Edmunds test drivers put the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 through its paces. Porsche Director of GT Cars Andres Preuninger offered some insight into the engineering behind the new GT. The 911 has been described as a “purist’s last stand,” and the 2022 911 is no different.

The most powerful engine Porsche can make

Preuniger explained to Edmunds why the 2022 911 doesn’t feature a major bump in horsepower. With current regulations on production cars, it’s just not possible to squeeze out power. It’s easy to forgive given the elegance of its pure design. The 911’s turbo-free flat-six is the unadulterated essence of a sports car.

Porsche has run into trouble with regulatory agencies in the past. The brand is working hard to repair its trust with buyers by taking environmental regulations more seriously. Porsche is working toward more powerful turbo-free engines that copy to current and future standards.

A classic feel in a light package

It’s never been more complex to develop a production car. Porsche has managed to produce a modern, relevant sports car that maintains the classic spirit of the 911. The naturally aspirated 2022 offers agile handling and sounds like 510 horsepower. In short, it’s the classic 911 lovers of the car expect.

The 2022 911 GT3 is just as light as its predecessor. Keeping the car light is critical to maintaining its legendary quick and airy handling. Even the wheelbase is wider. The front rims are wider than last year’s but still don’t add weight.

Porsche made improvements where it couldn’t eke out more power

Horsepower isn’t the only measure of a sports car. While the 2022 Porsche 911 only has 10 more horses under the hood than its predecessor, it’s still a massive engineering upgrade. The 2022 911 GT3 pushes performance boundaries without bulking up.

The aerodynamics of the car was significantly improved. Preuniger told Edmunds, “this car has more than 50% more downforce but at a better coefficient of drag than the previous GT3.” Its efficiency defines a sports car, so this is a major win for Porsche.

Porsche unveils an aggressive new color and elegant interior for the 2022 911 GT3

A new color joins the 911 palette. Preuninger named the hue “Shark Blue” after seeing a superyacht of the same shade. The name is a perfect fit for this quick, fast and aggressive car. It’s a bold and refreshing addition to the line-up.

The 2022 911 GT3’s interior follows suit with the rest of the car. It boasts elegant updates but still maintains the spirit of the car. A simplified interior will offer traditional sport bucket seats or comfort seat package. The instrument panel of the 2022 GT

The 2022 Porsche 911 is a car built for driving

Every part of driving a Porsche is meant to be as straightforward and precise as possible. Porsche built this car for the pleasure of driving it. There is no complicated technology between the driver and the car, just the connection of muscle memory and efficient mechanics. Both the automatic and manual transmissions offer drivers more input.

Porsche simplified its purest driving experience even further. The 2022 edition offers just three drive modes, track, sport, and normal. Drivers will feel a physical connection to their car as they experience its near-instant handling response time. For many Porsche drivers, the car becomes an extension of themselves.