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By Jonathan Crouch

The most extreme Porsche 911 can now be even more addictive. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the latest GT3.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 51

Twenty five years on from the 911 GT3's original launch, Porsche has subtly updated this, its wildest 911. The 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat six engine is much as before but we're promised 'more sensation' with this careful 992.2-generation update. Along with a lightly evolved exterior look and a more digitalised cabin.

Backgroundword count: 144

When it comes to motorsport-tuned Porsche 911s, one version has always stood above all others, the GT3. Priced at the level of a 911 Turbo but with rear wheel drive and a race-ready manual gearbox option, the GT3 has long been the enthusiast's choice in this iconic model line. But of the many GT3 models we've had down the years, none represented a greater step forward than the '992' series version, first launched in 2021, then subtly updated in Autumn 2024 to create the car we're going to look at here. There are some detail engine updates, plus careful damper tuning and a range of styling evolvements, plus optional packages that make the car even more circuit-configurable. As before, the standard version delivers the usual uber-firm GT3 ride quality, which is why you might prefer the very slightly more road-ready 'Touring Package' GT3 model.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 384

The GT3-unique 4.0-litre normally aspirated flat six engine in play here has the same 510PS (450Nm) output as before, but gains revised cylinder heads, sharper camshafts (from the GT3 RS), improved oil coolers and new throttle valves with better flow. As previously, this GT3 can still be ordered with either a manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual clutch auto (though both transmissions have had their final drive shortened by 8%). The 0-62mph times remain at 3.9s and 3.4s respectively. The engine spins to 9,000 revs, you can hold 2nd gear at up to 80mph and it's all accompanied by wonderful combination of intake roar and valvetrain scream. There's nothing else quite like it. Most of the time you'll be in 3rd, which is a wonderfully wide-spaced ratio. For this updated model, Porsche says that it's re-tuned the dampers to enhance control over bumps and circuit kerbs. And the anti-dive system has been worked on to reduce forward pitch when braking. When this 992-era model was first launched, the big news with it was the inclusion of front double wishbone suspension (together with revised multi-link rear suspension), together programmed to make the four-wheel steering system work as Porsche wanted it to. That's helped circuit prowess but not roadgoing ride quality; the standard GT3 is still easily thrown about by bumps and cambers, sometimes somewhat disconcertingly. Which is why our preference would be for the GT3 'Touring Package' model, which is still stiff but a much better road car, particularly when specified with either of the more road-focused tyre packages that Porsche offers. As you'll know if you're a long-time GT3 enthusiast, drive is from the rear only, this variant spurning the heavy 4WD system from the 911 Turbo. So for traction through the corners, you rely instead entirely on a locking differential that works alongside the car's brake-based torque vectoring system. And talking of brakes, track-ready ceramic discs with urgent stopping power are standard - as they should be. Refinement has of course been sacrificed in the name of weight-saving for this track-focused variant, but there's a little less of a cruising din than on earlier generation GT3s we've tried. You really have to pay the extra for the optional front axle-lift system, otherwise speed humps and ramps are going to be a constant challenge.

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