The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Shrieks Out of the Shadows
Traditionally, the GT3 and GT2 serve as the capstone for the current-generation Porsche 911. They’re the sharpest, fastest, and often the most desirable variants—that holds even for the 996. And for 2022, the 992-gen Porsche 911 is finally getting the GT3 treatment. But even before anyone’s driven it, it definitely seems to be worth the wait.
The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 is “basically a street-legal race car,” Autoblog says
While the base 992 Porsche 911 doesn’t have a ‘Turbo’ badge, every current-gen 911 is turbocharged. That changes with the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3.
Like every other GT3 model before it, the 992-gen car has a naturally-aspirated engine, Car and Driver reports. One that Porsche claims is “virtually identical” to the GT3 Cup race car, Road & Track reports. And from what we can tell, that’s not marketing hyperbole.
The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3’s rear-mounted 4.0-liter flat-six also shares a lot with the outgoing 911 Speedster, Autoblog reports. However, it packs different pistons as well as individual throttle bodies. As a result, it makes 502 hp and 346 lb-ft, and redlines at 9000 RPM, Hagerty reports. And all that power goes to the rear wheels.
While a seven-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic is standard, the 2022 911 GT3 still offers an optional six-speed manual, The Drive reports. Porsche hasn’t released acceleration figures for the manual but claims the automatic car goes 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds, Automobile reports.
A 9000-RPM redline isn’t its only performance feature
As impressive as the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3’s engine is, that’s not the only thing that helped it lap the Nürburgring in under seven minutes, R&T reports. And, incidentally, the 2022 GT3’s 6:55.2-second time is faster than the 918 Spyder hybrid hypercar’s time, R&T reports.
The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 rides on a model-specific independent suspension arrangement, Motor1 reports, complete with standard rear-wheel steering. It also has a manually-adjustable McLaren-Senna-style swan-neck rear wing, front diffuser, and front lip spoiler. Plus, while carbon-ceramic brakes are optional, the 911 GT3’s standard iron rotors are lighter than the ones on the 911 Turbo S, MotorTrend reports.
Speaking of lightweight, the 2022 GT3 rides on forged-aluminum wheels. And for the first time, the GT3 RS’s “’ street-legal track tires’” are an option on the ‘base’ GT3, Roadshow reports. Plus, the car’s hood, rear wing, and rear spoiler—yes, it has both—are made of carbon fiber. Even the window glass is designed to save weight.
And if you want to cut the curb weight down further, the optional carbon-fiber bucket seats save 26 pounds each, Autoblog reports. Also, the GT3 has no rear seats. It’s unknown, though, if the half-cage shown in the press release will make it to the US.
Regarding the interior, the 2022 model is the first GT3 with a drive-mode-switch mounted on the steering wheel. It retains an analog tachometer, though. The car also has a ‘Track Screen’ mode, which shuts down all but the essential displays when you’re on a racetrack. And if you get the Chrono Package, the 911 GT3 gets an analog and a digital stopwatch.
How much will the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 cost?
As of this writing, Porsche hasn’t released pricing details for the 2022 GT3. But needless to say, when it hits dealers in fall 2021, it won’t come cheap.
The previous-gen GT3 started at $145,650; Car and Driver predicts the 2022 model “will cost more” than that. Though admittedly, that’s about $50,000 less than the 2021 Turbo S, Car and Driver reports. And the turbocharged car doesn’t have that 9000-RPM shriek.
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