Two letters and a number can make a very, very big difference when it comes to the Porsche 911, if the former happen to read GT3. The previous generations of the GT3 are considered by many as the greatest road going 911s, and this is a tradition that Porsche will like to continue with the new model.
We’ve had the opportunity to scoop pictures and videos of 991-generation GT3 prototypes in the past, but an unnamed member of the Rennlist forums was able to get very close to the car while it was being serviced at an undisclosed location and even talked to the test driver and engineers working on it.
The conversation and the pictures confirmed many things we already suspected or knew, such as the wide body, a new 3.8-liter flat-six engine producing over 450-horses and for the first time, the use of Porsche’s dual-clutch PDK transmission (instead of a manual gearbox), and also yielded new details.
For example, the Porsche engineers said the new engine will spin up to 9,000 rpm and that the car in its current stage of development, is turning the ‘Ring in around 7 minutes and 30 seconds, which compares to 7:33″ for the more hardcore Porsche 911 GT3 RS 997MkII recorded by Sport Auto magazine in 2010.
Here’s what the Rennlist forum member noted:
Information after discussion with the test driver and engineers and watching/touching the actual car
It sounds incredible. Exactly like a cup car.
Completely different PDK
Engine is a bespoke motorsports block, and the basis for the next gen Cup engine. Dry sump.
Yes, it’s not the DFI 9A1 and it’s not the Mezger. It’s a new engine!
– RPM to 10K, redline 9 dead, 3.8L engine. Power is north of 450hp but they wouldn’t say exactly.
– No PDCC, no PTV *at least not in this car
– New rear wing, very similar to 997.2 wing, but up close it’s more refined
– Air scoop is beautiful, center feeding
– Car is running Dunlop Sport MAXX, 245/20 front 305/20 rear
– Car retains traditional 3 piece muffler, identical side mufflers as before but looks like a new, smaller center.
– New brake system, front caliper is ENORMOUS, disc is alternating drilled size.
– New recaro seats, foldable (not one piece), car was a Clubsport version fitted with the rear cage
– Ring times are right around 7.30
– Center locks
– ESC (electronic stability control), TC, sport exhaust, PDK-S (on the center console)
– Wide body chassis from C4
– rear control arms look like the ones in the 997 GT cars
Story References & Photo Credits: Rennlist
A Hat Tip to “Drummer Skillz”!
PHOTO GALLERY
