The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 made its much anticipated debut last year at the Geneva Motor Show and it is currently available with a price tag of $113,150. A few exterior changes set the new GT3 apart from its predecessors. Featured for the first time is the new cooling air outlet which provides a more efficient ducting for the center radiator. It now borders on the front apron and situated between the bi-xenon headlights. The rear end stands out both from the previous model and from the production 911 with the newly designed engine lid and a wider rear wing that extends beyond the support bars and is tilted down at an angle of 7.8 degrees.
The most significant upgrade, however, lies under the hood. The new GT3’s power plant features a 3.8-liter six-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine. It generates a maximum output of 435 hp, a 20-hp increase that Porsche attributes to the addition of variable cam timing and the extra displacement. The engine is mated to a manual six-speed gearbox, and Porsche won’t confirm nor deny speculations of eventually offering the PDK in the car.
Despite the absence of direct fuel injection and the PDK dual-clutch transmission, Porsche claims that the new GT3 will accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 4.1 seconds, and will climactically hit a top speed of 194 mph. The GT3 continues to offer Porsche’s active suspension system (PASM) but with stiffer springs and a smaller anti-roll bar in front, while the rear bar has been enlarged. The adjustable shock absorbers have been recalibrated while new hubs utilize lighter, centerlock wheels. The new GT3 also gets huge 15.0-inch front brake rotors with separate aluminum carriers that actually reduce their weight slightly. And for the first time, the GT3 comes with stability control in the form of a specially calibrated Porsche Stability Management system which enables the driver to deactivate the stability control alone or the stability control and traction control together.
The GT3’s interior offers nothing but exquisite and exclusive style typical of Porsche. Totter behind the three-spoke Alcantara-covered steering wheel and the new GT3 feels familiar. The highly bolstered sport seats are extremely comfortable and offer a superb driving position. Other notable highlights are Porsche’s CDR-30 audio system featuring a monochromatic five-inch screen and an MP3-compatible CD player, a wider range of fine leather upholstery, and thorax airbags. However, the moment you turn the key and kick off the raspy exhaust, you’d realize you’re not in a car fashioned for daily commuting. The new GT3 is highly functional but it was specifically designed and engineered to run!
Overall, the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 is a high performance car that holds an interesting place in the company’s lineup since it is the fastest naturally-aspired car Porsche produces. The new GT3 offers traditional racing heritage with a chock-full of badging and a sleek design. There’s absolutely no second guessing of the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3. Upon quick recognition, everyone knows it’s a Porsche.
