http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/sc...gt3-get-450bhp


New Porsche 911 GT3 to get 450bhp | Autocar

Porsche is stepping up development of its all-new 911 GT3, the most focused version of the ‘991’ generation of the iconic sports car yet. The new model is set to be unveiled at the 2013 Geneva motor show next March and the order books will open soon after that.

The new GT3 looks set to be powered by the latest evolution of Porsche’s motorsport-derived normally aspirated 3.8-litre flat six, rather than adopting the larger 4.0-litre powerplant used in the 997-generation GT3 RS 4.0.

Porsche insiders have hinted that the power output will be in the region of 450bhp in the new GT3 — some 15bhp more than in the outgoing model. That should translate to a 0-62mph time of less than 4.0sec and a top speed approaching 200mph.

The new GT3 is likely to have just the one transmission option: a PDK seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic. The 
lack of a manual option in the GT3 is sure to cause controversy among 911 purists, especially after the 911 switched to electric steering. The PDK transmission is also heavier than the manual, something at odds with the GT3’s lightweight approach.

Nevertheless, insiders claim that about 40kg has been shed from the GT3 compared with its immediate predecessor, which had a kerb weight of 1395kg.

Although the choice of gearbox is heavier, Porsche has shaved off weight in the new GT3 by increasing the use of lightweight materials for the bodywork. Interior trim and equipment levels will also be reduced compared with standard 991 models and the rear seats will be deleted.

Visually, the GT3 will be easy to distinguish from the base Carrera and Carrera S models. The spy pictures reveal that the GT3’s bodywork has been totally overhauled compared with the standard models.

At the front, a new splitter has been added, as has a new, more sculpted front bumper. Wider air ducts also feature at the front of the car to improve cooling to the more powerful rear-mounted engine. There is an extra air intake between the bonnet and the top of the front bumper, too.

Wider sills and flared wheel arches also feature. Housed within the arches are larger, 20-inch alloy wheels, which 
are centre locking.

The most distinctive element of the rear is a large, fixed wing. The rear bumper has been reprofiled and twin rear exhausts sit in the car’s centre.

Insiders have confirmed 
that the even more hardcore 
GT3 RS will return in 991 guise, but not before 2015. Its power is said to be about 480bhp.

Before the 911 GT3 is revealed, Porsche will launch all-wheel-drive versions of 
the Carrera and Carrera S. 
The Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S are expected to be revealed in both coupé and cabriolet guises at the Paris motor 
show in September.

Greg Kable/
Mark Tisshaw

 

This article is very popular; it was just posted on the 997 GT3 forum by someone else. It's more than 2 months old and a rehash of previous rumors. Nothing new here, and virtually all still speculative at htis point.....

 

Porsche did confirm that the GT3 will be available in a manual.

 

If you don't mind me asking, what is your source for that info?

 

+1.

 

it would be surprising if GT3 not available in manual, but Carreras are.

 

Car companies can convince themselves of anything:

"We're offering ze GT3 as manual only as it's the highest performing naturally aspirated 991 (so far;-) and the PDK gearbox is the highest performing transmission!"

You can imagine that conversation in a boardroom and everybody nodding their heads in agreement.

That said, I agree with you and expect Porsche will continue with the manual in the GT3 even though the salesman that contacted me from Porsche Downtown said only the RS version would get the manual...

 

Lets focus on getting the C4S line out 1st Porsche seems to be in some sort of holding pattern right now becuase they have been awfully quite.

 

+1....

Indeed, seems an awful long time between drinks on the 991 variants....would have thought C4 versions 6 months after C2 launch....

 

Now that the Boxsters have been released, the C4/C4S will be out any week...

 

Agreed. Paris show is the end of September. They'll probably show pictures soon and then the cars at the show.

 

Wonder if the "motorsport" derived engine is the 3.8 Mezger from the RS? If yes it means they found a way to mate the PDK gearbox to it. Else it is the DFI engine from the 997.2 bumped to 450 HP.

 

Good question; it's the same one I asked a couple of months back when the Autocar rumorfest first surfaced.

https://rennlist.com/forums/991/6990...rt#post9591394

My sense is the "motorsport derived" reference is poetic license on the part of a writer who is guessing based on the previous model. The 450HP number was being floated before we found out that a 435HP powerkit was going to be available for the Carrera. And the PDK/manual/no manual rumors have been around for months. The thing is, no one knows yet and it's all a rehash of previous speculation. There's nothing new here folks......move along....

 

I'm still waiting for an official press release from Porsche.

Thanks for posting, though!

 

Ok...am racking some old memory cells...but thought Andreas Preuninger (GT Cars Programme Manager)....said the GT3 RS 4.0 was the swan song for the Mezger....