Skip advert
Advertisement

Porsche 911 GT3

Porsche launches its fettled 997 GT3 and claims a GT-R-beating lap of the Ring

Porsche has launched its new 911 GT3 this week. It’s the fettled 997 version, with a raft of modifications to update it.

And stoking the publicity is a brisk lap time of the Nurburgring. The new GT3 has lapped the Nordschleife in 7min40sec, with legendary German racer Walter Rohrl at the wheel. In the same session he took out a Ferrari 430 Scuderia and recorded 7min45, apparently.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The time is unofficial for now, but Porsche is claiming that it’s 14 seconds faster than a Nissan GT-R could achieve. The Japanese may beg to differ, though, after the GT-R recorded an unofficial 7min27.56 recently. It’s a battle that’s going to run and run…

The second-gen 997 GT3 gains a new engine in the shape of a 3.8-litre flat six. It boasts 429bhp and 317lb ft, and with the car weighing the same as before (1395kg) the power-to-weight figure rises to 312bhp/ton. Top speed is 194mph and 0-62mph takes 4.1sec.

There’s a plethora of dynamic tweaks, too. PSM (Porsche stability management) is uprated, with the option to turn off all traction and stability systems. There are stiffer springs and anti-roll bars, lighter wheels (with centre-locking nuts) and larger brakes, while aerodynamics are modified front and rear with downforce doubled over the outgoing GT3.

There’s a new acronym to get your head around, too. The optional PADM (Porsche Active Drivetrain Management) is basically adaptive engine mounts. They provide a soft set-up for refinement purposes but stiffen when you crank up the pace, keeping the engine more securely mounted to make the rear end more predictable. Clever stuff.

The updated Porsche 997 GT3 is on sale now, priced from £81,914. You can view the Mk1 997 GT3 battling the Nissan GT-R here.

View the Porsche 911 GT3 video

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Porsche 911 review 2025 – Gen2 992 is the 911 for the digital age
Porsche 911 Carrera (992.2) – front
In-depth reviews

Porsche 911 review 2025 – Gen2 992 is the 911 for the digital age

The 992-generation 911 has taken time to reveal its character, but it’s evolved into a sports car with enormous breadth and ability
20 Feb 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Aston Martin Vantage (1993 - 2000) review – Britain's 550bhp hand-built muscle car
Aston Martin Vantage V550 – front
Reviews

Aston Martin Vantage (1993 - 2000) review – Britain's 550bhp hand-built muscle car

One of Aston Martin's last true hand-built models, the ludicrous twin-supercharged Vantage was a muscle car crossed with a stately home
24 Apr 2025
Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 2025 review – 'N0' tyre makes Porsche GT3 RS a wet weather weapon
Michelin GT3 RS tyre
Reviews

Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 2025 review – 'N0' tyre makes Porsche GT3 RS a wet weather weapon

Michelin has developed a wet and cold weather tyre for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and it’s brilliant
23 Apr 2025
Porsche 911 Carrera S 2025 review – a 473bhp BMW M4 CS fighter
Porsche 911 Carrera S – pictures
Reviews

Porsche 911 Carrera S 2025 review – a 473bhp BMW M4 CS fighter

A new Carrera S has arrived with supercar-baiting pace and a £120k starting price – is it the sweet spot of the 992.2 range?
25 Apr 2025