An instant classic ever since it was introduced back in 1999, the Porsche 911 GT3 is living its final years as a naturally aspirated sports car, with rumors suggesting that it may go turbo for the next generation. With both the GT3 and GT3 RS models having received their updates for the 991 generation, Porsche may be preparing a new model before the 992-gen 911 arrives. The latest spy shots we received from our paparazzi suggest that Porsche might be working on a convertible version of the GT3 Touring.

Unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 911 GT3 with the Touring Package is essentially a slightly more comfortable version of the track. It's still fast and powerful, but more usable on public roads. More importantly, it doesn't have the massive wing atop the engine lid. We like to call it the love child between the 911 GT3 and the strictly limited 911 R. Needless to say, a Cabriolet model would be a nice way to send the current GT3 into the history books, but is this mule a beefed-up drop-top or are we actually looking at the 911 Speedster? It's difficult to say at this point, but a 911 GT3 Touring Convertible would be a really cool idea.

Continue reading to learn more about the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Cabriolet.

Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Cabriolet Exterior

With no camouflage in the way, it's pretty obvious that this test car is a 911 GT3 Touring with a soft-top. The front fascia features the aggressive aerodynamics and the big vents of the regular GT3 model, including the outlet in front of the trunk lid. Onto the sides, we can see that it rides on 20-inch wheels. While the front rims are nine inches wide, the rear wheels are beefier at 12 inches. The side skirts are borrowed from the regular 911 GT3 too.

The rear section, on the other hand, is a bit different. It should be identical to the coupe version of the Touring, aside from the soft-top of course, but I can see at least two features that are different. First up, the mesh on the engine lid appears to be taken off the Carrera model. Second, it doesn't have the tiny spoiler or variable rear wing that replaces the GT3's massive element. Everything else is the same though, and needless to say, the Touring spoiler and engine grille could be added later on.

Speaking of the Touring-specific spoiler, it's borrowed from the 911 and features a Gurney flap finished in body color. It's obviously not as menacing as the usual GT3 wing, but we must remember that this car is aimed at enthusiasts who value an understated appearance. The window trim, exhaust pipes, and headlamps washers are painted in silver instead of black, but you can fix that with the Black Exterior Touring Package.

The Clubsport Package is not available on this model, but you can get all exterior and wheel colors available on the regular GT3.

Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Cabriolet Interior

There's not much to tell about the interior of this car since we don't have clean spy shots of the cabin, but there's at least a photo in which we can see that the space behind the rear seats is not covered by a lid. This is indication that this car is not the Speedster.

The cabin should be identical to the coupe model, save for the infinite headroom with the top down of course. Unlike the standard GT3, the Touring package replaces the race-inspired Alcantara with fine leather. The steering wheel still has a 12 o'clock marker, while the shift lever, door panel armrests, center console, and storage compartment lid are dressed in a smooth-finish leather.

The seat centers are made of black fabric, so the Touring model will retain some of the GT3's racing vibe. Other highlights include embossed Porsche crests and black aluminum trim. While Alcantara equipment range is not available, customers will have access to all seat variants, the Chrono Package, and the audio system through the options list.

Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Cabriolet Drivetrain

The good news is that the Touring model shares the exact same drivetrain with the regular, high-winged 911 GT3. The unit in question is a recently updated 4.0-liter, naturally aspirated, flat-six that cranks out 500 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. Because it's an enthusiast car, it's also equipped with the six-speed manual transmission as standard. Sure, it's not as fast without quick-shifting PDK, but it's a price you must be willing to pay in order to row your own gears. The standard package also includes a mechanical rear differential and the rear-wheel steering system.

Performance is obviously top-notch, but as you might have already guessed, the Touring model isn't as quick as the standard 911 GT3. Because there's no rear wing, the GT3 equipped with the Touring package is a tenth-second slower than its manual counterpart, hitting 62 mph in 3.9 seconds.

The Cabriolet model is likely to be a bit slower too, so expect this version to reach the benchmark in four seconds flat. Top speed should decrease a bit from the coupe's 196 mph to around 193 mph. Still not bad though.

Much like the coupe, the drop-top should get the optional lift system and the PCCB ceramic brakes for enhances stopping power. The Track Precision app, which enables the driver to record and analyse detailed driving data on their smartphone, will be included in the standard package.

Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Cabriolet Prices

Convertible models are usually more expensive than their coupe counterparts, so it's safe to assume that the GT3 Touring Cabriolet will fetch more than the coupe. The latter is priced from €152,416 in Germany, so the drop-top should cost at least €160,000 before options.

Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Cabriolet Competition

Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster

A Roadster version of the Mercedes-AMG GT R would be the best competitor here, but until the German firm gives us one, the AMG GT C is the best option we have. Although it doesn't have the rear-engined layout of the 911 GT3, the AMG GT C is equally aggressive design-wise, using many styling cues from the beefed-up GT R. Under the hood, it gets a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 rated at 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet, which is significantly more than the 911 GT3. More power and torque means quicker sprints too, so the GT C gets to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds, two tenths quicker than the Porsche. Top speed goes up to 196 mph, a tad more than the expected figure of the 911 GT3 Touring Cabriolet. Pricing starts from €161,542, which puts the AMG GT C on par with the upcoming 911 GT3 Touring Cabriolet.

Read our full story on the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster.

Conclusion

A Cabriolet version of the 911 GT3 Touring might seem redundant at first glance with a Speedster model underway, but it's actually a good addition to the lineup. Although the Speedster also features GT3-inspired styling and a GT3 drivetrain, the two-seater is more of a heritage model, while the GT3 Touring Cabriolet is a completely new concept. With the next GT3 rumored to take the turbocharged path, a limited-edition convertible model is a great way to say goodbye to the all-motor GT3. Now let's see if it actually happens.

References

Read our full review on the 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 with Touring Package.

Read our full review on the 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

Read our full review on the 2018 Porsche 911 GT3.

Read more Porsche news.