2018 Porsche 911 GT3 – Making RS a Nonsense

Let’s go through some basics with 911 before we turn our attention to the newcomer. We have a base model and its 370 hp, then comes S model rated at 420 hp, add 10 hp more and you have GTS, while ludicrous fun starts with Turbo name extensions that give 540 hp, and ending with Turbo S boosting 580 hp. Then we are left with GT3 model and its 475 hp, so you are probably trying to squeeze it between GTS and Turbo thinking that it is its rightful place to be in this lineup. If we look at power figure and price tag, it exactly belongs there, but that doesn’t actually mean that it is inferior to Turbo models above. In horsepower number, it is, in fact, but in everything else not so much.

WHAT IS IT THEN?

It is a track oriented monster by Porsche, and since 918 is gone, this is the most brutal thing that German company has to offer. Turbo has power, but not more lateral G, so on the track GT3 is the king. The current model was introduced in 2013, and we even had more lunatic GT3 RS version in 2015.

This version was on sale for just one year, but don’t despair for its better engine and more power as refresh brought us 2018 Porsche 911 GT3, making you forget about RS in an instant, and now we will explain why.

RS WHO?

First of all, GT3 was using 3.8-liter six-cylinder boxer engine delivering 475 hp, so if you own one, the introduction of GT3 RS with 4.0-liter flat-six boosting 500 hp made you cry. Now, new GT3 gets the same 4.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer and same power output, leaving RS owners in tears.

You also have 339 lb-ft of torque, redline at deliciously sounding 9,000 rpm, just 3,116 pounds of weight and acceleration time to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, which is by 3 tenths of a second better than the outgoing model and one tenth better than RS.

THANK GOD!

There was a problem with the previous GT3. It had only PDK 7-speed dual clutch transmission. We know that it is maybe the best one in the industry and we don’t claim that we can shift faster than it, but sometimes you just want to have some fun or be in total control, even if it cost you a second more on lap time. Porsche is finally acknowledging that and manual is here.

Subtitle words! Instead of the usual 7-speed manual from other models, you’ll end up with 6-speed one from, already legendary, 911 R model carrying shorter ratios. You’ll need 6 tenths more to 60 mph, but the pleasure of shifting by yourself through blistering fast, precise and shortened throws is compensating that in an instant.

YOU STILL HAVE

Rear axle steering continues to supplement your driving, virtually shortening or elongating your wheelbase depending on circumstances, also helped with locking rear differential.

This is far from all as we still have sports seats, incredibly looking and quite eyes pleasing carbon-fiber bucket ones and infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay along with Track Precision App. There is an option for you to get standard seats but trust us, you want these with a carbon fiber back.

Porsche 911 GT3 Gallery

MORE NEW STUFF

Yes, there is more apart from new engine and manual gearbox. Front bumper is revised with differently styled air intakes, and indicator lights are newly shaped in accordance with the facelifted models from the rest of the lineup. At the rear we have revised bumper with more aggressive carvings, new diffuser, and bigger wing, resulting in more menacing impression. So, 2018 Porsche 911 GT3? RS engine and power, manual shifter at choice and price tag of $144,600! $15k below Turbo, while easily shredding it to pieces on any track or back road that exist out there. The case is rest.

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 Video