992-gen Porsche 911 GT3 launched in India at ₹2.5 crore

Porsche enthusiasts, the 992 911 GT3 along with the 911 GT3 Touring has been launched in India at ₹2.5 crore!

If there is one car that defines what the #ThrillOfDriving means, it is the Porsche 911 GT3. Rear-wheel-driven with motorsport derived hardware and a howling mad naturally aspirated engine plus the option of a manual! What's not to like? The 992 911 GT3 was unveiled globally last year and it is a big step up over its predecessor GT3. Priced at Rs 2.5 crore (ex-showroom), the new GT3 is a tad bit more expensive than the outgoing car, but it also has some very impressive upgrades. Let's have a look at what the folks from Stuttgart have fettled with to make the 992 911 GT3 faster and more engaging to drive.

Porsche 911 GT3 styling and aerodynamics

"It looks the same". Yes it does, if you're looking at it from the top of a high-storey building that is. The Porsche 911 has a timeless and a proven design. With every generation change, Porsche makes only a few tweaks to the exterior of its sportscar icon which increase its functionality and efficiency. The 911 GT3 is a track focussed variant of the 911 and it is differentiated from regular 911 models by virtue of a few aggressive aerodynamic elements.

For the 992 gen, the GT3 has received quite a few changes in the looks department over its predecessor that also make it a more capable track machine. Upfront, there's a new bumper with larger air intakes and a four-stage adjustable splitter, even vents in the hood to aid aerodynamics. On the sides, the new GT3 is wider than before and at the back there's a new revised diffuser and a rear wing, which sits on a swan neck support. The Touring package does away with the huge rear wing, for a cleaner look and a higher top speed.

Combined all of this new setup on the new GT3 generates up to 150 per cent more downforce. Yes. The car generates 385kg of downforce which is even more than the 991.2 GT3 RS. Because of the extensive use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic in its body panels, the new GT3 weighs only 5kg more than the previous GT3.

Porsche 911 GT3 engine and suspension

The 992 911 GT3 continues to be powered by the same engine found in the 991 GT3, but with a few changes. The four-litre flat-six naturally aspirated engine has received a few upgrades from Porsche's motorsport department. Individual throttle bodies and a lighter exhaust system, that add in 10bhp over the previous car. What remains unchanged is the sweet 9000rpm redline. Buyers have the option to opt for either a seven-speed DCT which Porsche calls PDK or a six-speed manual transmission. And for the first time that is also applicable to the Touring package, which was only available with a manual transmission before.

The biggest talking point of the new 911 GT3 though, has been the front suspension. It is now a substantially overhauled and race-inspired double wishbone setup, with all ball joint connections, rather than MacPherson struts. Something that was only seen on 911 race cars before. The rear axle, meanwhile, gets a modified multi-link set up with rear-wheel steering.

Porsche 911 GT3 interior

Just like the outside, the interior of the 992 GT3 has also received a few tweaks. More evolutionary, rather than revolutionary. Being a GT3, it gets weight reducing measures such as the omission of the rear seats. What you can't do anymore, is delete the air conditioning system to reduce the weight even further.

There's Alcantara trim in abundance and if you opt for the clubsport package (only on the standard GT3), you also get a half roll cage that not only aids safety but also adds rigidity to the body. The PDK gear lever also looks very much like a manual shifter. What's new is the ‘track screen’ option which, when selected, only displays essential information, such as tyre pressures, oil pressure and temperature, water temperature and fuel level on the two digital displays located on either sides of the physical central rev counter.

Porsche 911 GT3 price and rivals

The Porsche 911 GT3 and the 911 GT3 Touring twins are priced at Rs 2.5 crore (ex-showroom), without options that is. And options are in plenty if you are synonyms to the Porsche world. The PDK transmission comes standard on both the variants, and the manual is a no cost addition option.

In the Indian market, the Porsche 911 GT3 will now go against the Mercedes-AMG GT R, which is priced at Rs 2.6 crore and the Aston Martin Vantage that demands Rs 2.95 crore of your hard earned moolah.