2008 Porsche 911 GT3

Off-the-Rack Racer

The Porsche 911 GT3 is about as close as you can get to driving a race car on the street.

The Porsche 911 GT3 is a race-ready version of Germany’s best-known sports car. It delivers remarkable performance that’s topped only by the 911 GT3 RS. The 911 GT3 is designed for affluent weekend racers and those who want to take to public roads in what amounts to a street-legal competition model.

The Porsche 911 GT3 is visually distinguished from other 911s by its unique front air dam and large rear wing, which help contribute to its ultra-aerodynamic 0.29 coefficient of drag. Otherwise, it’s visually similar to a standard 911 Carrera Coupe.

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The 911 GT3 is sold exclusively as a rear-wheel-drive, two-seat coupe. It features a high-output version of the standard 911 Carrera Coupe’s rear-mounted, 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, which gets almost 30 percent more power from the same size engine without turbocharging. The enhanced version will take the car from 0 to 60 mph in just over 4 seconds and enable it to reach a top speed of 192 mph.

The Porsche 911 GT3 includes a modified version of the base car’s six-speed manual that features a shorter-throw shifter and lower gear ratios for enhanced performance. A “change up" display on the instrument panel alerts the driver when to shift gears for maximum acceleration.

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Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with Active Brake Differential are standard on the Porsche 911 GT3. So is the Porsche Stability Management System (PSM), which uses sensors to monitor each wheel and automatically apply the brakes or adjust the throttle to improve traction and performance. In high-powered cars like the 911, such safety systems are a boon.

PSM can be disabled for drivers who wish to explore the car’s limits without electronic aids. If deactivated, heavy braking will automatically turn the system back on. The GT3 includes a limited-slip differential and a sophisticated electronic traction control system borrowed from the exotic Porsche Carrera GT for added grip under a variety of conditions.

The Porsche Active Suspension Management system is standard on the Porsche 911 GT3. It uses sensors to monitor body movement and automatically adjust the suspension according to driving style and road conditions. A “Sport” mode engages stiffer damper settings for ultimate grip on a racetrack. However, this might be too harsh for all but the smoothest roads.

• Porsche 911 GT3 Vehicle Summary

Interior styling is understated and more purposeful than luxurious, with well-placed controls. A generous assortment of standard features includes front side and side-curtain airbags.

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