2018 Porsche 911 GT3: Now with Manual Transmission!

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 Promises to Thrill Enthusiasts with Return to Its Roots

When Porsche made the-ill fated decision to do away with the manual transmission in the last 911 GT3, it crushed the dreams of enthusiasts everywhere. After all, the factory-built road racer is one of the last cars you would ever expect to ditch its row-your-own tranny. No matter how brilliant and fast the PDK 7-speed dual clutch may be, it just isn’t the same as a good old six-speed manual.

And after facing the angry mob of enthusiasts armed with pitchforks (well, not really), things are right once again, because the new 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 is available with a six-speed manual transmission! And it’s not just a carryover from a lesser model, either. It’s the same unit used in the 911 R, complete with shorter ratios and throws. And while the PDK comes as standard equipment, the six-speed is a no-cost option.

So now that we’ve got that out of the way, it’s also worth mentioning that the new GT3 comes with one heck of an engine, too. It’s a new 4.0 liter flat six built on the same assembly line as Porsche’s racing engines. It also happens to be based on the unit used in both the 911 R and GT3 R. The new flat six pumps out 500 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, with a lofty 9,000 rpm redline.

Performance, as you would expect, varies depending on which transmission you choose. Opting to go old school with the manual will net you a 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 198. The PDK proves considerably faster on the low end – with a 3.2 second 0-60 time. Top speed for the auto box is a tick slower at 197. Both are light, regardless of transmission. A PDK equipped GT3 weighs 3,153 pounds, while the manual tips the scales at 3,116 pounds.

The rear axle steering from the last GT3 carries over, but the aerodynamic treatments are new. They include a fresh front spoiler, rear diffuser, and carbon fiber rear wing. The insides are far from spartan, with carbon fiber buckets (or optional sports seats), Apple CarPlay, navigation, andĀ Porsche’s Track Precision App comparability.

The cost for all this goodness? Prices start at $143,600, which undercuts theĀ $184,900 911 R big time. The 2017 911 GT3 goes on sale in the U.S. this fall.

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brandsā€™ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.
He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.