2021 Porsche 911 GT3 Coupe. 4th generation
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a high-performance rear-wheel drive version of the Porsche 911 sports car, manufactured as a coupe since 1999. The market currently offers the 4th generation of the sports car, released in 2021.
With each new generation, the 911 GT3 is getting faster and more responsive. One of the ingredients for the success of the Porsche 911 GT3 is the application of the auto racing experience and innovation to the development of the road version. The new Porsche 911 GT3 is no exception. The new generation has been developed in close collaboration with the Porsche Motorsport division. Once again, racing technology has been carried over to the production model. The resulting car is impressive in every way. It is fuel-efficient and emotional, responsive and highly dynamic, ideally suited for use on the race circuit and practical in everyday life. ‘When we have the same engineers who develop our race cars also working on the design of a new GT car for the road, that is the most direct technology transfer I can imagine, ” said Andreas Preuninger, General Manager of GT Model Line.
Distinctive features
The car has excellent aerodynamics. For the first time in a production Porsche, engineers have installed a hanging rear wing. Its Swan Neck suspension is similarly used on the GT 911 RSR and the 911 GT3 Cup race cars. Since two aluminum angles hold the wing element from above, air flow can flow freely around the lower side, reducing aerodynamic losses and increasing downforce.
The aerodynamics created with the use of racing experience generates significantly more downforce without significantly increasing air resistance. Manually adjustable spoiler and diffuser elements when set to the Performance position significantly increase downforce for higher cornering speeds. All of this is intended to be on the racetrack, as this is where the new Porsche 911 GT3 can unleash its full potential. According to the company, the new 911 GT3 generates 50 per cent more downforce than its predecessor at 200 km/h just in the ex-works setting. In the setting with maximum downforce, the increase is as much as over 150 per cent.
‘When we have the same engineers who develop our race cars also working on the design of a new GT car for the road, that is the most direct technology transfer I can imagine’
Despite the wider body, larger wheels and additional technical components, the weight of the new GT3 is quite comparable to the previous model. It weighs 1,418 kg when equipped with a manual transmission, and 1,435 kg with the PDK. The front cover made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (carbon), lightweight glass, optimized brake discs and forged alloy wheels and a rear compartment cover contribute to the lower weight. The lightweight sports exhaust system immediately saves 10 kg. Equipped with electrically infinitely variable changeover flaps, it creates a unique emotional sound. The dimensions of the 2-door 2-seater coupe are as follows: 4,573×1,852×1,279 mm (length x width x height). The wheelbase is 2,457 mm.
Interior
The 2021/2022 Porsche 911 GT3 comprises the most sophisticated technologies. While designing it, the developers were primarily focused on increasing the dynamic potential of the sports car, but not at the expense of suitability for everyday use. The closeness to motorsport is also reflected in the interior of the new 911 GT3. Another new feature is the Track Screen: when a button is pressed, the digital displays to the left and right of the center tachometer, with a scale marked up to 10,000 rpm, switch to an abbreviated display mode and display only the information required for the race track (pressure tire air pressure, oil pressure, oil temperature, fuel level in the tank and coolant temperature). In addition, the data of the gear shift assistant are displayed with colored stripes to the left and right of the tachometer and a motorsport-inspired Shift Light.
The Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur special package offers a lightweight carbon fiber roof, carbon fiber mirror caps, tinted LED matrix headlights and similarly styled exclusive taillights with a light bar without red elements. Black alloy wheels with Guards Red or Shark Blue painted rim flange look incredibly luxurious.
The custom chronograph is as unique as the 911 GT3 itself. Porsche Design offer this device exclusively offers to sports car buyers. The chronograph is characterized by a dynamic design, exceptional functionality and high quality workmanship. The chronograph case reflects its affinity for motorsport: just like the connecting rods of the GT3 engine, it is made of durable and lightweight titanium. The rotor is custom designed for the 911 GT3 rim. The colored dial ring is available in body color.
Engines
The new 4-liter 6-cylinder boxer engine is based on the drive of the endurance racer, the 911 GT3 R. This high-revving engine with excellent acoustics is also used by the new 911 GT3 Cup. It is almost unchanged and is very responsive to the accelerator pedal. It develops 510 hp (10 hp more than for the previous model) and reaches maximum power at 8,400 rpm. The electronics interrupt the rev range setting only at around 9,000 rpm. The maximum torque has increased from 460 to 470 Nm. Considering the high longitudinal and lateral accelerations that the new 911 GT3 has to withstand on the racetrack, particular attention has been paid to the lubrication system of the high-revving engine. Just like for race cars, it uses a dry sump lubrication system with a separate oil reservoir.
The 2021/2022 Porsche 911 GT3 coupe has a truly sporty character. Thus, the car can reach a speed of 320 km/h (318 km/h for the version with a 7-speed PDK transmission), while accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. For those who love special sporting sensations, Porsche offers a 6-speed manual transmission (acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h occurs in 3.9 seconds). The combined fuel consumption of the 911 GT3 is 12.4-13.3 liters per 100 kilometers.
