The 992 911 GT3 Is Even Faster Than Porsche Says It Is
Few things spark more excitement in sports car fans, especially Porsche ones, than a new 911 GT3. And now, the GT3 model for the current-gen ‘992’ car is finally hitting the streets. Rather predictably, it’s an extremely fast car. But in its recent testing, Carwow discovered the Porsche might be underestimating how fast the 2022 911 GT3 truly is.
Carwow took the 2022 ‘992’ Porsche 911 GT3 beyond the factory speed claims
Besides the large and very functional rear wing, arguably the biggest difference between the standard 992 Porsche 911 and the GT3 is the latter’s engine. It’s still a flat-six engine, but while the ‘normal’ 911 has turbochargers, the GT3 is naturally aspirated. As a matter of fact, the 2022 992 GT3 is the only Porsche 911 that still has a naturally-aspirated engine, Car and Driver reports.
Specifically, the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 has a rear-mounted 4.0-liter flat-six engine borrowed from the outgoing 911 Speedster, Road & Track reports. However, while it retains the individual throttle bodies, the engine has several upgraded components and a new stainless-steel exhaust. As a result, the 992 GT3 has 502 hp and 346 lb-ft as well as a 9000-RPM redline. Plus, while the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission is standard, the optional six-speed manual is proving extremely popular. An electronically-controlled limited-slip differential is standard with both, though, Evo reports.
When it comes to straight-line speed, the PDK is the transmission of choice. With it, Porsche claims the 2022 911 GT3 goes 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds, Motor1 reports. That makes sense, given that the 992 model weighs roughly the same and makes only slightly more power than the outgoing car, MotorTrend and R&T report.
However, it seems Porsche has a history of underestimating the GT3’s performance capabilities. Car and Driver was able to beat the old GT3’s 0-60 mph by 0.2 seconds, recording a 3-second time. And now, Carwow’s done something similar with the 992 GT3.
Once the car’s tires were properly warmed up, the 2022 car went 0-60 mph in 2.87 seconds. For comparison, the Porsche 911 Turbo S needed AWD, 138 more hp, and 244 more lb-ft to reach 60 mph in 2.2 seconds. For an N/A car, it’s an “amazing” result, Motor1 reports.
The rest of the car is just as extraordinary
As impressive as the acceleration is, it’s only one part of the 992 911 GT3 package. And, as always, some of the coolest parts are in the details.
For example, the 992 GT3 doesn’t have an eight-speed PDK like the regular Porsche 911 because the seven-speed one saves weight. And instead of being welded, the stainless-steel exhaust is soldered together, again for weight savings, Automobile reports. The rear wing has ‘swan-neck’ supports that attach on top to avoid the drag caused by conventional ones, Car and Driver explains. And it, along with the rear diffuser and front splitter are fully adjustable.
The 2022 992 Porsche 911 GT3 has a wider track than the standard car, Roadshow reports, and has standard rear-wheel steering and adaptive dampers. And then there’s the front suspension. The GT3 doesn’t use the same setup as the base 911, Motor1 reports. Instead, it borrows the double-wishbone setup from the 911 RSR race car so it can be homologated for the GT3 Cup racer. Plus, it makes the car stiffer and more stable without making it less comfortable on the road, Top Gear reports.
Add all this up and you get what Top Gear describes as a “phenomenal car.” Yes, the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 has no rear seats, less sound-deadening material, and over truly bump roads, it rides a bit harsh, R&T reports. But thanks to the gratuitous use of carbon fiber, it weighs about 200 pounds less than a base 911 Carrera, Car and Driver reports. And if you spec it with the optional carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon-fiber roof, and carbon-fiber bucket seats, the weight savings grow.
How much will the 2022 ‘992’ Porsche 911 GT3 cost you?
Getting those weight-savings features does add up, though. And even without them, the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 doesn’t come cheap. It starts at $162,450 after the $1350 destination charge. That’s $17,600 more than the previous version, Car and Driver reports.
But you don’t really need those optional extras to enjoy the 992 GT3. Its steering is practically “a living, breathing animal” in terms of the sensations it provides, MT reports. The car grips and handles so well that you’ll likely “run out of talent before long before the GT3 does,” Roadshow reports. And hearing that glorious engine scream to its redline “puts a goofy grin on your face,” Car and Driver reports.
$161,000 is admittedly a lot to spend on any car. But considering it’s perhaps “the closest a road car has come to a genuine Cup Car with plates…the GT3 honestly comes off as a value,” R&T reports.
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