.jpg?q=50&fit=contain&w=1140&h=&dpr=1.5)
The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS is taking up all the headlines in automotive magazines. At HotCars, we wrote about this marvelous ride more than several times, exploring its specs, design, and interior from every side and angle. We simply couldn't help ourselves, as the Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a gorgeous and powerful sports car most people would blow all their savings on in a heartbeat.
But at the same time, we feel like we failed to mention and give enough attention to the 911 GT3 lineup as a whole. This nameplate has been in use since 1999, and though the latest model offers the most modern engineering, design, and tech, previous versions deserve just as much praise.
Following the footsteps of the Carrera RS and based on the 911 GT3 Cup, the Porsche 911 GT3 showed great potential for becoming another legend of the famous German brand. Soon enough, this prospect became a reality, and the Porsche 911 GT3 is an iconic sports car even today. Here's how it evolved over the years.
The First Porsche 911 GT3: The Successor To The 911 Carrera RS 2.7
When the Porsche 911 GT3 arrived at the Geneva Motor Show in 1999, it delighted sports car enthusiasts. Developed by Walter Röhrl, a two-time World Rally Champion, race engineer Roland Kussmaul, and other Porsche Motorsport specialists, the Porsche 911 GT3 was focused on the racing experience straight from the beginning.
Continuing the tradition of the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, the new model dropped the RS for Race Sport and instead took the GT3 badging for the GT class in motorsport. At the center of the 1999 Porsche 911 GT3 laid a 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine paired with a manual transmission and a rear-wheel drive. The total power output was measured at 360 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.
As you'll see, these specs will only grow over the years to provide a more enhanced and dynamic driving experience— though the racing-focused lightweight design that sheds off all unnecessary weight will remain.
A Look At The Host Of Impressive Generations Of The Porsche 911 GT3
After the introduction of the Porsche 911 GT3 in 1999, new models started to appear year after year, delivering better performance and enhanced design. Ultimately, the 911 GT3 became a famous racer with numerous wins under its belt, including the 24 Hours of Spa, the 24 Hours of Daytona, and the 24 Hours Nürburgring. Here's how different generations evolved to achieve this success.
996 911 GT3
The first generation of the Porsche 911 GT3 was dubbed the 996 up to 2006. It remained more or less the same as the first version, though Porsche increased the power output to 380 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque in 2003. The stiffer and lower suspension also entered the picture to provide a better cornering speed, and 5-speed automatic transmission was offered as an option.
997 911 GT3
In 2006 (through 2009), the new generation arrived bearing the name 997. This Porsche 911 GT3 got yet another increase in power, boosting 415 horsepower and 299 lb-ft of torque — but that was not all. For this generation, Porsche introduced active suspension management to better balance this ride for both daily and track drives. The 911 GT3 also became more aggressive looking.
From 2009 to 2011, the Porsche 911 GT3 (still 997) got more comfortable but loosed none of its track-based appearance and admirable specs. The 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine was yet again boosted to produce 435 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. There was also a new rear wing and underbody paneling to reduce even more weight.
991 911 GT3
The Porsche 991 and 991.2 911 GT3 dominated from 2013 to 2021. The former received a big facelift and a 3.8-liter flat-six with 482 ponies. It was improved in various aspects (new transmission, body, and chassis) to deliver unmatched speed and finish the Nürburgring Nordschleife in just 7:25 minutes.
When it comes to the 991.2, this version came in 2017 with an increased displacement and a whopping 500 horsepower. Automatic and manual transmissions were both offered, and the bodywork got complemented with a new spoiler, side scoops, and more.
The Gorgeous Latest Generation Of The Porsche 911 GT3 On Display
The latest generation of the Porsche 911 GT3 is as special as every other that came before it. Introduced in 2021 under the 992 sub-badging, the new model further increases the performance and design of its predecessors, which is no surprise. Although the power boost to 510 horsepower is not that significant, the 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 received several adjustments and carbon-fiber parts to shed weight for quicker acceleration and more fun on the road and track.
Then, the RS version we talked so much about came this year to make us drool even more over the 525-hp power delivery, a wild aerodynamic package, and overall outstanding design. If you ask us, the latest Porsche 911 GT3 sits as a cherry on top of the long and well-established lineup that will always remain significant for the entire automotive industry.