KUALA LUMPUR: The latest Porsche 911 GT3 has arrived and with a price-tag that starts from RM1.7mil, it’ll come with a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) gearbox as standard or at a no-cost option with a six-speed manual (6MT) with auto-blip function that’s meant to entice the purist.

The new GT3 isn’t just about power gains, with its body receiving a few revisions to better its downforce while maintaining its drag coefficient at 0.33Cd and including a rear underbody diffuser.

Furthermore, it’s dropped some weight from its front and rear bumpers being made of lightweight polyurethane along with carbon fibre for the hinges and rear wing that sits 20mm higher in the air than before.

As standard, it boasts of Bi-Xenon headlights, including dynamic range control, headlight washer system and LEDs for the direction indicators, daytime running lights and position lights. LED headlights in black are available as an option.

The car has been developed on the same test track and manufactured on the same production line as the 911 GT3 Cup racing car.

It has a 2,457mm wheelbase and is 4,562mm-long, 1,978mm-wide and 1,271mm-tall, while sporting a 125-litre luggage compartment under the front hood.

A 64-litre fuel tank feeds the rear-mounted 4.0-litre (3,996cc) naturally aspirated flat-six aluminium engine with a compression ratio of 13.3:1 that can rev almost 1,000rpm higher at 9,000rpm, compared to its predecessor’s 3.8-litre mill.

Power is rated at 500hp (+25hp) at 8,250rpm and 460Nm (+20Nm) of torque at 6,000rpm, allowing the 1,430kg (kerb) GT3 with PDK to launch from 0-100kph in 3.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 318kph.

Opting for the 6MT ups the figures to 3.9 seconds and 320kph, while dropping the weight further to 1,413kg.

Grip comes from its 20-inch wheels fitted with 245/35 (front) and 305/30 (rear) series Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres with tyre pressure monitoring system. The rear axle comes with active steering for a tighter turning radius and better cornering performance.

The six-piston (front) and four-piston (rear) brake callipers bite down on the 380mm front and rear cross-drilled discs for stopping power. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system is also available as an optional extra, providing 410mm (front and 390mm (rear) discs.

Ride and handling is aided by the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) shock absorber system, dynamic engine mounts and the rear differential lock - Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV/PTV+) system.

Inside, a roll-over cage is provided as standard for the two-seater cabin that’s practically wrapped in Alcantara and accented by carbon fibre - just like the semi-powered Sports Seats Plus with enhanced side bolsters.

If the current seats aren’t to the liking, there are three seating options for choice, starting with the heavier 18-way powered seats, lighter sports bucket seats or lightest full-bucket carbon fibre seats.

An optional Club Sport package is available as an optional extra, which throws in a roll-cage, six-point racing harness and a fire extinguisher.

In addition to the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) that comes with an online navigation module with real-time traffic information, it also includes the Connect Plus module and the Track Precision app as well, which enables drivers to display, record and analyse detailed driving data on their smartphone.

Furthermnore, this GT3 thoroughbred is also fitted with a Paddle Neutral function that allows the driver to pull back on both paddle shifters located behind the 360mm-wide steering wheel (plucked from the 918 Spyder) to disengage the PDK’s clutches - much like a clutch for a manual transmission.

Lastly, a pneumatic lift has also been included to help lift the vehicle by up to 30mm and stay up there while travelling at 50kph and below.

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