The Porsche 911 GT3 is back for 2022 with the 992 generation of the 911 model. Fans of the normally-aspirated, rear-engine track weapon can rejoice, as the new model is more ferocious and more focused than ever. We all know the Porsche 911 formula – “evolution, not revolution”. Be that as it may, the new 992 GT3 brings a lot of changes to the model and we know, you want to know about them. Here are the top 10 things, you need to know, about the 2022 911 GT3.

It has a Petrol (Gasoline) Particulate Filter (PPF)

Yes. You read that right. With the ever-increasing emission standards, now even petrol/gasoline engines need to have these Particulate filters, in order to produce fewer emissions and save more polar bears. Vehicles equipped with petrol engines have been subject to this since 2009, with the introduction of Euro 5. The new Porsche 911 GT3 will be one of the first high-performance vehicles equipped with a PPF.

It has two rear spoilers

If we have to be more precise, the 992 GT3 has one rear wing and an integrated duck tail-type spoiler. You might think it’s a bit of an overkill, but we think Porsche engineers know what they are doing. Obviously, the rear wing aims to provide more downforce, while the ducktail, although still functional, calls back to older, more performance-oriented versions of the first 911, such as the Carrera 2.7 RS.

Despite the PPF, it’s more powerful than the old GT3

Stricter emissions regulations might make some think that performance of some new cars will be strangled. That’s not the case with the new GT3, however. The 4.0-liter flat-six is still a screaming, normally-aspirated beast, now producing 510 horsepower (375 kW) at 9,000 RPM and 347 pound-feet (470 Nm). This means 10 horsepower and 10 newton-meters more than the previous car.

It will have a lot more downforce than the old GT3

The track-focused GT3 is all about performance, especially in the corners. Because of this, the aerodynamics of the new car have been thoroughly-revised. The rear wing now features “swan necks” – an element taken straight from the racecars. Because of this, the rear wing provides immense downforce, while at the same time decreasing drag, since the swan neck struts do not interfere with the airflow underneath the wing. In normal mode, the new GT3 provides 50 percent more downforce than the 991 GT3. In race mode, the number goes to 150 percent. However, Porsche engineers recommend you do not set the aero to “race mode”, while diving on the street.

It laps the Nordschleife in less than seven minutes

Back in the day, the supercars with the highest top speed got all the bragging rights. For some time now, car manufacturers have been stroking their egos on the Nurburgring, seeing who will make the fastest lap. An impressive achievement for one of the few normally-aspirated vehicles in production. This is 17 seconds quicker than the old GT3 and only 13 seconds slower than the 911 GT2 RS, which is the most radical 911 so far. Not bad at all, Porsche!

You can still choose between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed PDK

Driving enthusiasts, rejoice! You can have the option of a more engaging driving experience, delivered by having three pedals and having to change the gears yourself. This means that the new GT3 is one of the very few modern track-focused vehicles that can be had with a manual. On the other hand, if lap times are what you are after, it’s hard to argue with the PDK’s instantaneous gear shifts, which gives you the ability to focus more on following the perfect line. Still, it’s good to have options and the new GT3 will give that to you.

The 992 GT3 is almost as light as its predecessor

The 911 GT3 has always been a lightweight version of a not-so-heavy sports car. The 2022 911 GT3 takes things even further. It has a dry weight of 3,126 pounds (1,418 kg) for the manual version and 3,164 pounds (1,435 kg) if you go for the PDK seven-speed automatic. The new 911 GT3 is longer and wider than the old one. Despite that, through extensive use of carbon-fiber, composites, and shaving weight from everywhere they could, the car only weighs 5 kg more than the old one’s 3,115-pound (1,413 kg) dry weight.

Track-focused, but not bare-bone

The GT3 may be all about lap times, but it’s still a 911, which means you still get a degree of comfort. After all, you still have to do a road trip to your favorite racetracks. You will be happy to know that the Porsche GT3 is as bearable as it can be for a track-focused car, featuring a full interior, air-conditioning, and even the same infotainment system as the more road-oriented versions of the 911. The only thing missing is the rear seats. Of course, you get the obligatory bucket seats, which in typical Porsche tradition, are awesome and keep you bolted down, no matter what.

You can opt for the Club Sport pack…for free

The Club Sport pack is for the hardcore track day enthusiasts. It gives you a roll-cage and six-point harnesses. Unlike most optional extras, the Club Sport package is free. It’s definitely a refreshing thing, since German manufacturers, especially Porsche, are charging serious figures even for the smaller optional extras.

You get a gear lever, regardless of the gearbox

Looking at the 911’s design over the years, very few people will be surprised by the brand’s nostalgia. This now extends, not just to the overall aesthetics of their signature sports car, but also to the way you change gears. Even if you choose the PDK gearbox, the GT3 will still give you a gear lever, reminiscing of a manual gearbox. You will even be able to go through the seven gears by pushing or pulling the gear selector like you would on a sequential gearbox. It goes to show that, even if you go for the automatic transmission, Porsche still wants you to have a more pure driving experience.