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In the meantime the thing was for Porsche clear: lap time is everything. Extensive blades and a lightning-fast automatic switching system made the GT3 the roadworthy one racing-Variant of the 911, for the crucial fractions of a second. The manual transmission has been canceled. Now they are back in the GT3 Touring. She was something for the yesterday. Then came the 911 R: a strictly limited special model - with a six-speed manual transmission. The collector's prices for the model, which was in the price list at 189.544 euros, skyrocketed, scratching the one million euros mark. And Porsche learned its lesson. The GT3 Touring was accompanied by a touring version - a clone of the 911 R. With manual transmission.
A few months ago, Porsche presented the new 911 GT3 - and planned a touring version from the outset. Now it is on the market. It has the same aerodynamically sophisticated front apron as the regular GT3, but here it is completely painted in the same color as the car. A frame made of shimmering silver aluminum winds around the side windows. And the wing mechanism has disappeared.
Very similar to the 911
This means that the new GT3 Touring appears largely incognito in road traffic. Real connoisseurs will of course also identify this variant. For most road users, however, it can hardly be distinguished from a normal 911. However, it would also fit if the brake calipers were standard in black instead of bright red. The Swabians hold out their hands for additional camouflage.
The interior comes up with several positive surprises. The customer can leave out the sporty chrono watch on the dashboard, without having to forego performance features, as is the case with the other 911 versions. The instrumentation offers a GT3-specific mode that simply leaves out the outside of the screen, which is already covered by the steering wheel rim.
The interior is only available in black
It's a shame that the choice of colors and fabrics is so limited. The noble wood trim Paldao is not available in the GT3 Touring. And the choice of colors in the interior is limited to black. Those in the know know, of course, that in principle almost anything is possible at Porsche's in-house manufacture. But then it will also be very expensive.
One of the nicest elements is the classic gear knob: when the double clutch transmission is specified, it can be led into a separate shift gate, where you pull back to shift up and push forward to shift down. There are shift paddles anyway. Unless the customer decides straight away for the excellent manual transmission: it has short distances and can be operated perfectly. The electronic double-declutching function can be switched off, and the pedals are arranged in such a way that the connoisseur can always use the tip-heel method.
Sporty engine
The GT3 is the only 911 that still has a naturally aspirated engine without turbocharging. The 4,0-liter six-cylinder boxer with individual throttle valves develops 510 hp (375 kW) and can turn up to 9000 rpm. The drive and oil circuit are designed for the highest loads and lateral acceleration, the snappy response is downright sensational, the torque builds up powerfully. But maximum torque and power are only reached at relatively high engine speeds: this engine is something for classic sports drivers who like to change gear.
The driving performance is excellent: In the manual version, the sprint from 0 to 100 km / h takes only 3,9 seconds, the top is a smooth 320 km / h. The sound is much more present than in the similarly expensive 911 Turbo: Porsche has cut the insulation on the GT3. That is exactly what customers want. The consumption is okay: 12,9 liters per 100 kilometers as the official value can easily be undercut.
Controlled oversteer is not a problem
The double wishbone front axle only installed in the GT3 comes directly from racing, the rear axle has been extensively redesigned. This results in a very harmonious and precise driving behavior with an extremely high limit range. And last but not least, thanks to the mechanical differential lock, the neutral driving behavior can easily be transformed into a perfectly controllable oversteer. There is only one tire: 255/35 ZR 20 at the front, 315/30 ZR 21 at the rear. The dynamism also benefits from the low weight of just over 1,4 tonnes: Porsche has lent a hand everywhere, for example equipped the GT3 with a front hood made of carbon fiber composite and thin glass panes all around.
The price for the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring is 170.969 euros, which is just as much as for the regular GT3. The decision would be easy for us: Because we don't regularly drive to the racetrack, we would prefer the casual elegance of the touring package to the brutal look of the other GT3. However, if you need a real everyday car, you should look into the 911 GTS or Turbo as an alternative. Because even in the touring version, the GT3 remains a very pointed sports car.
Data Porsche 911 GT3 Touring
Length x Width x Height (m): 4,57 x 1,85 x 1,28
Wheelbase (m): 2,64
Drive: 6-cylinder boxer gasoline engine, 3996 ccm, rear-wheel drive, 6-speed manual transmission (optional: 7-speed double clutch transmission)
Total output / power: 375 kW / 510 PS at 8400 rpm
Max. Torque: 470 Nm at 6100 rpm
Top speed: 320 km / h
0 acceleration to 100 km / h: 3,9 sec.
Average WLTP consumption: 12,9 liters
Efficiency class: G
CO2 emissions: 292 g / km
Empty weight (DIN) / payload: min. 1418 kg / max. 321 kg
Boot volume: 132 liters
Base Price: 170.969 Euros