If it seems like we’ve had a bunch of Porsche stuff over the past week or so, that’s just because there has been some pretty cool things happening in the land of Porsche. First was news on the 2010 GT3 RSR followed almost immediately by a Porsche win at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Then, the new Porsche museum held a grand celebration and now we get our first glimpse of the 2010 911 GT3 road car.
The GT3 has always been a pretty special beast. Essentially a thinly disguised race car for the street, it allows the Porsche purist to drive their toy to work and then flog the living daylights out of it on track days. All the while remaining completely reliable, unlike the competing mid range exotics from Italy that might require the odd bit of roadside assistance.
The 2010 model is the most powerful and fastest GT3 ever. The unboosted 3.8 liter flat six has been bumped to a whopping 435 horsepower, up 20 over the previous version. This pushes the GT3 from 0-60 in 4.1 seconds, while 100 miles per hour comes up in just 8.2 seconds! Of course a GT3 must turn and stop, so the new car comes with Porsche Active Suspension Management and gigantic, lightweight disc brakes. Those brakes can be upgraded to ceramics for the really serious buyer.
Of course today’s supercar owner has to have cool factor that goes beyond just performance and the GT3 delivers some modern glam goodies. The obvious aero package, with it’s functional front splitter is complemented by Bi-Zenon headlamps and LED tail lamps. Just to keep the hardcore happy, the GT3 has wicked looking center lock wheels.
I seriously need to get some seat time in one of these!
Check out more images and the official Porsche press release after the break
MISSISSAUGA – January 29, 2009 — Porsche AG will launch the most powerful, fastest and most refined 911 GT3 ever at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3, 2009. The normally-aspirated GT3 is the latest addition to the new 911 series and applies a wide range of know-how gained in motorsport – making it truly impressive not only on the road, but also on the racetrack.
The 911 GT3 achieves higher standards in two key areas: performance and driving dynamics. Thanks to an increase in engine capacity to 3.8 litres and the fact that both the intake and, for the first time, the exhaust camshafts are adjusted by VarioCam, the naturally-aspirated six-cylinder power unit develops 435 bhp, up 20 bhp over its predecessor.
Through its upgraded power and performance, the boxer engine also offers a significant increase in torque at medium engine speeds, which is particularly significant in everyday motoring. Performance is accordingly improved; the new GT3 accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and reaches 160 km/h in just 8.2 seconds. Top track speed is 312 km/h.
The car’s driving dynamics are also significantly improved; the new GT3 offers even better grip and stability. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) has enabled Porsche’s engineers to make the springs and anti-roll bars stiffer, thus ensuring even more precise handling in sport mode, while retaining appropriate roll comfort suitable for everyday use in normal mode. For the first time, the 911 GT3 also comes with a particularly sporting setup of Porsche Stability Management (PSM), offering the option to deactivate both stability control and traction control in separate steps.
At high speeds, specific modifications of the car’s aerodynamics have increased downforce both front and rear to such an extent that the overall pressure pushing down the car is more than twice that of the former model. At the same time, the new aerodynamics package, with larger vents in both the front and rear bumpers, gives the GT3 a brand-new look, accentuated by bi-xenon headlights, LED rear light clusters and modified air intakes and outlets. New, lighter wheels with central wheel locks and ultra-high performance tires feature tire pressure control and round off the functional and visual enhancement of the GT3.
With driving dynamics and performance at an even higher level, the brake system, following an old Porsche tradition, has been enhanced accordingly. The brake discs are now larger and feature an aluminum cover to reduce weight even further. Further improvement of brake ventilation ensures an even higher level of brake power over long periods. The GT3 can also be equipped with PCCB ceramic brakes, developed specifically for this model.
Starting in autumn, the new GT3 will be available with an option to further enhance its performance on the track: new and highly innovative Porsche Active Drivetrain Mount (PADM) engine bearings. These special engine mounts recognize when the car is being driven in a sporting manner, stiffening the normally elastic engine suspension. This retains comfort in everyday traffic, while on-track, the car is not affected by mass forces coming from the engine, as would otherwise be the case in fast bends and on winding tracks. A further advantage is improved traction when accelerating from a standstill.
Also available is a new lift system for the front axle able to raise the ground clearance of the car for driving on bumpy surfaces or steep gradients – for example, an underground garage. The touch of a button raises the front ride height by 30 mm.
The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 will go on sale at Canadian dealerships in October at a price of $138,100.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I wonder if I can get a prescription from my doctor … I mean it’s a serious health issue … I NEED this car.
You know…my Doc drives a Boxter S. I just might be able to convince him to write that rx