summer season tyres comes with large 19 to 21 inch alloy wheels with tyre size from 235/40 ZR 19 to 325/30 ZR 21. And winter tryes are provided with 19 to 20 inch alloy wheels, with tyre size ranging from 235/40 R 19 to 315/35 R 20.

Braking And Handling:

For a sports car its 100 to 0 Kmph figure is as important as its 0 to 100 Kmph. In simple language how quickly it decelerate is as important as how quickly it accelerate. Better brakes means better deceleration. GT3 comes well equipped with large specially designed lightweight brake system. The front axle get its stopping power from six-piston aluminum brake calipers while rear axle is fitted with our-piston equivalents. The brakes are designed as mono-bloc unit to make them tougher. For better dissipation of heat energy brakes are cross-drilled and internally vented. The way this car handles is phenomenal. It has cleverly designed steering at low speed when you turn the car its rear wheel steers in opposite direction which improves its low-speed agility. But at higher speeds (above 80 Kmph) they behave in their natural way. In race-track its still one of the best handling car.

Safety And Security:

Porsche never compromises on safety. Since Porsche has rear engine rear wheel drive layout its front boot space act as crumple zone in front impact. GT3 comes with Porsche Side Impact Protection System (POSIP) as standard it basically protects the driver and passenger from side impacts. It consist of side impact protection beams in the doors with total of 4 airbags two on each side. Apart from that headrests are provided on both seats, three-point seat belts with pretentioners and force limiters are provided. For enhanced safety even the dashboard is fitted with energy elements which absorbs energy in collision. Further you can also ask Porsche for Clubsport package, Porsche will do that for you at no extra cost. It includes a roll cage bolted to the body behind the front seats, fire extinguisher and a six-point racing harness for driver.

Pros:

Superb engine performance Incredible handling Automatic PDK is simply awesome with almost no lag Responsive and driver friendly

Cons:

Available in limited numbers Little up on price Lacks individual identity on the outside