The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 has made its official debut, arriving with a naturally aspirated flat-six engine producing more than 500 horsepower, advanced aerodynamics and a sophisticated double-wishbone front suspension layout.
While the C8 Corvette Z06 has yet to make its official debut, this Porsche 911 GT3 undoubtedly will serve as a direct rival to Chevy’s upcoming track star, with the two motorsports-inspired models appealing to a similar kind of performance enthusiast.
The 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3 is powered by a naturally-aspirated flat-six that Porsche says is virtually identical to the current 911 GT3 Cup race car. The 4.0L engine produces 502 horsepower and 346-pound-feet of torque and is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Unlike the C8 Corvette Z06, which is expected to be offered with a paddle-shift transmission only, the 911 GT3 is also available with a six-speed manual transmission for those buyers who “prefer a particularly engaging driving experience,” the automaker says. With the quick-shifting PDK gearbox equipped, the Porsche 911 GT3 will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 197 mph.
Power and straight-line speed are only part of the GT3 equation, though. This latest iteration of the hardcore 911 variant is 1.9-inches wider than the previous model, but weighs virtually the same. This is thanks to an increase in lightweight materials usage, with the hood, rear wing and fixed rear spoiler all made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). All of the windows are also made of lightweight noise insulated glass, further contributing to the vehicle’s impressively low weight kerb weight.
A new double-wishbone front suspension layout taken from the 911 RSR and 911 GT3 Cup race cars also enhances the GT3’s track overall capability, Porsche says, providing more direct and precise steering and improved cornering stability. Large standard 16-inch iron brake rotors help bring things to a stop, while carbon-ceramic brakes are also available to buyers who need some additional thermal load capacity for those intense summer track days.
Inside, the GT3 is set apart from standard 911 models thanks to its GT3 Multifunction Sport Steering wheel, available Carbon Fiber Bucket Seats and unique PDK gear select lever. The standard “Track Screen” mode for the digital instrument cluster also reduces the available info to necessary track driving info like a tachometer, tire pressure and water pressure.
The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 is expected to hit U.S. dealers this fall, with pricing and order availability to be announced closer to its market launch.
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Comments
The Corvette and 911 have been huge rivals for decades; however, the 911 costs 3-4 times as much. You decide.
What’s kerb weight?
3100-3200lb, depending on options
A Porsche 911 GT3 is not 4 times more expansive than the Z06
My ’17 Grand Sport was ~$72k and when pitted against the ’17 GT3 at Hockenheim raceway, it lost by a mere .2 seconds. GT3’s come in at ~$175-180k, so while they are not exactly 4 times as much as the C7 GS, the price difference is not simply nickels and dimes. Now, if the GT3 was to be placed against the C7 Z06, it would lose and still cost ~$65-75k more.
To each their own. No two people will like the same things or share the same opinions. 🙂
“a sophisticated double-wishbone front suspension layout” compared to what Sam? The MacPherson strut based system it replaced? Are you calling an unequal length control arm “double-wishbone” or “A-arm” suspension “sophisticated”?
I guess the Z06 doesn’t stand a chance since it’s front suspension utilizes, …Sam?
Funny how every other manufacturers new vehicles are aimed directly at GM’s
Trust me, Porsche isn’t aiming at Corvettes with this. They’ve got plenty of loyal Porsche buyers who won’t look twice at a Corvette. It is an interesting comparison though.
Personally, I’d take the GT3 just because of the manual option (though obviously they’re in quite different price brackets), but I will be super curious to see the z06 details when it comes out.
I’m hoping that the Corvette engineers can manage to take some of the weight out of the C8 ZO6. The new 911 is a monster on the track.
I have tough about this myself and I’m convinced that GM has been working on this from the beginning with other products. Think “CarbonPro Box”, the GMC Sierra’s carbon fiber composite bed. Could it be they went the way of designing the C8 Corvette the way they did with the “Bedford six” castings in mind. With the intent of making these carbon fiber in the hyper models? They could also go with magnesium weighing 36% less then aluminum.
The porsche is ugly and outdated -always reminds me of a volkswagon –I will take the C8 over the porsche any day . Matter of fact I already did
I was reading motor trend about how good the new Turbo porsche is….and it was a mere $205,000 plus tax and licensing. I will take the z06 when it comes out…
Maybe 2… for the same 205k
Every NEW auto I have purchase (about 20) has always been American, GM, or Ford, I am going to keep my 40-year streak going.
The year or two earlier GT3 Turbo (with wing) was the year to get. The one with vents over both wheels. Now they are ughly and unexcitable again. Same with Ram vans and Ford Transits. Ugh……
The C8-R is 2700 Lbs. But it is without luxury accommodations and skimpy on comfort. What and how much “Stingray accommodations” will the C8 Z06 buyer surrender to gain performance lightening.
1,2,3,4,5.6hundred pounds worth
2800Lbs ? 2900? 3000? 3100? 3200? 3300? 3400? 3500?
All speculations at this point boys. The data here represents only one piece of the puzzle in comparing to cars. Both will be equally great in their own rights.
Looking at what we know here about the GT3, 0-60 is .5 sec slower then a C8 Stingray. Top end is about the same. Again that comparing to the base C8. Other then a 5.5 flat plane crank engine no one knows anything as fact with the coming Z06. Even the Flat Plan Crank is in question if GTLM goes away at the end of the year then GM has an exit. Doubt they would at this point they have to be to far down the path.
In the end i expect two manufactures to take different approaches to deliver two cars that in the end are competitive to each other. Additionally regardless of what the data says, both will have plenty of drivers with $$$ to purchase the cart and not the skill set to drive them at the limit. So in any given meeting between the two the driver will almost always be the deciding factor……….
?????. Even the Flat Plan Crank is in question if GTLM goes away at the end of the year then GM has an exit. Doubt they would at this point they have to be to far down the path.????
Say it ain’t so Joe, say it ain’t so.