The last time our spy photographers snapped the 2020 Porsche 911 GT3, the prototype didn’t feature the customary massive rear wing.
It didn’t wear the production bumpers either. Well, the 992 GT3 has been spotted again on public roads. Granted, the prototype reveals plenty of changes that bring it much closer to production.
For starters, the 2020 911 GT3 has received the huge rear wing which looks more hardcore than ever. That impression is reinforced by the rough supports holding it in place which have holes in them. It’s most likely not the finished item and it will probably see further tweaks. Interestingly, the wing is backed up by an extra spoiler as well.
Another big change Porschephiles will no doubt welcome regards the bumpers, which are in final production specification. They may still feature padded camouflage but it’s clear they’re the real thing.
The front bumper sports new air intakes, while an extra intake appears at the lower end of the “frunk” lid, between the headlights. The rear bumper is more disguised but should receive a sizable diffuser flanking the round exhaust tips.
Other exterior elements that identify this 992 prototype as a GT3 include the central exhausts, centered wheel nuts, and the flared wheel arches. The latter are necessary because the GT3 will feature wider tracks and wheels than lesser 992 models.
With regard to the interior, the GT3 will feature the same dashboard as the rest of the 992 family. The instrument panel has a wraparound design and a traditional rev counter at its center. The latter is flanked by two large screens in a cluster that extends to the center console touchscreen.
Other new details will include the touch-operated switchgear and the smaller PDK gearshift lever. Obviously, the GT3 will get bucket seats as standard and an Alcantara-clad steering wheel with 12’o clock marking.
The 2020 Porsche 911 GT3 is expected to stick to a naturally aspirated flat-six engine which may or may not retain the 4.0-liter displacement. Interestingly, our spy photographers say the engine sounds just like the current unit found in the 991 GT3.
Keeping the 4.0-liter unit would be great news, but Porsche wouldn’t fit the same engine without tweaking it bit, would they? Power output will definitely increase compared to the 991 GT3’s 500 PS (493 hp). Most reports talk about the GT3 getting up to 550 PS (542 hp), which sounds like a healthy boost.
As for the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, it will carry over as well. Furthermore, Porsche might continue to offer the six-speed manual gearbox too so as to not upset the purists. If that happens, the stick shift should be offered as part of a Touring Package as it is the case with the current 991 GT3.
A first public appearance at the 2019 Frankfurt Auto Show looks quite possible, with the market debut to follow in the first quarter of 2020.
*Update: The same 992 GT3 prototype was spotted again testing on and around the Nürburgring Nordschleife race track. The article has been updated accordingly