Weissach wonders: the history of the Porsche 911 GT3

Take a guided tour through the evolution of Porsche's road-going racers, from 996 through to 991.2

4y ago
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Porsche 996 GT3: 1999

Flat out, the 996 GT3 would hit 188mph.

Flat out, the 996 GT3 would hit 188mph.

Taking over the mantle of the old air-cooled 993 RS, the new 996-based GT3 was also the work of Porsche’s Weissach motorsport department, even if it didn’t have the Rennsport badge to prove it. Water-cooled, like every 996, but based on the old Mezger flat-six that took Porsche to Le Mans victory with the 911 GT1.

The GT3 was claimed to be the first car to crack 8 minutes at the ‘ring (and with the optional Clubsport pack’s buckets ’n’ cage combo, looked ready to let you try), though Nissan’s R33 GT-R was already sipping beer in the Pistenklause while wearing the T-shirt, when it crossed the line.

Engine: 3600cc 24v flat six, 355bhp@7200rpm, 273lb ft@5000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Weight: 1350kg (unladen DIN)
Performance: 4.8sec 0-62mph, 10.2sec 0-100mph, 15.8sec 0-124mph, 23.2sec standing km, 188mph

Porsche 996.2 GT3: 2002

The 996.2 GT3's engine could be merrily wound to 8000rpm and beyond.

The 996.2 GT3's engine could be merrily wound to 8000rpm and beyond.

Engine output was up 21bhp, and the redline extended 400rpm to 8200rpm, while six-pot calipers replaced fours to keep it under control. Ceramic brakes were optional for the first time and, like its predecessor, it only had two seats.

Tell it from the older version by its more angular looking headlights and alloy wheel spokes, and its more conventional rear wing.

Engine: 3600cc 24v flat-six, 376bhp @ 7400rpm, 284lb ft @ 5000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Weight: 1380kg (unladen DIN)
Performance: 4.5sec 0-62mph, 9.4sec 0-100mph, 14.3sec 0-124mph, 22.8sec standing km, 190mph

Porsche 996.2 GT3 RS: 2003

Forgotten what you'd bought? Fear not, as Porsche made it pretty obvious from the outside.

Forgotten what you'd bought? Fear not, as Porsche made it pretty obvious from the outside.

The RS was back, and clearly playing on the badge’s heritage: this 996 was only available in white with a choice of ’73 RS-aping red or blue accents.

A proper homologation special, the RS featured different wheel hub assemblies, lighter (and noisier) single mass flywheel, a polycarbonate rear window, and generous helpings of carbon on the front bonnet and rear wing.

Engine: 3600cc 24v flat-six, 376bhp @ 7400rpm, 284lb ft @ 5000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Weight: 1360kg
Performance: 4.4sec 0-62mph, 9.2sec 0-100mph, 14sec 0-124mph, 22.5sec standing km, 190mph

Porsche 997 GT3: 2006

You could almost hit 200mph in the 997 GT3.

You could almost hit 200mph in the 997 GT3.

By 2006 the new Carrera was putting out as much power as the original GT3, so Weissach upped its game, pushing the unblown flat six to over 400bhp – and a beyond-the-clouds 8400rpm – for the first time thanks to the 3.6’s new variable intake manifold.

There was shorter gearing to capitalise on it, plus traction control to spare blushes, if not your underwear, should those semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres take a dislike to a patch of wet Tarmac. And boy did they dislike rain. PASM adaptive dampers made this the best GT3 on the road so far.

Engine: 3600cc 24v flat-six, 409bhp @ 7600rpm, 298lb ft @ 5500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Weight: 1395kg
Performance: 4.3sec 0-62mph, 8.7sec 0-100mph, 21sec standing km, 192mph

Porsche 997 GT3 RS: 2006

The GT3 RS version of the 997 was wider, firmer and more aggressive.

The GT3 RS version of the 997 was wider, firmer and more aggressive.

Existing solely to homologate the RSR racer, the road-going RS had no more power than the regular GT3, but an even better idea of what to do with it. Borrowing the Turbo’s 44mm wider track (other two-wheel drive cars stuck with the narrow shell), the RS put more rubber to the pavement and hunkered even closer to it.

An even more comprehensive roll cage than the Clubsport GT3’s dominated the interior, but keeping mass down with tricks including a plastic rear window helped peg the kerb weight to 1375kg. Look out for lurid paint and some questionable side graphics.

Engine: 3600cc 24v flat-six, 409bhp @ 7600rpm, 298lb ft @ 5500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Weight: 1375kg
Performance: 4.2sec 0-62mph, 8.5sec 0-100mph, 20.9sec standing km, 192mph

Porsche 997.2 GT3: 2009

The 997.2 GT3 featured a larger, more advanced and more powerful engine.

The 997.2 GT3 featured a larger, more advanced and more powerful engine.

The big news for the second-gen 997 GT3 was a 200c increase in engine capacity to 3.8 litres, and Porsche’s clever Variocam valve trickery was now fitted to both cams, not just the intake. Power was up 20bhp and torque by almost as much.

Tell it from 997 v1 by the centre-lock wheels, triple vents below the rear badge, and the huge park bench of a spoiler above it.

Engine: 3797cc 24v flat-six, 429bhp @ 7600rpm, 317lb ft @ 6250rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Weight: 1395kg
Performance: 4.1sec 0-62mph, 12.3sec 0-124mph, 193mph

Porsche 997.2 GT3 RS: 2010

Substantial spoiler mounts make it easy to spot the 997.2 GT3 RS.

Substantial spoiler mounts make it easy to spot the 997.2 GT3 RS.

Porsche put some real distance between the GT3 and RS this time, in every sense. The RS shared the spoils of the jump to 3.8-litres but squeezed out an extra 15bhp for a 444bhp total.

Attention to weight-saving detail included a lithium ion battery, but the chassis didn’t miss out on upgrades. PASM adaptive dampers made their first appearance on an RS, as did dynamic engine mounts, while this time the front track – and not just the rear – was wider too.

Engine: 3797cc 24v flat-six, 444bhp @ 7900rpm, 317lb ft @ 6750rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Weight: 1370kg
Performance: 4sec 0-62mph, 12.2sec 0-124mph, 192mph

Porsche 997 GT3 RS 4.0: 2011

The GT3 RS's 0-62mph time dipped into the threes for the first time in the history of the line-up.

The GT3 RS's 0-62mph time dipped into the threes for the first time in the history of the line-up.

The 2.7 RS of our generation, and a fitting swansong for the legendary Mezger engine. Stretching the flat six to 4.0-litres pushed power towards Turbo territory, but it was the extra torque that made this a standout among GT3s.

With the help of a lightweight carbon bonnet and front wings and impressive sounding (but probably just thinner) ‘weight optimised carpets’, the RS 4.0 tipped the scales at just 10kg more than the first GT3 back in 1999, but lapped the Nordschleife a whole 30sec quicker. Legend.

Engine: 3996cc 24v flat-six, 493bhp @ 8250rpm, 339lb ft @ 5750rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Weight: 1360kg
Performance: 3.9sec 0-62mph, 12.0sec 0-124mph, 193mph

Porsche 991 GT3: 2013

Many balked when when Porsche announced that the 991 would get a dual-clutch gearbox.

Many balked when when Porsche announced that the 991 would get a dual-clutch gearbox.

Switching to a compulsory twin-clutch ‘box was a big change for the previously manual-only GT3, and contributed to a relatively big kerbweight too: this new-era 911 was 80kg (176lb) heavier than that first version back in ’99.

Not that you’d know it from the way it drove. The old Mezger engine was gone, but its replacement was about as shabby as a new mink coat, pushing out near-4.0 RS power – and the real Rennsport car was still to come.

Engine: 3799cc 24v flat-six, 469bhp @ 8250rpm, 325lb ft @ 6250rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch, rear-wheel drive
Weight: 1430kg
Performance: 3.5sec 0-62mph, 195mph

Porsche 991 GT3 RS: 2015

The RS's flat-six punches out 493bhp at 8250rpm.

The RS's flat-six punches out 493bhp at 8250rpm.

Characterised by a raft of geeky aero tweaks including vents in the carbon front wings that made it look like the subject of a mad scientist’s vivisection experiment, this RS produced a crushing 330kg of downforce at 186mph.

It didn't use the same engine as the old RS, mind, but it was equally voluminous and delivering eerily identical 493bhp and 339lb ft outputs. Like its non-RS contemporary, this GT3 was PDK-only – if you wanted a manual with this motor you had to beg your dealer for a limited-run 911R (and more than likely watch them laugh in your face).

Engine: 3996cc 24v flat-six, 493bhp @ 8250rpm, 339lb ft @ 6250rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch, rear-wheel drive
Weight: 1420kg
Performance: 3.3sec 0-62mph, 7.1sec 0-100mph, 10.9sec 0-124mph, 193mph

Porsche 991.2 GT3: 2017

Prefer manuals? You're in luck...

Prefer manuals? You're in luck...

Enthusiasts cheered when it was announced that the latest GT3 would be offered with a manual gearbox, in a surprisingly retrograde move. The PDK version would remain, but those wanting to row their own gears – and be slightly slower in the process – were finally sated.

Power remained the same, with the 4.0-litre flat-six continuing to thump out 493bhp, but a whole host of aero, chassis and tech tweaks should ensure that the latest take on the GT3 is even quicker across country than before.

Engine: 3996cc 24v flat-six, 493bhp
Transmission: Six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK, rear-wheel drive
Weight: 1430kg (unladen DIN, PDK)
Performance: 3.4sec 0-62mph (PDK), 197mph (PDK)

So, which would take pride of place in your dream garage? Have your say below...

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Comments (8)

  • I bought a 996 GT3 for the most "analog" feel. It has some upgrades to compete with its newer brothers

      4 years ago
  • 997.2 for me ! but I honestly believe that they are all over priced, the used car market these days is crazy and doesn't make sense ! shame that it is the people buying them to flip them for profit that is driving the prices so high, and not the actual petrol heads !

      4 years ago
  • 996 GT3 mk1 is the purest of the list. 964/993 RS engine evolution with GT1 engine parts... 993 GT gearbox, last handmade, no esp or psm, well... and that sound!

      4 years ago
  • Having tried the others, I voted with my hard-earned and bought a 996.2 GT3...it is quite simply epic. Check out my Tribe "Now With Wings" FLY for pictures of mine in Guards Red. Happy to give proper feedback to anyone of the ownership experience if you are thinking of buying one. It'll be the best decision you ever made.

      4 years ago
  • I'm equal parts intrigued and in awe by the direction Porsche has gone with the 991.2 GT3, giving it the larger engine from the .1 RS and the gearbox from the 911R, though with the requisite improvements and refinements. It uses the loveliest bits-and-bobs from all of the .1 GT cars and creates something truly amazing. I'd love to own either the RS 4.0, 991.2 GT3 (in manual, of course!), or the 996.2 GT3. It's just so hard to choose between the three.

      4 years ago
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