Porsche has a long tradition of translating what it learns on the track into cars designed for the road. And the 2022 911 GT3 is a perfect example of this tradition.
With its extensive lightweight materials, refined aerodynamics and a motorsports-derived double wishbone front-axle layout, the new 911 GT3 seeks to raise the bar once again in the already rarified world of Porsche.
It has a high-revving naturally aspirated engine shared with 911 GT3 Cup, that double wishbone front suspension adapted from 911 RSR and a choice of PDK or six-speed manual transmission.
Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Inc., described 911 GT3 as having a “soul that’s born in the Motorsport.”
The new model GT3 starts at $161,100 and is arriving in U.S. showrooms as part of the 2022 model year.
Whether you’re enjoying a favorite twisty lakeside road or taking to the track, the new 911 GT3 promises to be among the most exciting and rewarding cars you’ve ever driven.
At the heart of the new model: A naturally aspirated 4.0-liter, six-cylinder boxer engine that revs to 9,000 rpm.
The GT3’s engine churns out up to 502 hp and 346 lb-ft of torque and offers you razor sharp throttle response due in large part to its six independent throttle bodies.
The 2022 911 GT3: Straight Off the Track
The engine of the new 911 GT3 is virtually identical to the one found in the new, track-only 911 GT3 Cup race car.
Included as standard: The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission – engineered and tuned specifically for the 911 GT3.
Want a particularly engaging driving experience? Then you might opt for an available six-speed manual transmission.
It’s the same engine that was first introduced in the limited-production 911 Speedster in 2019 but further optimized for use in the new 911 GT3 with new pistons.
You can get from zero to 60 mph with the standard seven-speed PDK in a mere 3.2 seconds and reach a top track speed is 197 mph.
Other 911 GT3 Features Highlighted by Porsche:
• A dry-sump lubrication system ensures a sufficient oil supply even at very high lateral and longitudinal loads by using a total of seven suction stages that quickly return oil to the external tank.
• The standard braking system also boasts improvements over the predecessor model with cast iron discs measuring 408-mm in diameter on the front axle, which is a 28-mm increase over the previous generation.
• The discs used for the GT3 are approximately 17 percent lighter than those on the 911 Turbo models due largely to the use of a narrower friction ring.
• Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) are also available as an additional cost option. (The optional system includes rotors with a diameter of 410 mm in the front and 390 mm in the rear that offer weight savings of about half compared to similarly sized cast iron brake discs and significantly improved thermal load capacity).
• GT-specific forged alloy wheels with a 20” diameter in front and 21” diameter in the rear contribute to the overall improvement in vehicle dynamics.
• Front wheels are half an inch wider than the wheels of the previous GT3, and gain an inch of diameter in the rear. Despite increased width, the new wheels are also about 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) lighter in total as compared to the wheels on the preceding model.
The Improved Performance is also Due to Aerodynamics.
A new front fascia includes integrated cooling intakes along with an adjustable front spoiler lip and an adjustable front diffuser that can be set up for track use.
Special side skirts optimize air flow around the wheels. Yet the most visually striking aerodynamic development is found at the rear, where swan-neck connections support the rear wing – and a large and stunning rear diffuser is visible.
The rear wing is in fact manually adjustable in stages ranging from settings intended for road use – all the way up to positions intended for use on track only. In the “normal” position, aerodynamic downforce is up to 50 percent greater compared to the preceding 911 GT3.
Performance position is applied to both the front and rear, and causes downforce to increases by up to 150 percent. This position is not intended for street use.
The Cool Steering Wheel
The connection to Porsche’s rich racing history continues inside, starting with the steering wheel.
For that extra sporty look, the GT3 Multifunction Sport steering wheel has a 360 mm diameter and upholstery in Race-Tex is standard equipment.
The steering wheel also includes a drive mode switch – a first in a 911 GT3. This allows you, the driver, to switch between driver configurable settings by simply turning the dial.
In 2022, according to Porsche, you can also expect an expansion of connected services as the result of adopting the latest generation of Porsche Communication Management (PCM), accessed through a 10.9-inch touchscreen display, combining navigation, entertainment, comfort and communications systems.
The new PCM is based on the operating concept first introduced in the Porsche Taycan and offers a simplified interface that is similarly flexible in layout and personalization to that in the electric car.
But at the heart of it all the latest GT3 incorporates more racing technology than any of its predecessors. The layout of the double wishbone front axle, the refined aerodynamics with the swan-neck rear wing, and the striking diffuser are just a few of many examples.
The car’s already comparatively light weight is also down thanks to insights gleaned from the racing world. The front hood – made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic – and the lightweight glass windows as well as the lightweight sport exhaust system add up to reduced weight. The new GT3 weighs in at a nice 3,164 lbs. Further weight-saving components, such as the exposed carbon fiber roof, are also available.
If you’re a purist you can still order a six-speed manual transmission that brings the weight up an additional 37 lbs.
It’s Available in a Touring Package
The 911 GT3 with Touring Package is delivered with a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission as standard for the U.S. market, and a six-speed GT Sport manual transmission as a no-cost option in selected states.
This is the first time the Touring Package is available with the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission.
Like its predecessor, engine, transmission, suspension, wheels and tires on vehicles with the Touring Package are adopted from the regular 911 GT3.
