The New Naturally Aspirated 911 GT3 (photos)
The 911 GT3 marks the return of the highly tuned naturally aspirate engine to the Porsche lineup. Here's the early scoop on this upcoming vehicle.
1. Meet the 2018 Porsche 911 GT3
Revealed in early 2017 at the Geneva Motor Show, the 911 GT3 is the next big thing from Porsche this year. We're a big fan of Porsche around these parts, and the idea of a new Porsche model equipped with a highly tuned naturally aspirated engine is exciting stuff, to say the least.
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2. The Naturally Aspirated 911 GT3
Lately, Porsche cars (and modern sports cars in general) tend to be turbocharged. Compared to naturally aspirated engines, turbos have a more subdued sound and different power band, not the more classic flat-six sound and linear power. This classic vibe actually makes the 911 GT3 a fairly unique car in the recent Porsche catalog. Purists have cried out asking for another NA Porsche for a while, and Porsche has finally obliged them.
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3. New Engine Packs Plenty of Punch
Even as a naturally aspirated engine, the motor powering the 911 GT3 is no pushover. It's rated at a punchy 500 horsepower and 399 pound-feet of torque, and longs to be revved. It can hit 60 miles per hour in just 3.2 seconds, with a 197 MPH top speed; no one's going to be complaining that the GT3 is underpowered. The power of the GT3 is only slightly less beefy than the turbo model, but fans will find natural aspiration is worth it for the sound alone.
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4. The 911 GT3 Race Car
The GT3 R and RSR are GT3 variants equipped specifically for racing. Although the 911 GT3 was designed as a street car, rest assured that like every 911 it will bring its A game to the track.
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5. New Sleek Bodywork
The GT3 features redesigned bodywork from prior 911 Porsche models, including a carbon-fiber rear wing and spoiler, not just for the sake of aesthetic charm and aerodynamic capabilities. Even though the GT3 is a street car, many of its elements are clearly drawn from Porsche's racing program -- we couldn't be happier about it.
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6. The Last Naturally Aspired 911?
Porsche has confirmed in the past that almost every 911 model is slated to be turbocharged. We suppose they were considering the GT3 when they said "almost." Emission requirements and fuel economy have steered automakers away from larger displacement naturally aspirated vehicles, but there is still a small market for them. The 911 GT3 will stay NA presumably for as long as Porsche can keep it feasible to please their diehard fans.
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7. Coming Soon to a Dealer Near You
Fortunately, we won't have to wait much longer for the 911 GT3; it should be available at Porsche dealerships this coming Fall. Prices are slated to begin at $144,650, although additional features will drive that much higher. The price may preclude all but the hardiest of naturally aspirated Porsche aficionados from getting one for themselves, but we've no doubt that Porsche will continue to amaze with naturally aspirated and turbocharged cars alike.
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