Porsche has revealed plans to introducean ultra high performance version of its 911 Carrera Coupe sports car to theworld market in the spring of 2003. The new model, named the 911 GT3,represents the most powerful non-turbocharged Porsche ever offered for streetuse in the United States and Canada.
Based on the previous 911 GT3 that was not available in North America, the2003 Porsche 911 GT3 features a 3.6-liter, flat-six cylinder engine producing380 horsepower (SAE) and 285 pound-feet of torque. With a power output of animpressive 105 horsepower per liter, the engine propels the 911 GT3 from 0 to60 mph in 4.3 seconds, from 0 to 100 mph in 9.4 seconds, and to a top trackspeed of 190 mph. To handle this increased performance, the 911 GT3'stransmission is fitted with transmission oil cooling and injection oillubrication and has undergone some additional reinforcements.
The most striking visual feature of the new 911 GT3 is its unique rearwing that is largely responsible for excellent directional stability at highspeeds and increased downforce for fast corning. Combining a redesigned frontapron, the GT3 achieves an outstanding drag coefficient (Cd=0.30) for a car inits class.
The GT3's handling is further enhanced by a sports suspension, wider andlighter wheels, and wider tires. Front wheels are 8-1/2 inches wide fittedwith 235/40 ZR 18 tires, and rear wheels are 11 inches wide with 295/30 ZR 18tires.
Brakes on the GT3 have been improved as well. Front brakes now featuresix-piston, rather than the previous four-piston monobloc brake calipers andlarger discs fitted with Porsche-patented cooling ducts. The ABS brake systemwas also modified. The new system (ABS 5.7) has a faster and more sensitivecontrol response. It is also lightweight and provides greater stability forABS braking. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) discs, standard on the911 GT2, can be fitted on request.