Geneva ’17. Porsche 911 GT3

*NOW UPDATED WITH VIDEO* Revised Porsche 911 GT3 makes its Geneva debut with a new 4-litre flat-six and – hurrah! – a six-speed manual gearbox

The Porsche 911 GT3 has been given a sizeable kick in the arse at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the track-bred monster receiving a newly-developed 4-litre flat-six to become the fastest example of the breed to date.

The new 4-litre engine, lifted essentially from the GT3 Cup car, supersedes the previous 3.8-litre example and, interestingly, also forgoes turbocharging for natural aspiration. The flat-six – which revs all the way to 9000rpm, just FYI – also kicks out 493bhp and 347lb ft of torque, some 24bhp more than the model it replaces and on par with the thoroughly deranged GT3 RS (you can check out our Rennsport feature HERE). 0-100kph is done and dusted in 3.4 seconds – four-tenths quicker than before – while the newboy also marches on to a 318kph top speed when paired with a seven-speed PDK. Traditionalists rejoice, the six-speed manual transmission also makes its return to the 911 GT3. 

Styling tweaks are traditional 911 subtle, including a revised front bumper, new LED headlights and a tweaked rear diffuser for further aerodynamic oomph. More significant though is the work that’s gone on underneath, the tweaked chassis using development gleaned from the Porsche’s GT3 racing program. Rear-axle steering has also been implemented for yet further cornering ability. Interesting, the kerb weight still tips the scales at a reasonable 1430kg, meaning a power-to-weight ratio of 345bhp/ton.

Much like the outside, cabin tweaks remain sutble at best, the new Porsche receiving the 918 Spyder-developed GT steering wheel, and there is an option for full, carbon-backed bucket seats should you care to up that $147K asking price a little more.

Enjoy this Porsche 911 GT3 news story?

You can check our more Porsche features HERE, more 911 stories HERE, and more Geneva articles HERE