Porsche has finally unveiled the new 911 GT3 and it’s packed with goodies from bumper to bumper, including lightweight materials, tweaked aerodynamics and a gem of a naturally aspirated engine.

What makes the 911 a 911? Engine placement, before anything. The rear-mounted unit inside the new 911 GT3 displaces four liters and doesn’t know what a turbocharger is. The normally aspirated mill revs all the way up to 9,000 rpm and promises “extremely sharp throttle response” thanks to no less than six independent throttle bodies.

Porsche says the engine (which debuted in the 911 Speedster from 2019) is identical to the one found inside the GT3 Cup race car.

Bolted to it is Porsche’s specialty gearbox, the seven-speed PDK, offered as standard. On demand, you can “upgrade” to a purist-satisfying six-speed manual. With the PDK, 0-60 mph takes 3.2 seconds on to a top speed of 197 mph.

2022 Porsche 911 GT3 specifications

Engine

4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer

Horsepower

502 HP

Torque

346 LB-FT

Transmission

seven-speed PDK

0 to 60 mph

3.2 seconds

Top Speed

197 mph


Also worth noting is that while the new 911 GT3 is larger than its predecessor, it weighs the same. “Blame” CFRP for that, as Porsche used it to manufacture the hood, rear wing, and the rear spoiler. Improvements are also mentioned when it comes to the front axle, steering response, and cornering stability. We’re told that the new 911 GT3 doesn’t share any parts with the current 911 Carreras.

Going further, stopping power comes from cast iron discs but Porsche also offers ceramic composite brakes with 410mm discs in the front and 390mm ones in the rear. Concealing the braking system’s bits and bobs is a set of unique GT-specific wheels measuring 20 inches in the front and 21 inches in the rear. They can be decorated with a subtle pinstripe painted Shark Blue or Guards Red.

Step inside and you’ll recognize the GT3 Multifunction Sport steering wheel – a direct connection to the racing world – fitted with a drive mode switch (a first for the 911 GT3) that lets the driver adjust the car’s parameters on the go, by just turning the dial.

A pair of Sport Seats is offered as standard, which can be upgraded to Sport Seats Plus or the sexy full bucket seats (these are also 26 pounds lighter than the standard ones).

The new Porsche 911 GT3 will arrive to the U.S. for the 2022 model year. Porsche plans to roll out the first units in the fall of 2021, which is when we’ll get to know the 911 GT3’s price tag.