2018 Porsche 911 GT3 Gets 4.0 Engine and Manual Transmission

UPDATE: It’s official! The leaked press release mentioned below was the real deal so all information posted is accurate.

For all intents and purposes, and despite Porsche’s best efforts, it looks like the details of the new 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 were leaked ahead of the press conference scheduled a few hours from now in Geneva. According to a pictureless press release found on Rennlist (which appears to have originated from Porsche’s official press site and has subsequently been taken down) the much anticipated 3rd model to debut in Genenva will be the 2018 991.2 GT3.

500 HP 4.0 Engine With Optional Manual 6-speed Transmission

As had been reported before by Autocar, and hoped for by many, Porsche listened to the disenfranchised masses (otherwise known as “purists”) and will offer the new GT3 with a 6-speed manual transmission as an option (PDK is still the standard transmission). Assuming the numbers in the leaked release are correct, it’s going to be a tough choice for those that want to row their own gears. The PDK equipped version is said to reach 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds with a top track speed of 197 mph, while the three pedal version will hit 198 mph but take 3.8 seconds to find 60 mph. I’m not sure that .6 seconds makes up for seat-of-the-pants fun you get from shifting on your own, but sales numbers will tell the true story.

Both versions are powered by a flat-six 4.0 liter engine based on those found in the 911 GT3 R and 911 GT3 RSR. Said to produce 500 hp and 338 lb-ft of torque, the new 991.2 GT3 was developed in Weissach and will be manufactured on the same line as other 911 road cars including Porsche’s one-make series race car, the 911 GT3 Cup.

Additional Details of the 2018 Porsche 911 GT3

We’ll update this post, or start a new one, as more details become available. For now, here’s the rest of what we’ve read:

• Comes Standard with dynamic engine mounts and rear locking differentials
• Active Rear Axle Steering is incorporated into the chassis of the new 991.2 GT3 in order to improve corner. Depending on the speed of the 911 the rear wheels are either steered in the same direction or opposite direction of the front wheels
• PDK version weighs 3,153 lbs
• 6-speed version weighs 3,116 lbs
• Through the use of lightweight material, including a carbon fiber rear wing, lightweight front fascia and spoiler, and a new rear diffuser design, the 991.2 GT3 offers a power to weight ratio of 6.4 pounds per horsepower
• 20% more downforce than previous version
• As with all GT variants, rear seats are deleted to save weight
• 14.1″ GT Sport steering wheel adopted from the 918 Spyder
• Three (3) seating options including Sport Seats Plus as standard. Optionally, the Adaptive Sport Seat Plus offer 18-way electrically adjustable seats along with the power steering column and seat memory. Lastly, full bucket seats with electric height adjustment and a fixed carbon fiber back rest are also available
• Porsche Communication Management, the Porsche Track Precision App and the Connect Plus Module, which includes Apple Car Play, are all fitted as standard

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 Pricing

US Pricing: Scheduled to reach dealers in the Fall of 2017, the base MSRP is said to be $143,600 excluding $1050 delivery, processing and handling fee.

Canadian Pricing: The 911 GT3 is available to order now starting at $163,300 and scheduled to arrive at Canadian dealerships in the third quarter of 2017

German Pricing: The 911 GT3 is available to order now. It will be launched in Germany from mid-June. Prices for the new high-performance 911 start at 152,416 euro, including VAT and country-specific equipment.