We have big news about the 2013 Porsche 911 GT3! Not only did some lucky spy photographers catch it making the laps at Nürburgring, but the German automaker released some official specs. We know, it's not set to roll into Performance Porsche until early next year. But that doesn't mean we can't spend some time drooling over every little detail, right?
Right. So, let's start by saying that the car it's based on, the 991 Porsche 911 is already available. And we love it. Suffice it to say, the GT3 is off to a good start.
Second, it seems that for the next generation, Porsche is dropping the 4.0-liter six-cylinder that powers the 997-based GT3 RS 4.0. Instead, all of the power will come from a 3.8-liter six-cylinder - the same engine that powers the 911 Carrera S - though total power will get a boost to at least 450 horses. We also know that the GT3 will continue the tradition of being a lightweight racer, with a weight drop that leaves it tipping the scales just around or under 3,000 pounds.
From what we can see in recent spy shots from Germany, Porsche isn't doing a whole lot by way of camouflage to keep the new GT3 under wraps. And so we can tell you that exterior changes include a new front bumper, larger air intakes, a front spoiler, dual central exhaust pipes, and a larger rear wing. At least for now.
But here's where it gets really interesting: turns out that the only transmission option will be the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch. This might come as a surprise to Porsche fans, but the truth is that sales of Porsche 911 models fitted with manual transmissions (even in top performance models), have continued to decline in recent years. If you have doubts about this, we should also tell you that most racing teams that use the GT3 rely on the swift and efficient shifting of the PDK dual-clutch transmission.
All told, the 2013 Porsche 911 GT3 will likely boast a 0-60 time of under four seconds, and a top speed of just about 200 miles per hour.
When will we see the new Porsche 911 GT3 in real life? It will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and it should go on sale shortly thereafter. With that in mind, be sure to stay tuned with the team here at Performance Porsche for continued updates on this and other forthcoming new Porsche models.
Want to check out the model the next GT3 is based on, the 991 Porsche 911? Stop by our showroom at 1810 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. to see it in person and take one for a spin.