Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), who are the authorised distributor and retailer of Porsche here in Malaysia has unveiled the new 911 GT3 for the first time in Southeast Asia. The event took place at the Bangsar Shopping Centre, a very central Kuala Lumpur location which would give Porsche enthusiasts in Malaysia a first-hand glimpse into the new generation of Porsche's most track or race oriented 911s.
Porsche states that the new 911 GT3 closes the gap between everyday driving and the racetrack, by mere hundredths of a second. It must be quite true because this latest GT3 did a 7min 12second (and a little bit more) lap around the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Any car doing under 8 minutes has been considered as fast, so this 500hp 911 is blisteringly fast around that track.
All of this herculean effort comes mostly from its four-litre normally aspirated flat 6 engine. It makes 500hp and it basically remains virtually unchanged from the thoroughbred 911 GT3 Cup racing car. Amazing how it can still be environmentally friendly (running Euro5 or 6 over in Europe) and do this at the same time. The power goes through either a PDK dual clutch gearbox or a 6 speed manual transmission which makes a comeback with this GT3 generation after an absence. This is surely for the purists as most have actually found out that they would be faster round a track with the PDK transmission. An option is always good anyway.
But since its a Porsche, it isn't all brute force. It is also the finesse of the chassis which is also a key factor in its performance. The redesigned chassis with rear-axle steering and systematic lightweight construction is specifically tuned to convert the engine power into superior driving dynamics. Developed on the same test track and manufactured on the same production line as the racing cars, Porsche’s motorsport technology has once again been incorporated into a road-approved sports car.
Being a Porsche GT model the 911 GT3 also has some other tricks up its sleeve. It is lighter than the usual run of the mill 911 as the engineers actually go through the car with extra detail. There are new carbon fibre bits here and there which saves a few kilos over the standard 911. One of these is the struts that hold up the rear boot (or engine bay cover). This is now made of carbon fiber and saves a bit of weight right at the end of the car. This equates to slightly better handling of course.
Other interesting details include the optional bucket seats (one of three seat options available) and half cage you see fitted to the display car you see herein. This is a traditional option for the GT3 and everytime I see these fitted in a GT3 my knees go slightly weak. Of course, the whole car makes me feel slightly weak.
Retail base price for the new 911 GT3 starts from RM1,700,000.00. The stated price includes all applicable duties, except registration fee, road tax and insurance. Specifications and prices are subject to change without prior notice.
This car is actually so in demand that there is a waiting list for it all over the world. It may take a while before one can be registered here in Malaysia as the chaps from Sime Darby Auto Performance have their fingers crossed as to how soon they can get their hands on a few units for our market. Heard from a Porsche owner in Australia that Porsche in Australia has 2.5 times the number of orders compared to the country's allocation. Some are actually flipping their spots (or actual cars) for 20% over the AUD370,000+ price tag.
Press release after the video & photos.
PRESS RELEASE
More powerful naturally aspirated engine and racing chassis from motorsport
Arnt Bayer, Chief Executive Officer of SDAP
A 911 for the road and track – the new 911 GT3
Kuala Lumpur. Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) debuts the new 911 GT3 for the first time in Southeast Asia at the Bangsar Shopping Centre, giving Porsche enthusiasts in Malaysia a first-hand glimpse into the new generation of the radical 911.
The new 911 GT3 closes the gap between everyday driving and the racetrack, by mere hundredths of a second. At the heart of the latest enhancement beats a four-litre flat engine. Extremely high revving and naturally aspirated, this 368 kW (500 hp) engine remains virtually unchanged from the thoroughbred 911 GT3 Cup racing car. The redesigned chassis with rear-axle steering and systematic lightweight construction is specifically tuned to convert the engine power into superior driving dynamics. Developed on the same test track and manufactured on the same production line as the racing cars, Porsche’s motorsport technology has once again been incorporated into a road-approved sports car.
“The new 911 GT3 wears an aggressive rear wing, a giant air intake, and also big wheels sheltered by widened fenders. There is no mistaking the 911 GT3 delivers motorsport-like performance,” said Arnt Bayer, Chief Executive Officer of SDAP. “The new 911 GT3 not only provides impressive performance on the racetrack, but it also offers the best driving dynamics for your everyday driving,” he added.
For most Porsche GT owners, it is the effortless switch from everyday driving to the thrill of the racetrack. This is where the new 911 GT3 really comes into its own. With a power-to-weight ratio of 3.88 kg/kW (2.86 kg/hp) and a seven-speed double-clutch transmission (PDK) as standard, the two-seater weighs in at 1,430 kg with a full fuel tank, and boasts an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 318 km/h.
For proponents of pure unadulterated driving, Porsche also offers the 911 GT3 with a six-speed sports manual gearbox, an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h.
Fast on the corners, stable on the straights: Rigid chassis with rear-axle steering
The chassis of the new 911 GT3 benefits from Porsche’s motor racing experience and its tuning has been reworked for enhanced driving dynamics. The new two-seater sits around 25 mm lower than the 911 Carrera S. In addition to the further refined basic design, the chassis also boasts superior handling characteristics, thanks in large part to the active rear-axle steering. Depending on the speed, it steers either in the opposite or the same direction as the front wheels, thereby improving the vehicle’s agility and stability. The dynamic engine mounts and the rear differential lock also boost the car’s driving dynamics.
When it comes to appearance, the 911 GT3 leaves little doubt as to its purpose. The dominant carbon rear wing emphasises the fact that the sports car’s form is determined by aerodynamics. The lightweight front end and front spoiler have been optimised for an even better airflow. The aerodynamic enhancement is also evident on the lightweight rear end with exhaust air openings and on the new diffusor.
Interior: Experience centre for exceptional driving dynamics
The interior of the new high-performance sports car is tailored to the 911 GT3 driving experience. The GT sports steering wheel with a diameter of 360 mm originates from the 918 Spyder. Both the driver and passenger experience the dynamics in Porsche Sports Seats Plus with enhanced seat side bolsters and mechanical fore/aft adjustment. The seat height and backrests are adjusted electronically. As the 911 GT3 is traditionally a two-seater, the seat pans in the rear are covered.
Porsche offers three additional seat variants for the 911 GT3: The adaptive Sports Seats Plus boast electrical adjustment of all seat functions (18-way); the sports bucket seats with folding backrest, integrated thorax airbag and manual fore/aft adjustment; and the full bucket seats made from light carbon fibre-reinforced plastic in carbon-weave finish.
Porsche Track Precision app as standard
In addition to Porsche Communication Management (PCM) including an online navigation module with real-time traffic information, the standard equipment also includes the Connect Plus* module and the Track Precision app*. The Track Precision app enables 911 GT3 drivers to display, record and analyse detailed driving data on their smartphone.
Retail base price for the new 911 GT3 starts from RM1,700,000.00. The stated price includes all applicable duties, except registration fee, road tax and insurance. Specifications and prices are subject to change without prior notice.
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