Porsche Adds to the 911 Stable With GT3 and T Derivatives

Porsche’s latest additions to the 911 stable focus on motorsport-bred pace and low-frills driving enjoyment…

Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag. 

Never one to mess with a winning formula Porsche has been subtle with the updates to what’s considered one of its headlining 911s, the GT3. Cosmetically, the looks have been sharpened thanks to enhanced aerodynamics that improve downforce, as well as the use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic in parts of the bodywork to keep things light. Similarly, the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine has remained largely untouched. Featuring revised cylinder heads and a more aggressive camshaft profile that allows it to rev to 9 000 r/min, this unit still develops 373 kW, but torque is marginally down from 470 to 450 N.m in the name of accommodating emissions-reducing particulate filters and a quartet of catalytic converters.

Coupled with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox, or optional 7-speed PDK transmission – both of which sport a shorter final drive ratio that improves top-end driveability – it propels the three-pedal version from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds on the way to a 313 km/h top speed, while the PDK hits the ton in 3.4 seconds and tops out at 311 km/h. Those looking for a touch more long-distance civility from their GT3 may look at the Touring Package, which offers a more subtle aesthetic, and the likes of an optional rear seat system and 18-way adaptive sports seats are now offered. The Touring is also offered with. Leichtbau (literally ‘light build’) package that features magnesium forged wheels, lightweight doors and a body-coloured roof. Furthermore, components such as the stabiliser, coupling rods and shear panel on the rear axle are made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). An equivalent Weissach package for the non-Touring GT3 offers a selection of track-focused configurable features (CFRP roof, rear wing, anti-roll bar assembly among the number), while a CFRP roll cage and lightweight forged wheels are offered as options. Both the GT3 and Touring are available to order now at R4 709 00

Related: Road Test: Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI R-Line DSG

Porsche is also expanding its updated 911 range to include coupé and cabriolet versions of the T; a lighter, even more driver-focused take on the Carrera. With its ‘T’ suffix serving as an historic nod to the original ‘Touring’ road-going racecar homologation 911s from 1968, the latest car features lightweight components such as thinner glazing, reduced insulation and a six-speed manual transmission that shaves 40 kg off the kerb weight of the standard Carrera.

In addition, the T features an aerodynamically optimised rear spoiler. Power is provided by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre flat-six developing 290 kW and 450 N.m. Featuring a sports exhaust, this unit sends drive to the rear axle via a 6-speed manual gearbox with a rev-matching function. Fitted with the Sports Chrono package as standard, the T can crack 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds on the way to a 295 km/h top speed (4.7 seconds and 293 km/h for the cabriolet). In terms of dynamic enhancements, the T features rear-axle steering and the PASM active suspension management system (which is lowered by 10 mm compared with the standard Carrera), as well as a sharper electric power-assisted steering setup.

Related: Ford Mustang Dark Horse in SA: 2024 Allocation Already Spoken For

Now available to order, the 911 Carrera T coupé retails from R2 735 000 and the cabriolet starts at R3 019 000. 

Find the full feature in the January issue of CAR Magazine.

Browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!

The post Porsche Adds to the 911 Stable With GT3 and T Derivatives appeared first on CAR Magazine.