STUTTGART: For the first time, Porsche is introducing a 911 GT3 with a fully automatic convertible roof.
The 911 GT3 S/C combines the lightweight design of the 911 S/T with the naturally aspirated 4.0-litre boxer engine of the 911 GT3, producing 375kW (510PS) and 450Nm of torque.
It is available only with a lightweight short-ratio six-speed manual sports transmission.
The 911 GT3 S/C is the only open-top variant in the current 911 range that is designed as a pure two-seater – reminiscent of the 911 Speedster from 2019.
Unlike the Speedster, however, the 911 GT3 S/C is not a limited-edition model.
According to Frank Moser, head of the 911 and 718 model series, the new 911 GT3 S/C caters to customers' demand for sports cars that are particularly focused on driving pleasure.
"The emotive powertrain of the 911 GT3 comes into its own even more emphatically when driving with the roof down on winding country roads. This is particularly down to managing to keep the weight of the 911 GT3 S/C down to just 1,497kg, despite the fully automatic soft top. That is only about 30kg more than the 991-generation 911 Speedster," he said.
Because the 911 GT3 S/C, unlike its 911 Speedster ancestor, is not adorned with a double-bubble rear cover, the fully automatic lightweight roof from the current 911 model series could be installed instead of a manual soft top.
Thanks to the innovative use of magnesium ribs, a coupé-like roofline is achieved when the fabric roof is in its closed position.
The soft top can be opened or closed in 12 seconds, either while stationary or at speeds of up to 50kph.
The bonnet, wings and doors are made of carbon fibre.
The carbon-fibre anti-roll bars and shear plate are also carried over from the fixed-head 911 S/T.
The brakes and wheels also follow the S/T lightweight formula: the PCCB braking system, which is more than 20 kg lighter than the cast iron brakes, is fitted as standard.
A lightweight and compact 40 Ah lithium-ion battery further contributes to the car’s impressively low weight, saving about four kg compared to a conventional battery.
The 911 GT3 S/C is built as a two-seater, with four-way adjustable Sports Seats Plus fitted as standard.
Lightweight sports bucket seats with folding backrests and seat shells made of carbon fibre are optionally available for the 911 GT3 S/C.
Just like the current fixed-head 911 GT3, the 911 GT3 S/C is started not with the push of a button but with a rotary ignition switch to the left of the steering wheel.
The ‘Track Screen’ display mode reduces the digital displays on the left and right of the rev counter to essential data on tyres, oil, coolant and fuel.
Shift lights on the left and right of the rev counter indicate the optimal moment to change gear.
If desired, the display can be rotated so that the rev limit of 9,000rpm is positioned at the 12 o'clock mark.
Andreas Preuninger, head of GT Cars, said, "For the first time, the 911 GT3 S/C uses the double wishbone front axle on an open-top 911. Combined with the particularly high-grip sports tyres and low weight, the car offers driving pleasure on winding roads that was previously virtually unheard of in an open-top car."
The chassis set-up of the new 911 GT3 S/C mirrors that of the 911 GT3 with Touring Package.
As with all 911 GT3 models, 255/35 ZR 20 front and 315/30 ZR 21 rear tyres are fitted as standard.
Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur offers the optional Street Style Package for the new 911 GT3 S/C.
The eye-catching decorative graphics on the front wings and the ‘PORSCHE’ lettering on the sides of the vehicle are in the colour Pyro Red.
The brake callipers, finished in Victory Gold, bear ‘PORSCHE’ lettering in black.
Inside, the Adaptive Sports Seats Plus catch the eye with an embroidered outline of the Porsche crest.
The seat centre panels are upholstered in four-tone braided leather in Slate Grey, Guards Red, Magnesium Grey and Kalahari.
In addition, the interior is almost completely upholstered with two-tone leather in Slate Grey and Guards Red.
