Porsche 'reveals' muscly 2021 911 GT3, confirms 6-speed manual
Words: Matthew Hansen
One of the most spied forthcoming supercars is Porsche's upcoming 911 GT3. It's been photographed by sneaky photographers in full camouflage, partial camouflage, and next to no camouflage. Clearly thinking the world has more or less seen what's to be seen of its new baby, Porsche has released images of it in almost full production, uncovered glory.
There are some bits here and there that haven't been detailed in full in the images, but by and large this is the 911 GT3 — wider and meaner than ever before. A whopping 'gooseneck' rear wing inspired by the German firm's GT-LM programme comes attached, as do a hefty pair of hips joined by a larger rear rump — affording more room in the engine-bay.
Along with the images, Porsche has begun drip-feeding more mechanical information about the 911 GT3 via an interview Road & Track held with head of development Andreas Preuninger. Most notably, it's set to come with a 4.0-litre flat six engine with the option of being paired to a six-speed manual.
This is interesting given that Porsche already produces a seven-speed manual, but the sixer is said to be a more engaging experience. There's also a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch, which will likely, begrudgingly, be the more popular option.
Purists feeling pangs of regret in preferring the PDK can take some solace in that it will have one of the coolest shift actions of any current dual-clutch. Its gear selector (now fashioned to look like a traditional shifter) has a separate gate for drivers to use as a sequential shifter — pull down to shift up, pull up to shift down. Noice. There's paddles still, too, if you're that way inclined.
Preuninger said that there was going to be a follow-up model to Porsche's incredibly successful GT3 Touring model — itself a result of the wild furore around the GT3 R. Expect a GT3 RS to naturally follow suit, too.
Not a lot else has been detailed about that 4.0-litre six tucked in the GT3's rear, although Preuninger has told Autocar UK that it will produce 503hp, while others are tipping it will rev all the way to an ear-splitting joyous 9,000rpm. Nevertheless it's nice to know that the GT3 will still have its 'purist' hat on for at least another generation — perhaps leaving the GT2 open to being an electrified halo model.
As with all past 911s, the racing world inspiration doesn't stop at just the wing. Along with a most likely vast amount of mechanical components underneath the skin, the GT3 will sport a multi-link double-wishbone front suspension set-up. This is a first for a road-going 911, and is derived from Porsche's racers.
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