Officially Official: All the details on the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3
by Sam Abuelsamid on Jan 29th 2009 at 9:25AM 
Click above high-res image gallery of the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3
We'll be getting our first in-person look at Porsche's newest hard-core 911 version when we arrive at the Geneva Motor Show in just over four weeks time. However, we've now got more photos and details on the 911 GT3 to share with you thanks to the staff in Stuttgart. Back when the original 911 Turbo debuted 35 years ago, its 256 horsepower was considered staggering. The new GT3 again leaves old 911s in the dust with an un-boosted 435 hp from its 3.8-liter flat-six. Although Porsche hasn't yet quoted a specific number, the GT3's mid-range torque response is claimed to be significantly fattened up, too.
The sprint to 60 miles-per-hour now takes a claimed 4.1 seconds with 100 mph coming in double that time. Handling dynamics are also claimed to be improved and the driver now has more control over the stability management system. The electronic stability control and traction control systems can now be individually deactivated, and high-speed behavior is also aided by improved downforce at both ends of the car.
Adaptive damping systems are pretty old hat in 2009. For the GT3, Porsche has added active engine mounts(!) that recognize hard driving. For example, during track work, the engine mounts will tighten up in an effort to eliminate driveline lash that can unsettle a car in transient maneuvers. The GT3 also gets optional ceramic brakes and center lock wheels. Europeans can pick up a GT3 starting in May.
Gallery: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3
[Source: Porsche]
PRESS RELEASE:
New Porsche 911 GT3: Top Performer on the Road with Ambitions on the Track
Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is adding yet another new model to the second generation of the 911 model series: the new GT3 even more powerful, faster, and refined than its predecessor.
In developing the most sporting and dynamic road-going 911 with a normal-aspiration power unit, Porsche has applied a wide range of know-how gained in motorsport. Indeed, this is precisely why the new GT3 is truly impressive not only on the road, but also on the race track.
The new 911 GT3 is making its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 3 March, with Europe-wide sales starting in May.
The 911 GT3 offers an even higher standard above all in two key areas: performance and driving dynamics. Now the proven six-cylinder naturally-aspirated power unit develops maximum output of 435 bhp (320 kW), up 20 bhp over its predecessor. This results first and foremost from an increase in engine capacity by 200 cc to 3.8 litres and from the improved gas cycle: now not only the intake, but for the first time also the exhaust camshafts are adjusted by VarioCam.
A further important point is that, through its upgraded power and performance, the boxer engine also offers a significant increase in torque at medium engine speeds, a benefit of particular significance in everyday motoring. Clearly, this also means a further improvement in performance, the new GT3 accelerating from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and reaching 160 km/h in 8.2 seconds. Top speed is 312 km/h or 194 mph.
The second highlight in developing the 911 GT3 to an even higher standard was to further improve the car's driving dynamics: For the first time the 911 GT3 comes with a particularly sporting variant of PSM Porsche Stability Management, offering the option to deactivate both Stability Control (SC) and Traction Control (TC) in separate steps. And to give the driver unrestricted, individual control over the driving dynamics of his car, these functions are not reactivated automatically even under the most extreme driving conditions, but only at the touch of a button.
The new GT3 offers even better grip and stability also at high speeds, specific modifications of the car's aerodynamics increasing down-forces both front and rear to such an extent that the overall pressure pushing down the car is more than twice as great as on the former model. At the same time the new Aerodynamics Package gives the GT3 a brand-new look further accentuated by the new bi-xenon headlights, LED rear light clusters, as well as modified air intakes and outlets.
The active PASM suspension of the 911 GT3 enables Porsche's engineers to make the springs and anti-rollbars somewhat stiffer yet again, thus ensuring even more precise handling in the PASM sports mode, while retaining appropriate roll comfort suitable for everyday use in the normal PASM mode. New, even lighter wheels in racing design with central locking and UHP (ultra-high performance) tyres now even featuring tyre pressure control round off the functional and visual enhancement of the GT3.
With driving dynamics and performance increasing to an even higher level, the brake system, following an old Porsche tradition, has been enhanced accordingly on the new 911 GT3. The brake discs now come with an even larger friction disc and an aluminium cover to reduce weight even further. Further improvement of brake ventilation, in turn, guarantees an even higher level of consistent brake power also over long periods. And as an option the GT3 comes as before with an exclusive version of PCCB ceramic brakes made specifically for this model.
Starting in autumn, the new GT3 will be available with yet another option making the car even more suitable for the race track: new and highly innovative PADM (Porsche Active Drivetrain Mount) engine bearings. These special engine mounts recognise a particularly sporting, race-like style of driving, making the normally elastic engine suspension hard and particularly resistant. This retains all the motoring comfort of the GT3 in everyday traffic, while on the race track the car is not affected by any mass forces coming from the engine, as would otherwise be the case in fast bends and on winding tracks.
Yet a further advantage is the car's improved traction when accelerating from a standstill.
Another feature also new on the new model is the optional lift system for the front axle able to raise the ground clearance of the car for driving on bumpy surfaces or steep gradients – for example into an underground garage – at the touch of a button by 30 millimetres or almost 1.2".
The Euro base price of the new GT3 is Euro 98,100, in Germany the retail price including value-added tax and specific national features is Euro 116,947. In the USA the GT3 will be at the dealership in October at a price of USD 112,200 (MSRP without taxes).
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
phoenexius 9:34AM (1/29/2009)
Drew Philips correctly read the article the '10 911 GT3 has a 4.0 liter engine
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phoenexius 9:37AM (1/29/2009)
okay, sorry, I read it again - Sam you are right it is 3.8 (up from 3.6)
James Ricketts 2:40PM (1/29/2009)
here is some footage of the new gt3 on the track
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1544602936/bclid958607989/bctid1549584333
mr2 9:45AM (1/29/2009)
I thought I read 4.0L but maybe not. I thought I also read it was 4.1 secs to 100km/h, so roughly 3.8 to 60. I'd like one.
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MaxM 9:47AM (1/29/2009)
Just pointing that at the end of the press release it states that:
"In the USA the GT3 will be at the dealership in October at a price of USD 112,200 (MSRP without taxes)."
so I guess we'll be able to see it!
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Serge 9:49AM (1/29/2009)
3.8L flat6 making 435hp and redlining around 10,000RPM sitting inside a beautiful 911 body...
This thing is like a blow-up doll for rich people.
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hoyaCS08 9:49AM (1/29/2009)
Um... it does say when the US "gets a shot." It's October, with an MSRP of $112K. And the ceramic brakes are still an option, not standard.
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hoyaCS08 9:56AM (1/29/2009)
Interesting there is no mention of Porsche's PDK dual-clutch tranny for this car. You would think the more track-focused GT3 would have this option. I know they use an enlarged version of the race-proven 3.6L block (originally in the GT1 racer from the late 90s) in this car, maybe they can't get the PDK to work with it? Probably also why there's still no direct-injection in this engine either, unlike the 2010 regular 911s
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Braden 11:25AM (1/29/2009)
There may not be direct injection because it's bad for / hard on oil and because the additional cooling benefits of it may not be needed (DI is usually paired best with forced induction).
With something wanging around at 10k RPM, I'd want to make sure my oil retains its lubrocity (I just made that word up) between oil change intervals. Direct injection is proven to dilute oil and cause problems much quicker than standard injection - ask any accomplished tribologist (oil analyst).
The only other major plus for direct injection is that it is more fuel efficient; if you can afford a GT3 and are tracking it, you don't really care about MPG.
yacoub 11:32AM (1/29/2009)
you can remove the comma from your title and add a 0 to the price. :)
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vkchu 11:15AM (1/29/2009)
so when are the rs and rsr variants being released?
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bigford87129 11:41AM (1/29/2009)
Not sure about the RS, but the racing version of the GT3, the RSR was delivered to teams a month or so ago. Luckily, the street going GT3 doesn't have the RSR's gaping hole in the bonnet.
http://www.americanlemans.com/Gallery/217/2171262009194725937.JPG
JF 12:02PM (1/29/2009)
I wanna see a torque/power curve. Bet its a blast to drive.
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Cory O'Brien 12:09PM (1/29/2009)
The advertising Porsche is doing for the GT3 is great: http://www.didntyouhear.com/2009/01/28/porsche-will-scare-you-with-their-latest-car/
Sit down, shut up, and hold on tight!
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Dustin 12:12PM (1/29/2009)
Lots of cars have active engine mounts, even Hyundai.
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yournamehere6785 12:46PM (1/29/2009)
Are those Single-lug wheels? Thats a cool little touch.
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Jason 1:26PM (1/29/2009)
Official Official: This is my dream car
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catchmyshadow 1:29AM (1/30/2009)
what a gorgeous car, GT3 = 911 in its purest form.
loving it...
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