Porsche unveils new 992-generation 911 GT3 for 2021

It’s built in small numbers for enthusiasts keen to own the ultimate manual sports car, but getting one isn’t easy, even if you have the money.

Porsche’s 911 GT3 is my go-to answer to the question motoring journalists are asked almost every day.

“What’s the best car you’ve driven?” isn’t always easy to answer, as “best” can mean many different things.

The best option won’t be a two-seat sports car if you need to go camping with kids.

Porsche’s 911 GT3 is the sports car benchmark.

But if “best” means the most memorable, engaging, thrilling and desirable, then the previous-generation “991” edition of the 911 GT3 is hard to beat.

And the new 992-generation GT3 could go to the top of the list.

Powered by a development of the old car’s 4.0-litre flat six, the new machine offers 375kW of power, enough to reach 100km/h in 3.4 seconds.

That’s not earth-shattering in the world of modern supercars. But it’s quick enough.

The new GT3 has ‘swan neck’ rear spoiler mounts that help increase downforce.

The big changes include a cabin that benefits from the 992 era’s superior connectivity, along with a more efficient “swan neck” rear wing and supercar-like wishbone front suspension. Lighter bodywork, beefed-up brakes and stickier tyres help shave 17 seconds from its Nurburgring lap time.

For folks who aren’t intimately familiar with the naming conventions high-end cars, the GT3 is a motorsport-inspired version of Porsche’s brilliant 911.

GT3 customers can have their car fitted with racing seats, a roll cage and safety harnesses.

The regular 911 is the motoring industry’s sports car benchmark, and the GT3 is the most driver-focused variant in the range.

It isn’t the fastest, most expensive or powerful version, as it lacks the turbochargers and tenacious all-wheel-drive system of the quicker 911 Turbo S.

The tron-like blade of red light found on the 992-generation Porsche remains on the new GT3.

But the 911 GT3’s lighter weight, more precise suspension and uncompromising engine should make it an unmitigated thrill to drive.

The previous model fizzed with enthusiasm on a brisk drive, buzzing with sensations through fixed-back seats and a lovely microfibre steering wheel.

A successor to the wingless ‘GT3 Touring’ variant will debut later in the year.

It matched a howling 9000rpm redline with the unique option of a perfectly-weighted six-speed manual transmission.

Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren no longer sell cars with a manual transmission. Even hot hatches such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI aren’t available with a clutch pedal in Australia.

The vast majority of motorsport machines, from Formula 1 to rallying, endurance racing or electric Formula E no longer have a manual transmission.

Customers can choose to shift their own gears in the 911 GT3.

But the GT3 bucks the trend, and is all the better for it. You can have it with a dual-clutch auto that brings faster shifts and quicker lap times, but we would pick the manual every time.

Every gear shift offers a chance to savour an intoxicating 4.0-litre engine that filled the cabin with the sound of motorsport.

Chances are, if you visit a racetrack, you will hear the furious sound of a 911’s six cylinder motor.

The new machine’s motor is based on the engine used in the Bathurst 12 Hour-winning 911 GT3R. Photo: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

It might be as the Carrera Cup or Supercup support acts to Supercars or F1, the main event at the Bathurst 12 Hour, a GT class contender at Le Mans or a Targa Tasmania frontrunner.

Frequently spotted at amateur track days, the GT3 is the weapon of choice for many wealthy enthusiasts who want a fast, reliable and exciting toy for weekends.

I’ve been lucky enough to test the majority of performance cars sold in Australia in the last decade or so, and the 991-generation 911 GT3 remains unbeaten at the top of the dream car list for potential lottery purchases.

The GT3’s ‘Clubsport’ package brings a roll cage and fire extinguisher.

The new machine promises to be even better when it arrives locally in the second half of the year.

Porsche hasn’t confirmed pricing, which is likely to be about $400,000 on the road.

While the GT3 has not officially sold out, folks who aren’t on a first-name basis with the local Porsche dealership are unlikely to be able to get hold of one.

New Michelin tyres helped the car set a sub-7 minute lap of the Nurburgring.

When the last model was unveiled, a successful friend who is a partner in a major law firm tried to buy one, only to be told Australia’s allocation was effectively spoken for before the car was revealed.

That might also be the case for the new model — the official line from Porsche is that interested parties should get in quick.

Even if owning one isn’t a reality for the vast majority of enthusiasts, it doesn’t hurt to dream.

Originally published as Porsche unveils new 992-generation 911 GT3 for 2021