29.01.2009
The worst kept secret of 2009 has today been confirmed as fact: three years after it was first released, the Porsche 997 GT3 has been updated to reflect the redesign of the Gen2 997 and its all important new technology.
Does the GT1-based engine remain? And what about PDK? Well read on…
Read the article and then join the converstation with us here on Dialogue.
Also, take a look at Porsche’s microsite and watch their video of the new GT3 [click the image below]
About Steve Davies
Steve is a media, venture, and technology advisor and a former Partner at KPMG Consulting, PriceWaterhouse Coopers and Managing Partner at EIM - his clients range from global web and media companies to small start-ups. He formed Drivers Republic (DR) in 2007, the UK's first digital automotive magazine, with a team of EVO and Autocar writers before creating SkiddMark, and also writes as a guest contributor on Unruly Media’s Meme Machine blog and for Econsultancy’s digital marketing blog.
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62 Comments
JackWood
January 29, 2009Er, I want one!! In black please!!
There are some great new features on that car that are going to make it a great everyday car. Any chance of optional back seats for the kid?
JackWood
January 29, 2009Er, I want one!! In black please!!
There are some great new features on that car that are going to make it a great everyday car. Any chance of optional back seats for the kid?
JethroBovingdon
January 29, 2009Can’t the kids just hold on to the rollcage? Sounds more sensible.
I want one, too. Don’t care what colour.
JethroBovingdon
January 29, 2009Can’t the kids just hold on to the rollcage? Sounds more sensible.
I want one, too. Don’t care what colour.
JackWood
January 29, 2009OK, so colour and seats may be a bit fussy.
How about any colour, but would like a kiddy seat in the back?
They have put a lot of tech into this car by the sounds of it. And adjustable PSM? On a GT3? Is it right Jethro that you used to think the TC light on the 997 GT3 was there to tell you that yes, you were actually in the hedge backwards?
JackWood
January 29, 2009OK, so colour and seats may be a bit fussy.
How about any colour, but would like a kiddy seat in the back?
They have put a lot of tech into this car by the sounds of it. And adjustable PSM? On a GT3? Is it right Jethro that you used to think the TC light on the 997 GT3 was there to tell you that yes, you were actually in the hedge backwards?
Pete Wadsworth
January 29, 2009There’s actually a ‘configurator’ on the Porsche Web Special that’s linked on the article.
I think it looks best in yellow with the black wheels.
Pete Wadsworth
January 29, 2009There’s actually a ‘configurator’ on the Porsche Web Special that’s linked on the article.
I think it looks best in yellow with the black wheels.
Marty
January 29, 2009Oh dear.
Want.
WANT.
WANTWANTWANT.
That has to be the most effective update to a 911 that I’ve seen. The new wheels are gorgeous, the styling tweaks are subtle but worthy and the whole package just looks ****ing awesome. Even in bright red.
I’ve just spent my lunch hour drooling over the microsite videos and pics, and now have to work out how on earth I’m going to be able to afford a GT3 before I’m dead.
Marty
January 29, 2009Oh dear.
Want.
WANT.
WANTWANTWANT.
That has to be the most effective update to a 911 that I’ve seen. The new wheels are gorgeous, the styling tweaks are subtle but worthy and the whole package just looks ****ing awesome. Even in bright red.
I’ve just spent my lunch hour drooling over the microsite videos and pics, and now have to work out how on earth I’m going to be able to afford a GT3 before I’m dead.
Daytonafan
January 29, 2009Is it just me but it looks a little dull for a GT3. I still think the best GT3 for visual drama was the original 996 (with the Boomerang wing). Sure it will drive great and that there will be a wider arched RS version shortly.
Be interesting to see how the race versions go against the new GT2 spec M3 and the Ferrari 430′s
Daytonafan
January 29, 2009Is it just me but it looks a little dull for a GT3. I still think the best GT3 for visual drama was the original 996 (with the Boomerang wing). Sure it will drive great and that there will be a wider arched RS version shortly.
Be interesting to see how the race versions go against the new GT2 spec M3 and the Ferrari 430′s
JethroBovingdon
January 29, 2009JackWood -I know there are those who get a bit hung up on GT3s having traction/stability control. I haven’t got a problem with it. Even in a car like that there are times when you’re tired, the weather’s awful and having a bit of a helping hand should the unexpected happen is no bad thing (for example how drained do most people feel on the way home from a trackday?). So long as you can turn it off, obviously.
Sounds like the new GT3 has the system seen on the GT2 – where you can dial out stability control first, then traction control. It worked pretty well on the ‘Ring, trimming excesses (it has plenty) at high speed, but on the road it is indeed a massive-crash-info-service – i.e if you see it you’re already in a ditch. I think people underestimate how quickly you’re going in the dry to need stability/traction sometimes, and crucially how quickly a car with 325-section rear semi-slicks can get away from you in the wet… I remember Phil Bennett telling me that the GT2 has lost it with traction control. I’ll accept that from him, from most other people it’s just cock-waggling of the highest order.
JethroBovingdon
January 29, 2009JackWood -I know there are those who get a bit hung up on GT3s having traction/stability control. I haven’t got a problem with it. Even in a car like that there are times when you’re tired, the weather’s awful and having a bit of a helping hand should the unexpected happen is no bad thing (for example how drained do most people feel on the way home from a trackday?). So long as you can turn it off, obviously.
Sounds like the new GT3 has the system seen on the GT2 – where you can dial out stability control first, then traction control. It worked pretty well on the ‘Ring, trimming excesses (it has plenty) at high speed, but on the road it is indeed a massive-crash-info-service – i.e if you see it you’re already in a ditch. I think people underestimate how quickly you’re going in the dry to need stability/traction sometimes, and crucially how quickly a car with 325-section rear semi-slicks can get away from you in the wet… I remember Phil Bennett telling me that the GT2 has lost it with traction control. I’ll accept that from him, from most other people it’s just cock-waggling of the highest order.
Michael
January 29, 2009Have you seen the new RSR version yet? Front end looks very fussy with vents everywhere, but by god it’s got a nice fat arse.
Michael
January 29, 2009Have you seen the new RSR version yet? Front end looks very fussy with vents everywhere, but by god it’s got a nice fat arse.
ShelL
January 29, 2009I completely sold to Porsche. My god… This is the best car in the whole world!
ShelL
January 29, 2009I completely sold to Porsche. My god… This is the best car in the whole world!
JackWood
January 29, 2009Jethro I am with you. I drive my car every day in all kinds of crappy conditions, mostly on crap-covered country lanes, and PSM has saved me (PSM = Please Save Me, BTW) more than a couple of times.
I have previously discussed on the Porsche Wall that I just couldn’t justify a car without PSM (or any kind of traction system) as an everyday car anymore, and hence as much as I’d love a GT3, I couldn’t see myself picking one up.
Now I can really, seriously, start wanting one of these…..
JackWood
January 29, 2009Jethro I am with you. I drive my car every day in all kinds of crappy conditions, mostly on crap-covered country lanes, and PSM has saved me (PSM = Please Save Me, BTW) more than a couple of times.
I have previously discussed on the Porsche Wall that I just couldn’t justify a car without PSM (or any kind of traction system) as an everyday car anymore, and hence as much as I’d love a GT3, I couldn’t see myself picking one up.
Now I can really, seriously, start wanting one of these…..
Jeremy
January 29, 2009Oh dear…. I wonder if I could live in it?
Jeremy
January 29, 2009Oh dear…. I wonder if I could live in it?
JethroBovingdon
January 29, 2009Just worked out that the price in Euros works out at £108,629 – and yet the UK list price is just over £81,000. Things aren’t all bad in the UK!
JethroBovingdon
January 29, 2009Just worked out that the price in Euros works out at £108,629 – and yet the UK list price is just over £81,000. Things aren’t all bad in the UK!
Marty
January 29, 2009@JethroBovingdon: Yay! So, now all I need to do is work out where to get 81 grand from. Hmm…I feel a bank job coming on.
Marty
January 29, 2009@JethroBovingdon: Yay! So, now all I need to do is work out where to get 81 grand from. Hmm…I feel a bank job coming on.
Alan
January 29, 2009Is that Richards new longtermer ?!
Alan
January 29, 2009Is that Richards new longtermer ?!
Danny I
January 29, 2009With regards to the Porsche microsite:
“Visually compelling while remaining extremely functional”
Surely the most Teutonic quote it’s possible to give?
The whole thing was wonderfully Germanic.
Overall I love the car, though I can’t see many people stumping up the 80k at the moment, finance is a little hard to come by when even the banks have no money.
Danny I
January 29, 2009With regards to the Porsche microsite:
“Visually compelling while remaining extremely functional”
Surely the most Teutonic quote it’s possible to give?
The whole thing was wonderfully Germanic.
Overall I love the car, though I can’t see many people stumping up the 80k at the moment, finance is a little hard to come by when even the banks have no money.
Joe
January 29, 2009“However, it is strange to see no mention of PDK at all.”
Strange? Maybe.
Good that PDK wasn’t mentioned? Yes!
Joe
January 29, 2009“However, it is strange to see no mention of PDK at all.”
Strange? Maybe.
Good that PDK wasn’t mentioned? Yes!
Mark McTavish
January 30, 2009Absolutely fantastic, when it arrives DR neeeeeeeeeed to do a very VERY in depth feature on this car! If you guys need a hand I’m free haha!
Mark McTavish
January 30, 2009Absolutely fantastic, when it arrives DR neeeeeeeeeed to do a very VERY in depth feature on this car! If you guys need a hand I’m free haha!
Steve - DR
January 31, 2009@Mark McTavish: Mark we’ve got something special being planned for the new GT3 that will involve selected readers, so watch this space..
Steve - DR
January 31, 2009@Mark McTavish: Mark we’ve got something special being planned for the new GT3 that will involve selected readers, so watch this space..
Banzai
January 31, 2009@Steve – DR: If it involves comparing the new GT3 with its predecessors I am happy to come along!!
On the driver aids I read somewhere it is to comply with forthcoming EEC legislation making them compulsory – anyone else heard of this? How will that affect Caterham etc?!
Banzai
January 31, 2009@Steve – DR: If it involves comparing the new GT3 with its predecessors I am happy to come along!!
On the driver aids I read somewhere it is to comply with forthcoming EEC legislation making them compulsory – anyone else heard of this? How will that affect Caterham etc?!
Adam
January 31, 2009I’ve heard myself about ESP type aids being standard. I think USA is pushing for it. Most new cars have it anyway, i think it is standard on all VWs for 09, much like ABS filtered down to the most basic cars, so will ESP i think eventually. Back on topic, can’t wait to hear it, no car makes a better noise than any of the GT3 models.
Adam
January 31, 2009I’ve heard myself about ESP type aids being standard. I think USA is pushing for it. Most new cars have it anyway, i think it is standard on all VWs for 09, much like ABS filtered down to the most basic cars, so will ESP i think eventually. Back on topic, can’t wait to hear it, no car makes a better noise than any of the GT3 models.
Scott Newman
February 1, 2009Awesome, simply awesome. I am with Jethro, they can put as many aids on the thing as they want as long as it makes it no heavier and you can turn them all off.
However without raining on the adulation parade no mention of DFI or PDK?? If they don’t put proper paddles (left for down, right for up, connected to the wheel) in it though they should be lined up and shot.
I heard internet whispers of a GT2RS less 400 pounds and up 50bhp, eagerly await news on this.
Scott Newman
February 1, 2009Awesome, simply awesome. I am with Jethro, they can put as many aids on the thing as they want as long as it makes it no heavier and you can turn them all off.
However without raining on the adulation parade no mention of DFI or PDK?? If they don’t put proper paddles (left for down, right for up, connected to the wheel) in it though they should be lined up and shot.
I heard internet whispers of a GT2RS less 400 pounds and up 50bhp, eagerly await news on this.
marcus
February 2, 2009Hello … will a 997 RS generation 2 be launched this year and if so, what kind of differences do you envisage ? Ta.
marcus
February 2, 2009Hello … will a 997 RS generation 2 be launched this year and if so, what kind of differences do you envisage ? Ta.
chris harris
February 2, 2009We’re hearing that there will be an RS, and it will come 6 months after the GT3. Only rumours, but then they often turn out to be correct! There’s talk of Porsche attempting to put space between the RS and the GT3, but I’m wondering if this phantom GT2 RS might end up being the only RS.
Can we all applaud the ’3.8′ lettering on the wing end-plates too. Same script as on the 964 3.8 RS. Love it when Porsche quietly slips-in a nod to its heritage.
chris harris
February 2, 2009We’re hearing that there will be an RS, and it will come 6 months after the GT3. Only rumours, but then they often turn out to be correct! There’s talk of Porsche attempting to put space between the RS and the GT3, but I’m wondering if this phantom GT2 RS might end up being the only RS.
Can we all applaud the ’3.8′ lettering on the wing end-plates too. Same script as on the 964 3.8 RS. Love it when Porsche quietly slips-in a nod to its heritage.
Neville Contractor
February 2, 2009The new GT3 looks very slick indeed, I’ll have mine in black.
Does anyone know if there are any in the country yet? I followed a low-loader down the Kings Road last Tuesday and it was carrying a white 911. Number plate had the label ‘Porsche Zentrum Hamburg’ (or something like that) and sitting proudly on its rump was a GT3 badge. I thought it might have been a current generation model, but the wheels and tyres were very well covered, almost as if they were disguising something…
Neville Contractor
February 2, 2009The new GT3 looks very slick indeed, I’ll have mine in black.
Does anyone know if there are any in the country yet? I followed a low-loader down the Kings Road last Tuesday and it was carrying a white 911. Number plate had the label ‘Porsche Zentrum Hamburg’ (or something like that) and sitting proudly on its rump was a GT3 badge. I thought it might have been a current generation model, but the wheels and tyres were very well covered, almost as if they were disguising something…
Pete Wadsworth
February 2, 2009I doubt that there are any in the UK yet, since they’ve just barely broken cover.
But there are a couple of giveaways, the vent across the back is new and the Gen 2 GT3 has a strutted and end-plated wing instead of the Impreza style one on the Gen 1 version.
Pete Wadsworth
February 2, 2009I doubt that there are any in the UK yet, since they’ve just barely broken cover.
But there are a couple of giveaways, the vent across the back is new and the Gen 2 GT3 has a strutted and end-plated wing instead of the Impreza style one on the Gen 1 version.
Neville Contractor
February 2, 2009I thought as much, but just in case! Wish I’d taken a photo. I’m starting to think it was the current gen model now, the rear lights were all-red rather than two tone, and I can’t remember if the vent was present or not.
Neville Contractor
February 2, 2009I thought as much, but just in case! Wish I’d taken a photo. I’m starting to think it was the current gen model now, the rear lights were all-red rather than two tone, and I can’t remember if the vent was present or not.
delays
February 4, 2009@Steve – DR: For this experiment, you’ll clearly need the opinions of a young driver. . . obviously.
You know where I am.
But in all seriousness, it does indeed look sublime.
delays
February 4, 2009@Steve – DR: For this experiment, you’ll clearly need the opinions of a young driver. . . obviously.
You know where I am.
But in all seriousness, it does indeed look sublime.
Pete Wight
February 6, 2009Looks the dogs as they all do,and I’m sure it will move the game on a bit more.£81,000 is list but you’ll be looking at up to £13,000 more if you want Ceramics , seats and other bits.
My OPC is asking if I want one BUT the problem is the depreciation every car is suffering from right now. Losing £30,000+ in 2 years on its predecessor means many potential buyers who are on the list wont be able to afford to change.
Cant quite believe what good value 2007 97 GT3 represents at £60,000. Bet the new one isnt 30% better!
Pete Wight
February 6, 2009Looks the dogs as they all do,and I’m sure it will move the game on a bit more.£81,000 is list but you’ll be looking at up to £13,000 more if you want Ceramics , seats and other bits.
My OPC is asking if I want one BUT the problem is the depreciation every car is suffering from right now. Losing £30,000+ in 2 years on its predecessor means many potential buyers who are on the list wont be able to afford to change.
Cant quite believe what good value 2007 97 GT3 represents at £60,000. Bet the new one isnt 30% better!
diamondblue
February 6, 2009It looks the mutts proverbials like all GT3s do.
I love it in red!
Had a 996 GT3 in red which always suited the car.
£81,000 list but more like £95k after youve specced ceramics, carbon seats sat nav and other bits. Be interesting to see how strong demand is, I dont think the long waiting lists like last time will be a problem and i reckon in a few months they may even do deals!!
Remember owners of the first gen 97 GT3 have lost about £30,000 in 2 years which is going to reduce the potential number of customers quite a bit.
Seems that its going to have to have moved the game on a long way to justify spending £30,000 more than the cost of a used 10k miler.
diamondblue
February 6, 2009It looks the mutts proverbials like all GT3s do.
I love it in red!
Had a 996 GT3 in red which always suited the car.
£81,000 list but more like £95k after youve specced ceramics, carbon seats sat nav and other bits. Be interesting to see how strong demand is, I dont think the long waiting lists like last time will be a problem and i reckon in a few months they may even do deals!!
Remember owners of the first gen 97 GT3 have lost about £30,000 in 2 years which is going to reduce the potential number of customers quite a bit.
Seems that its going to have to have moved the game on a long way to justify spending £30,000 more than the cost of a used 10k miler.
Joe
February 6, 2009@Jeremy: Oh dear…. I wonder if I could live in it?
You can live in your car, but…
You can’t race your house.
Joe
February 6, 2009@Jeremy: Oh dear…. I wonder if I could live in it?
You can live in your car, but…
You can’t race your house.
marcus
February 8, 2009@chris harris:
be great if they announce the new 997 RS.2 soonest. If they do I will sell my existing 997 RS, if not I will hold until the new 998 comes along. Still think the RS does still standout from the 997.2 in looks and race track appearance. No GT3.2 for me if no 997RS.2 – sorry Porsche !
marcus
February 8, 2009@chris harris:
be great if they announce the new 997 RS.2 soonest. If they do I will sell my existing 997 RS, if not I will hold until the new 998 comes along. Still think the RS does still standout from the 997.2 in looks and race track appearance. No GT3.2 for me if no 997RS.2 – sorry Porsche !