AG96 • Porsche 911 (991) GT3 '15

It is now a tradition since 1999, is the GT3 version of the sporty variant of the 911. But not the extreme because the title is reserved for the GT3 RS. The 911 GT3 is somehow more comfortable Porsche race but also the wildest road Porsche. A compromise renewed for the third time in 2014 and that promises even more demonic performance. But what is it really?

Technical sheet

Model	Porsche 911 GT3
Engine	3.8 inline 6-cylinder 475 horsepower
Dimensions	4.54 x 1.85 x 1.27 meter
Mass	1 430 kg
Marketing	2014 - 2015
average coast	130 000 €
0 to 100 km / h	3"5
max	315 km/h
Consumption	12.4 l / 100 km
Date and place	June 10, 2015, Le Mans

Ever . Porsche GT3 formalized on the fifth generation of 911 (996) in 1999. A model that aims to offer a new experience to its customers, from its inception touted for its ability to drop below 8 minutes the prestigious Nürburgring. Since the generation 997 also received a GT3 versions. More extreme versions GT3 RS were published, up to 415 horsepower and 500 horsepower even for the dreaded 911 (997) GT3 RS 4.0. But when Porsche has renewed the 911 for the sixth time, things have changed a bit. The drop is primarily aesthetic with a line deeply rearranged for this vintage 911 991. A line of highest union, a longer hood line and an altogether more aggressive. This is even more the case in this GT3 declination larger bumpers and spoiler fixed even bigger than the 997 GT3.

The mouth . However, the ingredients remain the same. The bumpers of the 911 (991) GT3 are based on those of its predecessor. But the whole was more pierced with one goal: accentuate the sporty side. Note also the almost full grids that facilitate the work of miniature models manufacturers! Aerodynamics displays a very correct Cx 0.33 but higher than the 997 (0.28) . Do less well, this is not the practice of the firm, which has largely caught on other items. The first is the style. Fans of the line of this seventh generation Porsche 911 will appreciate the audacity and made ​​changes. For others, the results may be more mixed. For the first time, a GT3 version authorized to go on track then, is not available in manual transmission. Certainly, the PDK, especially equipped with paddle shifters is an example of efficiency, but a traditional alternative would certainly restored the smile to many porschistes.

For the track . Ultimately, the line is still pretty darn desirable and it would be a lie that we not wish to have it in our garage! At the rear, the spoiler polymer is noted as the wings for the opportunity extended by 48 millimeters. Always looking for relief, the 911 GT3 remains a strict two-seater and maintains its total weight to 1.4 ton, only 20 kg more than the 997. But for engineers, the task was difficult because the 2015 model integrates for the first time in series rear steering axle. It follows a road holding up, passage speeds even more impressive curve. That's not all, the whole frame part has been optimized copiously with active engine mounts that enhance stiffness, damping control and torque vectoring, which are integrated as standard.Braking is always biting, with both standard steel discs carbon-ceramic discs as an option displayed for the price of a new Renault Twingo. The whole is so consistent and to suggest that the 911 GT3 has not lost its character: it is a model developed for the track and his performances attest.

20 inches . The first Porsche 911 was mounted on wheels 15 inches in diameter. It was a size quite correct in 1964 but has grown to almost one inch for each generation of 911. Thus, the minimum diameter of the rim on the proposed generation 991 is 19 inches. For the GT3 version is the same 20-inch and visually speaking, it does not seem excessive, however. The brake discs too are a very handsome volume . Note also the central clamping nut, now standard which allows a quick change rims, a focused device for the competition. Under the hood (back course) , the Flat-6 always answers this with an unchanged displacement from 911 (997) GT3 facelift, 3.8 liters. He again ignores the turbo but still manages to maintain its consumption. A pure sports?

475 horses . The 6-cylinder flat, typical of Porsche receives a dry sump. Compared to 997, it shows lower times at very low revs but beyond that, the difference is noticeable. Accelerations are frank, 3.5 seconds for the 0 to 100 km / h in launch control mode and 4 seconds without. Performance similar to those of the outgoing GT3 RS. The red zone is postponed to 9000 rev / m and the beautiful distills always as magical sound. PDK may lack authenticity but provides passages flash report, in a tone worthy of a racing model. Sport mode accentuates the phenomenon, leaving 475 horses scream and get his driver and his passenger some unique sensations. The chassis, hobby brand is still as remarkable while the four-wheel steering makes it safe and dynamic behavior.

Not so expensive . The balance sheet is relatively positive . The 991 GT3 is born and able to bring sufficient improvements for the future of the 911 mechanics, always devoid of turbo remains quite noble, although there PDK could alienate but porschistes effective up for his lack of nobility. The body is very exposed, especially the front skirt. Neuve, this GT3 is proposed within € 140,000 excluding options, a relatively reasonable price at this level of power and for good reason: competition is generally more expensive. The options are expensive, however, and a 911 GT3 sold without option is extremely minority! A version of Cup was born that year. As for the variation GT3 RS, it now displays 500 horsepower and considerably more sophisticated design, almost tuning.

Aerodynamics . The rear spoiler and the hood and even supports are polymer to gag ner weight.Aerodynamics has been particularly worked to find the best compromise between aesthetics and efficiency.The resonance manifold was designed in one piece in order to improve the flow of air flow and optimize engine breathing. The fires of 911 (991) , more aggressive than the generation 997 are LED and end this sporty rear. Unlike the versions more "wise", the GT3 has a fixed wing and a rear diffuser including two central tailpipes sport. The Club Sport Pack is offered as an option. It incorporates an arch-cage, a safety belt 6 points, a preparation kit battery switch and a fire extinguisher with support. This is the Porsche Motorsport department that handles the installation.

Manufacturer recall . Emphasize one last point that is important. The 911 GT3 was presented in 2013 at the Geneva but mass production has actually started in 2015 before ending ... In 2015, the launch date of the restyling of the 991. The first copies have had to return to the studio for an audit after five copies have undergone spontaneous combustion. The models produced for the 2015 vintage are exempt. This is the only real technical problem encountered. For the rest, it is a mechanical Trusted and although there are many innovations, all exudes strength and quality.

Wide . The rear is quite monumental and helps to realize the widened wings. The consumption is maintained at around 12 liters per 100 kilometers in the combined cycle, which is still quite reasonable for a mechanical air ... Who does has not sacrificed its performance on the altar of eco-claims bonus.

Should I buy a Porsche 911 (991) GT3?

The 991 GT3 is a success in many ways. She was able to develop the concept of the GT3 with delicacy, infusing innovations here and there, the most remarkable is undoubtedly the four wheels. Very accomplished and successful, it shows a significant evolution, combining a real achievement to always pushed capacities. On occasion, it is virtually sold at the new price because of its rarity and the number of copies taken quite low.