New Porsche 911 GT3: 2017 Geneva Motor Show

The new 911 GT3 is here, and here’s the biggest news of it all: it gets the option of a proper manual gearbox. Ohhh yes. *grin*

The engine in the back would be a bigger, naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six , the same in the current GT3 RS and the enthralling 911 R. It makes the same amount of power, 493bhp to be exact. But the internals are not the same. The parts used have create less  internal friction and operate at lower temperatures, allowing this engine to rev upto 9000rpm.

Now, there are two choices of transmission on offer: one is the 7-speed PDK paddleshifter as standard, or the right choice, a six-speed manual gearbox. The PDK does manage a quicker time of 0-100kph; 3.4 seconds compared to 3.9 seconds with the manual. The top speed of the new 911 GT3 is 320kph.

For handling, the GT3 gets lowered by 25mm compared to the 911 Carrera S. It also gets four-wheel steering, dynamic engine mounts and even a limited slip-differential on the rear axle.

The rest of the looks update looks most like the facelifted 911, with new headlights and stylistic tweaks on the outside. It also gets a new infotainment system, which comes loaded with a ‘Porsche Track Precision’ app. This app allows you to record your lap-times on your smartphone for later analysis, as you would if you were to pick a 911 GT3.  Fun times ahead then, with Porsche. Reckon if Ferrari will introduce a proper manual shifter on one of their beauties?