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2010 Porsche 911 GT3: Quicker, faster, sharper and set to debut at the Geneva Auto Show
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Porsche will debut the track ready but street legal Porsche 911 GT3 at the Geneva Auto Show on March 3. It will be the fastest, most powerful 911 GT3 ever, says Porsche. Of course, we say, or why bother?
The new GT3, set to be available as a 2010 model in the fall with an MSRP of $112,200, makes more power with a bigger engine, now enlarged to 3.8-liters, but also adds VarioCam variable valve timing to both intake and exhaust. The larger engine increases torque at medium engine speeds, which should make it less peaky and easier to drive in everyday traffic, but maximum power also gets a boost, the naturally-aspirated horizontally-opposed six rated at 435 hp, up by 20 horses. It’s good for zero-to-sixty in 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 194 mph, which sounds good to us.
Porsche also tweaked the suspension, stiffening the springs and anti-roll bars via Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) to sharpen handling and aid stability in sport mode while maintaining daily-driver comfort in normal mode. For the first time, the 911 GT3 has Porsche Stability Management as standard equipment and has the same mapping as the hard-core Porsche 911 GT2. Drivers can turn off both stability control and traction control in separate steps.
The new aerodynamics package includes larger vents in front and rear bumpers giving the GT3 a distinctive appearance, but more importantly the refined shape provides more than twice the downforce at both front and rear than its predecessor. GT3 spotters will need to know that bi-xenon headlights are now standard, and LED rear light clusters and modified air intakes and outlets are new as well.
An subtle but important new bit of technology on the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 is dynamic engine mounts. The mounts use magnetic fluid to automatically stiffen for a more rigid coupling between engine and chassis with the GT3 recognizes it’s being driven, as Porsche puts it, “energetically.” The engine can be isolated from the chassis for improved street driving but when called on will hold the engine firmly in place during fast bends or driving on the race track. The mounts harden during rapid acceleration for better traction when accelerating from a standstill.
With the increased speed potentials, Porsche has wisely increased braking ability. Brake discs are larger and have aluminum hubs to decrease unsprung weight, and increased brake ventilation means the brakes will endure repeated us for longer periods. Optional and valuable for track days are the optional PCCB ceramic discs developed specifically for the GT3.Anyone who has experienced the approach-the-driveway-at-an-angle routine with low-slung cars will appreciate the new optional lift system that uses an onboard air compressor to raise the front ride height by 1.18 inches (30 mm) for steep driveways or other inclines. It can be engaged at speeds up to 30 mph which is faster than anyone needs for steep driveways or inclines.
Finally, the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 has new, lighter GT3-specific center-lock wheels and ultra-high performance tires are used as well.
All of which taken together is “why bother” indeed. Has anyone seen that spare $111,200 we left lying about here somewhere?
| Engine | 3.8-liter/435 hp DOHC24-v H-6 |
| 0-60 mph, sec. | 4.0 |
| Top speed, mph | 194 |
| Price, MSRP | $112,200 |
Illustrations: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3; courtesy Porsche Cars North America
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