Carfection Gets First Look at 992 911 GT3

An Early Look

Carfection's Henry Catchpole likens the feeling of standing in front of the lightly camouflaged 992 Porsche 911 GT3 prototype to seeing a Christmas present under the tree. The kind of present that, despite even the best wrapping job, still obviously gives itself away. Like a bicycle! Although the upcoming GT3 has not officially been unveiled yet, this prototype doesn't leave too much to our imagination. 

Catchpole got a passenger seat ride in the GT3 from Andreas Preuninger, Porsche's director of GT model lineup. And here's what he was able to find out from the Porsche executive about the new GT3.

Photos: CNET

Suspension

The front suspension of the new Porsche 911 GT3 is apparently one of the most significant areas of development, if not the most significant. For the first time ever, a road-legal Porsche 911 will come with double-wishbone front suspension setup. All production 911 models in the past have utilized a McPherson strut system at the front. But Porsche engineers are switching things up for this GT3 in search of more grip at the front end.

>>Join the conversation about the 992 GT3 right here in the Rennlist Forum!

The Wing

The new GT3's wing design has been a big talking point since the surfacing of the early spy shots. And while some folks may not be big fans of the way it looks, the performance functionality of it is undeniable. The swan neck design of the rear wing will allow for an uninterrupted and clean surface on the bottom side, which is the surface that does most of the work in creating aerodynamic downforce.

>>Join the conversation about the 992 GT3 right here in the Rennlist Forum!

Vehicle Weight

Although the 992 is larger in size than the 991, the weight of the GT3 will remain the same, at close to 3,100 lbs. The way Porsche engineers have been able to manage this is through weight-saving measures all around the vehicle. Lighter parts on the interior, a carbon fiber frunk lid, and a lightweight rear windshield all help to keep the mass down.

>>Join the conversation about the 992 GT3 right here in the Rennlist Forum!

Powertrain and Drivetrain

Preuninger spoke proudly of the fact that the classic flat-six 4.0-liter engine remains naturally aspirated. There won't be astronomical power gains, but the experience will still be just as visceral. There's also great news for the purists, as there will be a manual transmission offered for the GT3 in addition to the PDK.

>>Join the conversation about the 992 GT3 right here in the Rennlist Forum!

Eagerly Waiting

All in all, it seems like the newest member of the GT3 lineage will be carrying on the legacy of its predecessors while improving upon the performance in every way. The front suspension will play a huge role in improving the cornering capability of the 992 GT3. And the engine and powertrain will be more soulful than ever. All we have to do now is wait until we can experience this beast for ourselves.

>>Join the conversation about the 992 GT3 right here in the Rennlist Forum!

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