2024 Porsche 911 GT3 / GT3 RS

Overview

Sports-car specialist Porsche has been crafting impossibly delicious 911 models for decades, but the 2024 911 GT3 and GT3 RS models are its most uncompromised and outrageously quick versions to date. These track-day champs are powered by a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine that howls to a 9000 rpm redline. In GT3 guise, the flat-six makes 502 horsepower, but go for the GT3 RS or S/T and it gets juiced to 518 ponies. Parked next to a standard 911, the GT3 models look like entirely different cars, especially the RS, which wears wild aero elements including a giant rear wing. They look like they belong on a race track because they do. The regular 911 is no slouch when it comes to driving enjoyment, but the GT3 models are sharper, quicker, and more intense in every possible way. But that’s not to say they’re too unrefined for road use. Quite the opposite, especially for the Touring model, which makes this ultimate 911 a car that you can comfortably drive to Whole Foods or take on a road trip. We can’t imagine a cooler way to travel.

What’s New for 2024?

A new range-topping S/T model joins the GT3 lineup for 2024. This limited-edition trim combines the 518-hp engine from the GT3 RS, the more subdued looks of the GT3 Touring, and comes only with a manual transmission. Hurry in your order to the Porsche dealer though, as only 1963 models will be made. Elsewhere, the 911 GT3 gains wireless Android Auto connectivity and the infotainment system now features Spotify integration as standard.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

As with the last generation, Porsche offers two slightly different versions of the “standard” GT3, the basic winged model and a Touring variant that tones down the racy look by nixing the big rear wing. And then there’s the hardest-core GT3 of them all, the RS. It’s hard to pick just one of the trio to recommend as they’re all incredible cars, but our hearts belong to the absurd GT3 RS.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

In the tail end of the 911 GT3 is a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six that makes 502 horsepower. The engine is essentially identical to the one that powered the last 911 Speedster we tested, which spun to 9000 rpm and wailed hypnotically. The GT3 offers both a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (a.k.a. PDK) or a six-speed manual. The PDK-equipped example we drove showcased the automatic’s intuitive behavior as well as the engine’s spirited responses and intoxicating soundtrack. At our test track, the automatic managed a 2.7-second 60-mph time while the six-speed manual test vehicle snapped off an impressive 3.3-second run to 60 mph. The GT3 RS gets tuned up to 518 horsepower and comes with all manner of aero elements that create massive downforce to stick it to the road—including an outrageous rear wing that incorporates a drag-reduction system similar to those on Formula 1 race cars. We’ll update this story when we get to put it through our instrumented test regimen. The most notable performance upgrade on this latest generation of GT3 models is their control-arm front suspension, which is a first for a production 911. Combine that with standard adaptive dampers and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2–or stickier Cup R–tires and the coupe’s chassis provides tremendous cornering grip and unfiltered feedback. While the GT3’s ride is undeniably firm it’s never punishing, and the electrically assisted steering is so divinely communicative that it deserves anointment as the best in the business. The RS is stiffened up for the track to the point where some drivers may find it a bit too uncomfortable for the street. But if you’re one of those folks, consider the Touring model instead. Stopping the purist’s Porsches are massive steel binders; a carbon-ceramic option provides heroic braking power, easy modulation, and resists fade at the track.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA has rated the 911 GT3 at 15 mpg city and 18 mpg highway when equipped with the automatic transmission. Going with the manual transmission drops the city figure to 14 mpg. Once we have the opportunity to run one on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate its real-world mpg.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The GT3’s interior is very similar to the rest of the 911 lineup, with a clean design and simple layout that pays homage to past iterations of Porsche’s quintessential sports car. However, there are a handful of unique characteristics throughout the cabin. The GT3’s gauge cluster still features a prominent analog tachometer flanked by digital displays, but it gets a specific GT mode that puts all important information directly on the displays surrounding the central tach. The RS model gets extra steering wheel controls to adjust the adaptive dampers’ rebound and compression levels. Models with the PDK automatic transmission also replace the stubby center-console shifter found on the regular 911s with a traditional-looking lever that mimics a manual shifter. As in the last GT3, there’s no cramped backseat for kiddos, but furbabies can snuggle in there if they can stand the noise. Porsche also offers more than one style of front seat, with an optional set of lightweight buckets designed to reduce mass and increase support.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The infotainment system found on the regular 911 finds its way into the GT3 version. That means a 10.9-inch touchscreen inhabits the center of the dashboard and is supplemented by some physical controls on the steering wheel as well as on the center console. The Porsche’s connectivity features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot. There’s also an option to upgrade to a Bose stereo.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Driver-assistance technology is not part of the GT recipe, with backup sensors and traffic-sign recognition being the only options one might consider “assistance” features. For more information about the 911 GT3’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Porsche provides a competitive limited and powertrain warranty that also includes one no-cost maintenance visit. Mercedes-AMG, for example, doesn’t include any maintenance with the purchase of its car.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Included maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles

More Features and Specs

Source: www.caranddriver.com