THE BEST PORSCHE EVER CREATED, THE 911 GT3, TURNS 25.
The presentation of the first Porsche 911 GT3 at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 1999 marked the beginning of a new era for the sports car manufacturer from Zuffenhausen. A quarter of a century later, Porsche looks back on the success story of a racing icon, characterised by performance and precision. For 25 years, every single Porsche 911 GT3 has embodied the company's essence. Four generations of the uncompromising sports car continue the 911 success story, showcasing impressive performance on the racetrack and the road. In March 1999, Porsche presented the 911 GT3 with a power output of 265 kW at the Geneva International Motor Show. A few months later, the 996 generation of the 911 followed in the footsteps of the iconic Carrera RS models. Under the bonnet of the first GT3 is a 3.6-litre engine, a further development of the six-cylinder naturally aspirated boxer engine from the 911 GT1. The final accolade was awarded to the two-time world rally champion Walter Röhrl, who drove the 302 km/h sports car over the 20.8 km-long Nordschleife of the Nürburgring in less than eight minutes. The internationally acclaimed road sports car follows three previous generations. Every three to four years, Porsche presents a new evolutionary stage, each showcasing the best innovations from motorsport. The first product upgrade to the 911 GT3 appeared in 2003 with an increase of 15 kW. Three more years passed before the worldwide fan community of the puristic sports car got to celebrate an even more powerful output that exceeded 305 kW, as well as a new maximum engine speed of 8,400 rpm. In addition to the high-speed concept, Porsche optimised the air supply for the six-cylinder boxer engine in the GT3 generation 997 to improve performance. In addition, for the first time, the sports car also featured an active suspension system in the form of Porsche Active Suspension Management. When the 911 GT3 was next upgraded in 2009, the engineers increased the engine’s displacement to 3.8 litres and increased the power to 320 kW. They also improved the chassis components and aerodynamics.
The third generation of the 911 GT3 celebrated its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2013, Porsche presented a complete redevelopment of the GT3 to mark the 50th anniversary of the 911. The 3.8-litre boxer engine delivered an output of 350 kW and reached a top speed of 315 km/h. The introduction of the Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK) in the GT3 was a revolution that enabled faster shift times and better performance. The new chassis with active rear-axle steering and other aerodynamic improvements made the 911 GT3 one of the most agile and precise 911s of all time. A lap on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife was possible in less than 7 minutes and 30 seconds. It took four years for the sports car manufacturer to once again outperform itself with the next GT3. Displacement grew to 4.0 litres, the result was a power bump to 368 kW, and it could be had with a PDK or a six-speed manual transmission. The optional touring package replaced the fixed rear wing with an automatically extending spoiler. The aerodynamic fine-tuning and the further developed chassis make the sports car an even more precise and powerful machine. The current 911 GT3 launched in 2021 is based on the 992 generation of the 911. The 4.0-litre was rated at 375 kW, and the car featured innovative racing technologies like double wishbone front suspension, optimised aerodynamics and a distinctive swan-neck rear wing. “In the 911 GT3, consistent lightweight construction meets outstanding driving dynamics and unmistakable design. Both the racing and road versions carry the Porsche DNA at their core and reflect the company’s motorsport experience. A bit of every victory from racetracks all over the world is contained in every GT3,” says Andreas Preuninger, Project Manager of GT Vehicles.
“The GT3 feels at home on the racetrack, but at the same time, it is also a high-performance sports car suitable for everyday use,” according to Roland Kussmaul. For four decades, this Ludwigsburg native worked as a racing engineer, and test and development driver at Porsche AG.
Walter Röhrl comments: “For me personally, the 911 GT3 is a racing car for the road. The 911 GT3 of the first generation 996 immediately reminded me of the 911 Carrera RS 2.7: With the GT3, driving performance and the engine were once again placed more in the spotlight. Alongside Roland Kussmaul, I was also able to be involved in the development of this model. For example, we advised against semi-slicks and recommended normal tyres. Speaking of normal tyres: I was able to set a new record directly with the GT3 on normal tyres. At the Nürburgring, I was able to beat the magic eight minutes for the first time with a series production car. The GT3 is now the dream car for every sporty, ambitious driver and fan.”Take a look at the YouTube video that shows off just why the Porsche GT3 is the ultimate Porsche and has been since it was introduced 25 years ago. From the OG 1st-gen to the modern stuff - it's the top dog and always will be: 25 years of performance and precision | The Porsche 911 GT3 | Porsche
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