Just last week we were wondering what Porsche would premiere alongside the net 911 GT3 Cup. Like most of you we thought it would be the street version of the 911 GT3. Well, we were all right!. Porsche confirmed earlier today that the new Porsche 911 GT3 will premiere this week in Geneva and provided pricing, pictures. Read on for details.
PDK Only
This 5th generation 911 GT3 marks a huge change for Porsche. This is only the second production 911 to be PDK only (the first being the last generation Turbo S) and the first time a GT3 has been offered without three pedals and a stick shift. Occupying the top position among Porsche sports cars with naturally-aspirated engines the all new 911 GT3 produces 475 hp, goes from zero to 60 in 3.3 seconds, has a top speed of 195 mph and can lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in under 7:30 minutes. If you want to put one in your garage, the GT3 goes on sale in the United States late in 2013 and will be priced from $130,400, not including a $950 destination charge.
Active Rear-Wheel Steering
While we expect to see active rear-wheel steering on the 918 and it’s been rumored to be in the works for the new 991 Turbo, this new 911 GT3 features the first active rear-wheel steering in a production Porsche. Not familiar with “rear-wheel” steering? It’s actually fairly old technology. Also known as all-wheel steering, this feature improves handling at top speeds and will usually decrease the turning radius at low speeds. Passive systems are tuned via bushings and other mechanical means to correct the rear-wheel toe out, or the system can be active.
An active system, like the one found on the 2014 911 GT3, relies on automation/computers to control the rear wheels in relation to the angle of the front wheels. An electromechanical adjustment system at each rear wheel enables the steering angle to be adapted based on the current driving situation, steering input and vehicle speed. Depending on the speed, the rear wheels steer in the same or opposite direction of the front wheels, improving stability and agility.
Engine Specification of the 2014 Porsche 911 GT3
The power-train of the new 911 GT3 is composed of a 3.8-liter boxer engine featuring a 9,000 rpm redline. The six-cylinder engine is based on the same engine as the 911 Carrera S, although they share only a few common parts. All other components, particularly the crankshaft and valve gear, were specially adapted or designed for the GT3. For instance, Porsche designed titanium connecting rods and forged pistons for this engine.
More About the PDK
The Porsche dual-clutch transmission in this application has been specially developed for the 911 GT3: the characteristics are based directly on a sequential gearbox from racing, providing more performance and dynamic advantages to the driver. Highlights include shorter gear ratios with closer spacing, even faster shifting, and shift paddles with shorter travel and increased tactile feedback. In addition, the driver is now able to place the PDK in neutral simply by pulling on both paddles at the same time.
Additional Features
Other new features that improve driving dynamics are an electronically controlled, fully variable rear differential lock and dynamic engine mounts. Contact with the road is made by new 20-inch, forged alloy wheels with center-locking hubs in place of conventional wheel bolts.
The 2014 911 GT3 is based on the light yet stiff body of the current generation 911 Carrera, which employs a hybrid steel and aluminum construction; however, it comes with unique front and rear parts specific to the GT3. In addition, the 911 GT3 is 1.7 inches wider than a 911 Carrera S in the rear. Another distinctive feature is the large, fixed rear wing, which contributes to the exemplary aerodynamics. Lastly, full LED headlights are available as an option on the GT3.
Other Porsche Blog Posts You Will Enjoy
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Pricing, Pictures and Video of the new 2013 911 GT3 Cup
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