2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 Rear 3-4 Left Track Cruising

Report: Porsche 991 GT3 to be lighter than last model, may only get PDK transmission

October 19, 2012October 19, 2012 Omar Rana Coupes, Luxury, Porsche 911, Porsche 911 GT3, Porsche 991, Porsche 991 GT3, Porsche 997, Sports Cars

AutoCarUK reports that Porsche will be seriously upping the ante for its new track-focused version of its latest 911, the Type 991 GT3.

From what AutoCar was able to learn, the new GT3 will utilize the brand’s latest and most up-to-date 3.8L horizontal six, instead of using the previous 997 generation’s 4.0L six found in the GT3 RS. According to “insiders,” power output is expected to hover around 450hp, which is about 15 more than the outgoing version.

A zero to 60 time of just four seconds is expected, along with a top speed of 200 mph. Only one cog swapper is said to be in the mix: a seven-speed dual-clutch PDK unit. And this may come off as confusing because the PDK transmission is heavier than Porsche’s latest seven-speed manual—a contradiction to Porsche’s approach to lightening the next gen 991 GT3.

Speaking of which, the new GT3 is also said to be some 40kg lighter than the 997 GT3. This is reportedly aided by the use of lightweight bodywork and lighter equipment and interior trim. As with previous GT3s, the rear seats will be deleted.

Lastly, Porsche insiders also told AutoCarUK that we can expect the even more-intense GT3 RS to return to the current 991 generation with a power output expected of more than 480hp, but not until after 2015.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoCarUK