The worst kept secret of 2009 has today been confirmed as fact: three years after it was first released, the Porsche 997 GT3 has been updated to reflect the redesign of the Gen2 997 and its all important new technology.
Does the GT1-based engine remain? And what about PDK? Well read on…
Read the article and then join the converstation with us here on Dialogue.
Also, take a look at Porsche’s microsite and watch their video of the new GT3 [click the image below]
Written By
Try These Next
Stories we think you'll enjoy
BTCC, Snetterton: Transmission’s Top 20
The BTCC's third racing weekend of the year took us to Snetterton, which not only boasts the longest circuit on the calendar...
The VSCC’s Pomeroy Trophy
From a 1913 Vauxhall Viper to a somewhat more modern Zafira, the VSCC's Pomeroy Trophy had something for everyone.
Silverstone 500: Barwell’s Margin Call
British GT's Silverstone 500 delivered three hours of sensational racing and one of the closest finish we've ever seen.
Er, I want one!! In black please!!
There are some great new features on that car that are going to make it a great everyday car. Any chance of optional back seats for the kid?
Er, I want one!! In black please!!
There are some great new features on that car that are going to make it a great everyday car. Any chance of optional back seats for the kid?
Can’t the kids just hold on to the rollcage? Sounds more sensible.
I want one, too. Don’t care what colour.
Can’t the kids just hold on to the rollcage? Sounds more sensible.
I want one, too. Don’t care what colour.
OK, so colour and seats may be a bit fussy.
How about any colour, but would like a kiddy seat in the back?
They have put a lot of tech into this car by the sounds of it. And adjustable PSM? On a GT3? Is it right Jethro that you used to think the TC light on the 997 GT3 was there to tell you that yes, you were actually in the hedge backwards?
OK, so colour and seats may be a bit fussy.
How about any colour, but would like a kiddy seat in the back?
They have put a lot of tech into this car by the sounds of it. And adjustable PSM? On a GT3? Is it right Jethro that you used to think the TC light on the 997 GT3 was there to tell you that yes, you were actually in the hedge backwards?
There’s actually a ‘configurator’ on the Porsche Web Special that’s linked on the article.
I think it looks best in yellow with the black wheels.
There’s actually a ‘configurator’ on the Porsche Web Special that’s linked on the article.
I think it looks best in yellow with the black wheels.
Oh dear.
Want.
WANT.
WANTWANTWANT.
That has to be the most effective update to a 911 that I’ve seen. The new wheels are gorgeous, the styling tweaks are subtle but worthy and the whole package just looks ****ing awesome. Even in bright red.
I’ve just spent my lunch hour drooling over the microsite videos and pics, and now have to work out how on earth I’m going to be able to afford a GT3 before I’m dead.
Oh dear.
Want.
WANT.
WANTWANTWANT.
That has to be the most effective update to a 911 that I’ve seen. The new wheels are gorgeous, the styling tweaks are subtle but worthy and the whole package just looks ****ing awesome. Even in bright red.
I’ve just spent my lunch hour drooling over the microsite videos and pics, and now have to work out how on earth I’m going to be able to afford a GT3 before I’m dead.
Is it just me but it looks a little dull for a GT3. I still think the best GT3 for visual drama was the original 996 (with the Boomerang wing). Sure it will drive great and that there will be a wider arched RS version shortly.
Be interesting to see how the race versions go against the new GT2 spec M3 and the Ferrari 430’s
Is it just me but it looks a little dull for a GT3. I still think the best GT3 for visual drama was the original 996 (with the Boomerang wing). Sure it will drive great and that there will be a wider arched RS version shortly.
Be interesting to see how the race versions go against the new GT2 spec M3 and the Ferrari 430’s
JackWood -I know there are those who get a bit hung up on GT3s having traction/stability control. I haven’t got a problem with it. Even in a car like that there are times when you’re tired, the weather’s awful and having a bit of a helping hand should the unexpected happen is no bad thing (for example how drained do most people feel on the way home from a trackday?). So long as you can turn it off, obviously.
Sounds like the new GT3 has the system seen on the GT2 – where you can dial out stability control first, then traction control. It worked pretty well on the ‘Ring, trimming excesses (it has plenty) at high speed, but on the road it is indeed a massive-crash-info-service – i.e if you see it you’re already in a ditch. I think people underestimate how quickly you’re going in the dry to need stability/traction sometimes, and crucially how quickly a car with 325-section rear semi-slicks can get away from you in the wet… I remember Phil Bennett telling me that the GT2 has lost it with traction control. I’ll accept that from him, from most other people it’s just cock-waggling of the highest order.
JackWood -I know there are those who get a bit hung up on GT3s having traction/stability control. I haven’t got a problem with it. Even in a car like that there are times when you’re tired, the weather’s awful and having a bit of a helping hand should the unexpected happen is no bad thing (for example how drained do most people feel on the way home from a trackday?). So long as you can turn it off, obviously.
Sounds like the new GT3 has the system seen on the GT2 – where you can dial out stability control first, then traction control. It worked pretty well on the ‘Ring, trimming excesses (it has plenty) at high speed, but on the road it is indeed a massive-crash-info-service – i.e if you see it you’re already in a ditch. I think people underestimate how quickly you’re going in the dry to need stability/traction sometimes, and crucially how quickly a car with 325-section rear semi-slicks can get away from you in the wet… I remember Phil Bennett telling me that the GT2 has lost it with traction control. I’ll accept that from him, from most other people it’s just cock-waggling of the highest order.
Have you seen the new RSR version yet? Front end looks very fussy with vents everywhere, but by god it’s got a nice fat arse.
Have you seen the new RSR version yet? Front end looks very fussy with vents everywhere, but by god it’s got a nice fat arse.
I completely sold to Porsche. My god… This is the best car in the whole world!
I completely sold to Porsche. My god… This is the best car in the whole world!
Jethro I am with you. I drive my car every day in all kinds of crappy conditions, mostly on crap-covered country lanes, and PSM has saved me (PSM = Please Save Me, BTW) more than a couple of times.
I have previously discussed on the Porsche Wall that I just couldn’t justify a car without PSM (or any kind of traction system) as an everyday car anymore, and hence as much as I’d love a GT3, I couldn’t see myself picking one up.
Now I can really, seriously, start wanting one of these…..
Jethro I am with you. I drive my car every day in all kinds of crappy conditions, mostly on crap-covered country lanes, and PSM has saved me (PSM = Please Save Me, BTW) more than a couple of times.
I have previously discussed on the Porsche Wall that I just couldn’t justify a car without PSM (or any kind of traction system) as an everyday car anymore, and hence as much as I’d love a GT3, I couldn’t see myself picking one up.
Now I can really, seriously, start wanting one of these…..
Oh dear…. I wonder if I could live in it?
Oh dear…. I wonder if I could live in it?
Just worked out that the price in Euros works out at £108,629 – and yet the UK list price is just over £81,000. Things aren’t all bad in the UK!
Just worked out that the price in Euros works out at £108,629 – and yet the UK list price is just over £81,000. Things aren’t all bad in the UK!
@JethroBovingdon: Yay! So, now all I need to do is work out where to get 81 grand from. Hmm…I feel a bank job coming on.
@JethroBovingdon: Yay! So, now all I need to do is work out where to get 81 grand from. Hmm…I feel a bank job coming on.
Is that Richards new longtermer ?!
Is that Richards new longtermer ?!
With regards to the Porsche microsite:
“Visually compelling while remaining extremely functional”
Surely the most Teutonic quote it’s possible to give?
The whole thing was wonderfully Germanic.
Overall I love the car, though I can’t see many people stumping up the 80k at the moment, finance is a little hard to come by when even the banks have no money.
With regards to the Porsche microsite:
“Visually compelling while remaining extremely functional”
Surely the most Teutonic quote it’s possible to give?
The whole thing was wonderfully Germanic.
Overall I love the car, though I can’t see many people stumping up the 80k at the moment, finance is a little hard to come by when even the banks have no money.
“However, it is strange to see no mention of PDK at all.”
Strange? Maybe.
Good that PDK wasn’t mentioned? Yes!
“However, it is strange to see no mention of PDK at all.”
Strange? Maybe.
Good that PDK wasn’t mentioned? Yes!
Absolutely fantastic, when it arrives DR neeeeeeeeeed to do a very VERY in depth feature on this car! If you guys need a hand I’m free haha!
Absolutely fantastic, when it arrives DR neeeeeeeeeed to do a very VERY in depth feature on this car! If you guys need a hand I’m free haha!
@Mark McTavish: Mark we’ve got something special being planned for the new GT3 that will involve selected readers, so watch this space..
@Mark McTavish: Mark we’ve got something special being planned for the new GT3 that will involve selected readers, so watch this space..
@Steve – DR: If it involves comparing the new GT3 with its predecessors I am happy to come along!!
On the driver aids I read somewhere it is to comply with forthcoming EEC legislation making them compulsory – anyone else heard of this? How will that affect Caterham etc?!
@Steve – DR: If it involves comparing the new GT3 with its predecessors I am happy to come along!!
On the driver aids I read somewhere it is to comply with forthcoming EEC legislation making them compulsory – anyone else heard of this? How will that affect Caterham etc?!
I’ve heard myself about ESP type aids being standard. I think USA is pushing for it. Most new cars have it anyway, i think it is standard on all VWs for 09, much like ABS filtered down to the most basic cars, so will ESP i think eventually. Back on topic, can’t wait to hear it, no car makes a better noise than any of the GT3 models.
I’ve heard myself about ESP type aids being standard. I think USA is pushing for it. Most new cars have it anyway, i think it is standard on all VWs for 09, much like ABS filtered down to the most basic cars, so will ESP i think eventually. Back on topic, can’t wait to hear it, no car makes a better noise than any of the GT3 models.
Awesome, simply awesome. I am with Jethro, they can put as many aids on the thing as they want as long as it makes it no heavier and you can turn them all off.
However without raining on the adulation parade no mention of DFI or PDK?? If they don’t put proper paddles (left for down, right for up, connected to the wheel) in it though they should be lined up and shot.
I heard internet whispers of a GT2RS less 400 pounds and up 50bhp, eagerly await news on this.
Awesome, simply awesome. I am with Jethro, they can put as many aids on the thing as they want as long as it makes it no heavier and you can turn them all off.
However without raining on the adulation parade no mention of DFI or PDK?? If they don’t put proper paddles (left for down, right for up, connected to the wheel) in it though they should be lined up and shot.
I heard internet whispers of a GT2RS less 400 pounds and up 50bhp, eagerly await news on this.
Hello … will a 997 RS generation 2 be launched this year and if so, what kind of differences do you envisage ? Ta.
Hello … will a 997 RS generation 2 be launched this year and if so, what kind of differences do you envisage ? Ta.
We’re hearing that there will be an RS, and it will come 6 months after the GT3. Only rumours, but then they often turn out to be correct! There’s talk of Porsche attempting to put space between the RS and the GT3, but I’m wondering if this phantom GT2 RS might end up being the only RS.
Can we all applaud the ‘3.8’ lettering on the wing end-plates too. Same script as on the 964 3.8 RS. Love it when Porsche quietly slips-in a nod to its heritage.
We’re hearing that there will be an RS, and it will come 6 months after the GT3. Only rumours, but then they often turn out to be correct! There’s talk of Porsche attempting to put space between the RS and the GT3, but I’m wondering if this phantom GT2 RS might end up being the only RS.
Can we all applaud the ‘3.8’ lettering on the wing end-plates too. Same script as on the 964 3.8 RS. Love it when Porsche quietly slips-in a nod to its heritage.
The new GT3 looks very slick indeed, I’ll have mine in black.
Does anyone know if there are any in the country yet? I followed a low-loader down the Kings Road last Tuesday and it was carrying a white 911. Number plate had the label ‘Porsche Zentrum Hamburg’ (or something like that) and sitting proudly on its rump was a GT3 badge. I thought it might have been a current generation model, but the wheels and tyres were very well covered, almost as if they were disguising something…
The new GT3 looks very slick indeed, I’ll have mine in black.
Does anyone know if there are any in the country yet? I followed a low-loader down the Kings Road last Tuesday and it was carrying a white 911. Number plate had the label ‘Porsche Zentrum Hamburg’ (or something like that) and sitting proudly on its rump was a GT3 badge. I thought it might have been a current generation model, but the wheels and tyres were very well covered, almost as if they were disguising something…
I doubt that there are any in the UK yet, since they’ve just barely broken cover.
But there are a couple of giveaways, the vent across the back is new and the Gen 2 GT3 has a strutted and end-plated wing instead of the Impreza style one on the Gen 1 version.
I doubt that there are any in the UK yet, since they’ve just barely broken cover.
But there are a couple of giveaways, the vent across the back is new and the Gen 2 GT3 has a strutted and end-plated wing instead of the Impreza style one on the Gen 1 version.
I thought as much, but just in case! Wish I’d taken a photo. I’m starting to think it was the current gen model now, the rear lights were all-red rather than two tone, and I can’t remember if the vent was present or not.
I thought as much, but just in case! Wish I’d taken a photo. I’m starting to think it was the current gen model now, the rear lights were all-red rather than two tone, and I can’t remember if the vent was present or not.
@Steve – DR: For this experiment, you’ll clearly need the opinions of a young driver. . . obviously.
You know where I am.
But in all seriousness, it does indeed look sublime.
@Steve – DR: For this experiment, you’ll clearly need the opinions of a young driver. . . obviously.
You know where I am.
But in all seriousness, it does indeed look sublime.
Looks the dogs as they all do,and I’m sure it will move the game on a bit more.£81,000 is list but you’ll be looking at up to £13,000 more if you want Ceramics , seats and other bits.
My OPC is asking if I want one BUT the problem is the depreciation every car is suffering from right now. Losing £30,000+ in 2 years on its predecessor means many potential buyers who are on the list wont be able to afford to change.
Cant quite believe what good value 2007 97 GT3 represents at £60,000. Bet the new one isnt 30% better!
Looks the dogs as they all do,and I’m sure it will move the game on a bit more.£81,000 is list but you’ll be looking at up to £13,000 more if you want Ceramics , seats and other bits.
My OPC is asking if I want one BUT the problem is the depreciation every car is suffering from right now. Losing £30,000+ in 2 years on its predecessor means many potential buyers who are on the list wont be able to afford to change.
Cant quite believe what good value 2007 97 GT3 represents at £60,000. Bet the new one isnt 30% better!
It looks the mutts proverbials like all GT3s do.
I love it in red!
Had a 996 GT3 in red which always suited the car.
£81,000 list but more like £95k after youve specced ceramics, carbon seats sat nav and other bits. Be interesting to see how strong demand is, I dont think the long waiting lists like last time will be a problem and i reckon in a few months they may even do deals!!
Remember owners of the first gen 97 GT3 have lost about £30,000 in 2 years which is going to reduce the potential number of customers quite a bit.
Seems that its going to have to have moved the game on a long way to justify spending £30,000 more than the cost of a used 10k miler.
It looks the mutts proverbials like all GT3s do.
I love it in red!
Had a 996 GT3 in red which always suited the car.
£81,000 list but more like £95k after youve specced ceramics, carbon seats sat nav and other bits. Be interesting to see how strong demand is, I dont think the long waiting lists like last time will be a problem and i reckon in a few months they may even do deals!!
Remember owners of the first gen 97 GT3 have lost about £30,000 in 2 years which is going to reduce the potential number of customers quite a bit.
Seems that its going to have to have moved the game on a long way to justify spending £30,000 more than the cost of a used 10k miler.
@Jeremy: Oh dear…. I wonder if I could live in it?
You can live in your car, but…
You can’t race your house.
@Jeremy: Oh dear…. I wonder if I could live in it?
You can live in your car, but…
You can’t race your house.
@chris harris:
be great if they announce the new 997 RS.2 soonest. If they do I will sell my existing 997 RS, if not I will hold until the new 998 comes along. Still think the RS does still standout from the 997.2 in looks and race track appearance. No GT3.2 for me if no 997RS.2 – sorry Porsche !
@chris harris:
be great if they announce the new 997 RS.2 soonest. If they do I will sell my existing 997 RS, if not I will hold until the new 998 comes along. Still think the RS does still standout from the 997.2 in looks and race track appearance. No GT3.2 for me if no 997RS.2 – sorry Porsche !