2022 Porsche 911 GT3: Revs Up To 9k, Laps ‘Ring In Under 7 Min, And Still Has Number Plates

This is it, one of the most anticipated sports car launched of the year, the all-new 2022 Porsche 911 GT3. Porsche has finally revealed the 992-based GT3 following years of camouflaged test cars spotted testing on race tracks and public roads.

Let’s get the headline figures out of the way first; the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine that can rev up to 9,000 rpm and produce 502 HP and 346 lb-ft (469 Nm) of torque.

As standard, every new 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 will be fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission, but the six-speed manual will still be an option. 0-60 mph (96 km/h) comes in just 3.2 seconds for the PDK-equipped 911 GT3 (0-100 km/h in 3.4), with the top speed set at 197 mph (317 km/h). Models fitted with the manual transmission require 3.7 seconds from 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h in 3.9), but offer a slightly higher top speed, at 199 mph (320 km/h).

The engine is virtually identical to the one found in the new 911 GT3 Cup race car, offering “extremely sharp throttle response”, mostly thanks to its six independent throttle bodies. The unit is a further development of the engine found in the limited-production 2019 911 Speedster, featuring new pistons, and a dry-sump lubrication system. The PDK transmission is engineered and tuned specifically for the 911 GT3.

The really eye-opening news here is that the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 proved to be more than 17 seconds quicker than its predecessor around the Nurburgring, setting a lap time of 6:59.927 minutes (versus the 991.2 GT3’s 7:12.7). That’s a sub-7 min lap for a ‘normal’ 911 GT3, giving us a solid indication of just how fast this new model is on a track. The lap time was set on the optional street-legal track tires, which were previously reserved only for RS models, which in the 991.2 gen model, was able to lap the ‘Ring in a blistering 6:56.4 minutes back in 2018.

Aerodynamics plays a very crucial role as ever, with the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 getting an adjustable front spoiler lip and front diffuser, specially developed side skirts, a very large rear diffuser, and that swan-neck rear wing that’s also manually adjustable. Porsche claims that even in the ‘normal’ position, the new Porsche 911 GT3’s aero kit produces up to 50 percent more downforce than the model it replaces. When switched to its ‘performance’ position, which isn’t intended for use on public roads, the downforce increases by up to around 150 percent, which is frankly an insane number.

One of the biggest highlights of the new 911 GT3 can be found under the skin; the 992 chassis allowed Porsche to stretch the front track by 1.9 inches while there’s also a new double-wishbone front axle for the first time. The new front suspension improves things like cornering stability, mid-corner control over uneven surfaces and makes the steering even more direct and precise.

The rear axle still uses a multilink design, with Porsche using more ball joints both at the front and the rear. Overall, the suspension in the new 911 GT3 does not share any parts with the current 911 Carrera models.

Porsche says that despite moving to the bigger 992 platform, the new 911 GT3 manages to weigh virtually the same as its predecessor. Models fitted with the six-speed manual tip the scales at 1,418 kg (3,126 lbs), while those with a PDK are a little heavier, at 1,435 kg (3,163 lbs).

In order to achieve that, Porsche had to use more lightweight materials in the body than ever before in a 911 GT3. This includes the hood, rear wing, and fixed spoiler under the wing now being out of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) while all the windows are made out of lightweight, noise insulated glass.

Other details include a GT3-specific multifunction steering wheel with a 360mm diameter, dressed in Race-Tex as standard, and featuring a drive mode switch for the first time in a GT3. Customers can also opt for the 18-way adjustable Sports Seats Plus or the full carbon fiber bucket seats. The latter save around 26 lbs (11.8 kg) compared to the standard chairs. Finally, we get a new gear selector for the PDK transmission, which has a design based on the manual shifter, and a GT-specific Track Screen for the instrument cluster.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 is expected to arrive in the U.S. market in the fall of this year, as a 2022MY model. Pricing details will be announced closer to launch.

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