Porsche 911 GT3

Road cars

996 GT3

The "GT3" nameplate was introduced in 1999 as part of the first generation of the Porsche 996 model range (commonly known as 996.1) as a homologation model for the cars entered in the GT class, predating the Group GT3 which was introduced in 2005. As with Porsche's previous 911 RS models, the 996 GT3 was focused on racing, and so was devoid of items that added unnecessary weight to the car. Sound deadening was almost completely removed, as were the rear seats, rear loud speakers, sunroof, and air conditioning, although automatic air conditioning and CD/radio became no-cost optional add-ons.

The engine of the 996 GT3 sets it apart from 996 Carrera models, as it shared nothing with the standard so-called "integrated dry sump" (e.g. wet-sump) flat-six engine used in the water-cooled 996 Carrera engine introduced in MY1999. The 996 GT3 engine is naturally aspirated and based on the "Mezger" racing engine used in the 962 and 911 GT1 race cars. That engine was known as the "Mezger" engine after its designer, Hans Mezger. The engine uses the original air-cooled 911's versatile dry-sump crankcase with an external oil reservoir. The 996 GT3 has 265 kW; 355 hp (360 PS), compared to the 221 kW; 296 hp (300 PS) of the standard 996. In GT3 configuration, the so-called "split" crankcase (meaning the parting line of crankcase is on the crankshaft centreline) uses, instead of a fan and finned cylinders, separate water jackets added onto each side of the crankcase to cool banks of three cylinders with water pumped through a radiator. Thus, the GT3 engine is very similar to the completely water-cooled 962 racing car's engine, which is based on the same crankcase. The 962 differs, however, by using six individual cylinder heads while the "Mezger" uses two cylinder heads, each covering a bank of three cylinders. The GT3 engine could thus also be thought of as similar to a 959 engine, but with water-cooled crankcase. Up until model year 2004 996 production, the basic casting used for the "Mezger" crankcase of the GT3 was the same as the 996 GT1 LeMans cars, and the same "964.." block part-number is visible on the bottom of the crankcase. Beginning with MY2004 however, production was outsourced to Valmet facilities in Spain, France, and Austria, and all subsequent road-legal Mezger engines are part-numbered "996.." (even on later 997 cars).

Because the GT1 Mezger block uses the same legacy Porsche 356 engine to transmission mounting flange configuration, the 996 GT3 used a 6-speed manual gearbox also of air-cooled 911 heritage. This new G96/50 gearbox has interchangeable gear ratios and is more durable making it more suitable for racing than the standard type 996 Carrera's gearbox.

997 GT3

In February 2006, Porsche unveiled the second generation of GT3, the 997 commonly now known as the 997.1 GT3. In addition to a new 305 kW (415 PS) 3.6 litre flat-six engine, the vehicle featured "zero lift" aerodynamics, meaning the car creates only aerodynamic downforce and no grip-diminishing "lift" upwards and away from the road surface. The GT3 made use of a modified, track oriented version of Porsche's active PASM suspension, making it the first of Porsche's RS or GT3 versions to feature an electronically adjustable suspension system. Also available was a navigation system and Porsche's "sports chrono" gauge package. The car went to sale in summer of 2006. A total of 917 units were sold in the United States and 46 units in Canada.

The 997 GT3 has a rated 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) acceleration time of 4.1 seconds and has a top speed of 311 km/h (193 mph). Road and Track was able to achieve a 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) acceleration time of 3.8 seconds. Porsche's official test-driver Walter Röhrl completed the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7 minutes 42 seconds with the 997 GT3 in 2006.

Porsche also offered an RS version of the 997 GT3. In common with its predecessors, it was a homologation model for use in a range of racing series. The 997 GT3 RS was introduced in Europe in October 2006 and in North America in spring 2007.

The 997 GT3 RS is 20 kg (44 lb) lighter than the 997 GT3, weighing in at 1,370 kg (3,020 lb). This weight-saving was achieved by the use of an adjustable carbon fibre wing, a steel engine cover, and a lightweight plastic windscreen. The weight savings gives the 997 GT3 RS corresponding engine power to curb weight ratio of 224 kW (300 hp) per tonne.

The body of the 997 GT3 RS is 64 mm (2.5 in) wider at the rear than the 997 GT3 (a legacy from the Carrera 4 models with which it shares its body shell). The muscular-looking rear end conceals a wider track that not only improves directional stability but also increases the potential cornering grip. However, drag is increased and top speed is reduced due to the larger rear wing. In addition to the new technology, the paint scheme and body panels are all designed specifically for the RS.

The US version of the 997 GT3 RS has a standard rear window (not plexiglas) and the smaller 911 fuel tank to comply with rules of SCCA, Can-Am, and IMSA. For Grand-Am races, the central locking wheel nut is replaced with the standard five-lug pattern required under Grand-Am rules.

991 GT3

Porsche introduced the 991 GT3 at the Geneva Motor Show in 2013. The 991 GT3 features a new 3.8 litre multi-point electronic indirect injection flat-six engine developing 349 kW; 469 hp (475 PS) at 8,250 rpm, a Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) double-clutch gearbox and rear-wheel steering. The engine is based on the unit fitted in the 991 Carrera S, but shares only a few common parts. All other components, particularly the crankshaft and valve train, were specially adapted or developed for the 991 GT3. For example, the 991 GT3's engine uses titanium connecting rods attached to forged pistons, in order to allow the engine to reach up to 9,000 rpm. The dual-clutch gearbox is another feature specially developed for the 991 GT3, based on sequential manual transmissions used in racing cars.

The 911 GT3 is claimed to be able to accelerate from 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) in 3.5 seconds or less, and 400 m (the quarter mile) in 11.2 seconds at 203 km/h (126 mph). The GT3 has a claimed top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). The lap time on the Nürburgring Nordschleife is 7 minutes and 25 seconds.

After a number of engine failures in 2014, it was discovered that the supplier of the connecting rod bolts had made a production error in the alloy of the bolt. Subsequently, all 785 of the GT3s that had been produced up to that point were recalled to the dealership organisations and fitted with new engines, and all owners were issued with an extra year's warranty.

A formal letter sent to Porsche from members of the US-based Rennlist.com "991.1 GT3 Concerned Owners Group" about additional engine durability issues lead to a meeting between representatives of the owners group and Porsche, including head of Porsche Motorsport Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, on 3 August 2017 at the Porsche North America Atlanta headquarters. According to Dr. Walliser the concerning high-RPM misfire issue could be traced primarily to a metallurgical defect in certain batches of "finger followers" (valve train rocker arms) and secondarily to individual driving patterns and engine variations – such as temperature, oil quality, oil viscosity and parts tolerances – that lead to increased wear of the specific parts. In response to the issue and after implementing new engine tests to trace down the issue Porsche had developed revised camshafts and finger followers and offers a fully transferable 10-year, 120,000 mile extended engine warranty to all 991.1 generation GT3 owners worldwide that covers the replacement of the defective engine with a new engine with the revised parts if failure is a direct result of the finger-follower issue. The base bumper-to-bumper warranty and all other warranty terms and conditions remain unchanged. Porsche confirmed that the issue is isolated to the 991.1 GT3, and that the 991.1 GT3 RS and the 991 R are not affected.

992 GT3

Porsche revealed the 992 GT3 in February 2021. The 992 GT3 has the same engine as its predecessor, a 4.0-litre flat-six updated to produce 375 kW; 503 hp (510 PS) at 8,400 rpm and 470 N⋅m (347 lb⋅ft) of torque at 6,250 rpm, with a 9,000 rpm redline. The 992 GT3 is capable of 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 3.4 seconds.Its top speed is 193 mph.

The 992 GT3 moves to an unequal-length control-arm front suspension influenced by the 991 RSR. The rear wing has swan-neck pylons with increased downforce compared to previous GT3 models. The GT3 is offered with either a seven-speed dual-clutch PDK or a six-speed manual.

On September 15, 2020, Porsche and driver Lars Kern set an official Nürburgring lap time of 6:55.34 in the 992 GT3.

A Touring package is available, which replaces the rear wing with an automatically deployable rear spoiler. It is available with a 6 speed manual transmission or 7 speed PDK - double clutch transmission.

The 992 GT3 RS was announced in August 2022. It features a dramatically improved aerodynamic profile compared to the 992 GT3, resulting in 860 kg (1,900 lb) of downforce at 285 km/h (177 mph), a two-fold increase over the 991.2 GT3 RS, and 409 kg (902 lb) of downforce at 200 km/h (124 mph). The rear wing features a static portion and an active portion, which can open and close automatically based on vehicle data, or manually with a button fitted to the steering wheel (inspired by Formula 1's Drag Reduction Systems (DRS)).

Its engine produces 386 kW; 518 hp (525 PS) at 8,500 rpm and 465 N⋅m (343 lb⋅ft) of torque at 6,300 rpm. The car has a redline of 9,000 rpm (same as the GT3 done by its naturally aspirated flat-six engine) The curb weight of the car in European specification is 1,450 kg (3,197 lb), and it's capable of achieving 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 3.2 seconds, and 200 km/h (124 mph) in 10.6 seconds. The top speed stated by Porsche is 296 km/h (184 mph).

On 5 October 2022, Porsche and driver Jörg Bergmeister set an official Nürburgring lap time of 6:44.848 in the 992 GT3 RS. At the time, this was the third fastest lap time ever by a production car. As of December 2024, this is the fastest lap time ever by a naturally aspirated production car.

992.2 GT3

Porsche revealed the 992.2 GT3 on October 18, 2024. It retained the 4.0 L (3,996 cc), 510 PS (375 kW; 503 hp), naturally-aspirated flat-6 engine as the 992.1. In addition, the engine makes 450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft) of torque, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds, or 3.9 seconds with a six-speed manual transmission used in lieu of the dual-clutch transmission (PDK). The 992.2 GT3 has a lower than the 992.1, with a top speed of 311 km/h (193 mph).

The GT3 came with a six-speed manual transmission or PDK as options and, in contrast to the Carrera line of models, retained the ignition key while the lower-end options kept the button. Moreover, the GT3 may also be optioned out with the Weissach package from the GT3 RS, as well as a Clubsport package that can be purchased for free.

The 992.2 GT3 Touring was revealed alongside, and shared the same amount of power and torque as, the GT3. However, its top speed was recorded as 313 km/h (194 mph).

Like the GT3, the GT3 Touring was also available with a six-speed manual transmission or PDK as options.

Motorsport

Racing cars

Many different race versions of the 911 GT3 have entered competition since 1998:

996 GT3

The 996 GT3 Cup served as the basis for the 996 GT3 road car, featuring a 3.6 litre (bore×stroke: 100 mm×76.4 mm) boxer engine on based on the GT1 block rated at 265 kW (360 PS; 355 hp) at 7,200 rpm and 360 N⋅m (266 lbf⋅ft) at 6,250 rpm, with a redline of 8,000 rpm, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. For the 1999 season the engine output was increased to 272 kW (370 PS; 365 hp) and 370 N⋅m (273 lbf⋅ft) at 6,250 rpm. The fuel cell holds 64 litres of fuel and the car weighs in at 1,140 kg (2,513 lb). Slick tyres supplied by Pirelli measured 245/45-18 front to 305/645-18 rear, brake disks measured 330 mm and ABS was standard. The car can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in four seconds and has a top speed of 286 km/h (178 mph). For the 2001 season the GT3 Cup received modified aerodynamics including an enlarged rear wing and improved cooling.

In 2002, the GT3 Cup received several changes, adopting facelift 996.2 features such as Turbo-style headlights. The new body significantly improves aerodynamics and cooling. Engine output was increased to 280 kW (381 PS; 375 hp) and 380 N⋅m (280 lbf⋅ft) of torque, further changes include improved transmission cooling, a lightened exhaust system and other light-weighing measures across the car. Slicks supplied by Michelin measured 24/64-18 front and 27/68-18 rear. Front brake disks increased to 350 mm in diameter, clamped by six-piston calipers. Weight remained at 1,140 kg (2,513 lb) dry.

For the 2004 season, the car received further upgrades. Engine output was increased slightly, to 287 kW (390 PS; 385 hp) at 7,200 rpm and 390 N⋅m (288 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 6,500 rpm. Gear ratios of fourth, fifth and sixth gears were shortened. A 89-litre fuel cell improves endurance racing capabilities. Changes were made to the interior to enable the use of the HANS device.

The 996 GT3 R was introduced in 1999 as a replacement for the 993 RSR. Before its introduction, it was extensively tested at Weissach and Paul Ricard. Reduction in weight over the GT3 road car was achieved by carbon fibre body panels and plexi-glass rear and side windows. The front nose section contained additional air inlets for engine and brake cooling. A steel roll cage was welded into the body and the car was fitted with an air-jack system, fire extinguisher and racing seat with safety harness.

The suspension was similar to the GT3 road car in principle, but with variable springs, adjustable shocks, anti-roll bars and spherical joints. The car could be set up precisely for each track. Large brake discs (standard specifications: 350 mm front and 330 mm rear) were fitted but with no ABS brakes because they were not permitted in Le Mans GT class.

997 GT3

The 997 Cup's 3.6 litre engine is rated at 294 kW (400 PS; 394 hp) at 7,000 rpm and 400 N⋅m (295 lbf⋅ft) at 6,500 rpm and is now mated to a six-speed sequential transmission. The 997 features significantly improved aerodynamics and lightweight CFRP parts, including doors, rear body panels, engine deck lid and rear wing. Parts of the suspension are adopted from the GT3 RSR. Brake discs are 380 mm front and 350 mm in the rear in diameter and ABS with four control settings is standard.

Homologated on basis of the GT3 RS road car instead of the GT3 and destined for international FIA GT3 customer racing. Suspension components were adopted from the GT3 RSR.

Unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and based on the 997.2 GT3 RS, the GT3 Cup features a new 3.8 litre engine with an output of 331 kW (450 PS; 444 hp) at 7,500 rpm and an 8,500 rpm redline. Further changes include a 44 mm (1.7 in) wider rear body, 15 mm (0.59 in) lower front spoiler lip, an enlarged rear wing adopted from 911 GT3 Cup S measuring 1.70 m (67 in), new LED tail lights and a modified racing exhaust system. 9.5Jx18 front alloy wheels with 24/64-18 Michelin racing tyres and 12Jx18 alloy wheels with 27/68-18 tyres, additional Unibal joints on the track control arms and front and rear sword-shaped anti-roll bars with seven position settings each, additional vent in the upper part of the front lid, steering wheel mounted Info Display with 6 switches. The car weighs in at 1,160 kg (2,557 lb).

Deliveries began in the same year. The base MSRP of the European model was €149,850 (before tax).

First introduced in 2006, the 997 RSR was built to comply with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, the FIA-GT and IMSA as well as VLN regulations. Based on the 997 GT3, the RSR features a 3.8-litre flat-6 engine with two 30.3 mm air restrictors as compared to the 3.6-litre engine of its predecessor with 29 mm restrictors. The increase in displacement was achieved through the enlargement of the bore to 102.7 mm with the unchanged stroke of 76.4 mm. With the mandatory air restrictors, the engine is rated at 335 kW (455 PS; 449 hp) at 8,500 rpm and 435 N⋅m (321 lb⋅ft) of torque. The engine has a red-line of 9,000 rpm due to the increase in capacity and the corresponding reprogramming of the electronics. The new positioning of the mid-front radiator and the use of side radiators – shared with the Carrera GT – contribute to the thermal health of the engine. The 997 RSR used the 6-speed sequential manual transmission of 996 RSR for the 2006 season. For the 2007 season, a new 6-speed sequential manual transmission was added which was shared with the RS Spyder.

991 GT3

Porsche introduced the 991 GT3 Cup for the 2013 Porsche Supercup season, based on the 991 GT3. Like the 991 GT3 road car, its improvements over the 997 model include revised aerodynamics, an improved rollcage, new wheels and a revised chassis. The direct-injection 3.8-litre flat six is rated at 338 kW (453 hp) at 8500 rpm and drives the rear wheels through a mechanical limited slip differential. The transmission includes a paddle-shift, race-bred, pneumatically activated six speed developed specifically for the track. It uses lightweight materials in its construction, and a stripped-out cabin complete with a full roll cage, racing seat and all the safety gear required for competition, weighing 1,175 kg (2,590 lb).

Unveiled at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, the 2017 911 GT3 Cup is based on the 991.2 911 GT3. Improvements on the previous model include a larger 4.0-litre flat-six boxer engine rated at 357 kW (485 PS; 479 hp), improved aerodynamics and an enlarged escape-hatch in the roof. The GT3 Cup is priced at 189,900 Euro excluding taxes.

Porsche also announced a variant of the 991 GT3 Cup car for the United SportsCar Championship known as the 911 GT America. The car is homologated exclusively for the Grand-Touring Daytona category of the series. Upgrades over the regular Cup car include improved aerodynamics, a bigger 4.0 L flat-six engine, a new gearbox, a different safety cell, new brakes and reliability upgrades for endurance racing.

In 2013, Porsche introduced the newest version of the RSR based on the 991 model for the LM GTE category. Because the 991 GT3 was not in production at the time of the announcement, Porsche was forced to homologate it based on the 911 Carrera model. The 991 RSR includes revised aerodynamics, a lighter gearbox and a new, lower suspension. For the 2013 season, Porsche retained the Mezger engine of the 997 GT3 RSR model (M97/82). Manthey Racing was chosen to run the cars in the FIA World Endurance Championship; the team achieved its best success at the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans where the 991 RSR finished 1–2 in the GT class.

For 2014, Porsche announced that it partnered with CORE Autosport to run two Porsche 911 RSRs in the United SportsCar Championship (under the Porsche North America team name) while AKB GT Raceline has announced that they would run a pair of 911 RSRs in the series. Team Falken Tire also announced that it would be running a 911 RSR from Sebring onwards. Manthey Racing will continue to run two 911 RSRs in the WEC.

992 GT3

On 12 December 2020 Porsche unveiled the 992 GT3 cup, replacing the 991 GT3 cup. The 992 GT3 Cup has a 4.0L naturally aspirated flat-six boxer engine developing 375 kW (510 PS; 503 bhp) at 8,400 rpm and 470 N⋅m (347 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 6,150 rpm, with a redline of 8,750 rpm. The body is made up of 70% aluminium and 30% steel reducing the weight to around 1,260 kg. Inside the car, there are new racing seats, a new carbon steering wheel and a new 260 mm (10.3 in) screen for data and diagnostics. The 911 GT3 Cup is priced at 225,000 Euro (US$267,165) excluding taxes.

In late 2025, Porsche revealed the 992.2 Cup, replacing the 992 GT3 Cup. The car dropped GT3 from its name to avoid confusion with the Group GT3 class, where the faster GT3 R runs. The 992.2 Cup, similar to its predecessor, has a 4.0L naturally aspirated flat-six boxer engine developing 382 kW (519 PS; 512 bhp) at 8,400 rpm and 470 N⋅m (347 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 6,150 rpm, with a redline of 8,750 rpm. The body is made up of 70% aluminium and 30% steel, bringing the weight to 1,288 kg. The new car now has the addition of an anti-lock braking system alongside the existing traction control system from its predecessor. It also features improved aerodynamics including cooling louvers located on the front wheel arches.

In August 2026, Porsche presented the 911 Challenge, a new model derived from the 992.2-spec production GT3 and designed for entry-level racing.

In the summer of 2022, Porsche unveiled the 992 generation of the 911 GT3 R. The car featured a bigger 4,194 cc engine compared to its predecessor, producing up to 421 kW (565 bhp). The car made its global racing debut at the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona, where the car suffered from ABS and traction control problems. These issues were addressed by Porsche in the following months with new updates to the car.

In August 2025, Porsche announced a new version of the 911 GT3 R, based upon the 992.2. The upgrades include new front fender louvers, a new rear wing Gurney flap and modified rear axle kinematics. Further improvements were made to the cooling of the power steering system, new ceramic wheel bearings, and new cooling ducts for drive shafts. The new iteration made its first start with Herberth Motorsport at the 2025 12 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in the SP4 developmental class, finishing second overall. It made its competitive debut at the 2026 24 Hours of Daytona.

Racing history

Apart from numerous class wins, the 911 GT3 won major events overall:

24 Hours Nürburgring in 2000, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2018, 2021 by Manthey Racing team

Various VLN races at the Nürburgring.

Spa 24 Hours in 2003, 2010, 2019, 2020, 2026

24 Hours of Daytona in 2003

Petit Le Mans in 2015

Bathurst 12 Hour in 2019, 2024

Dubai 24 Hour in 2021

Various national and regional Porsche Carrera Cup and Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge as well as the international Porsche Supercup one-make series – which serves as Formula One support series – utilise the 911 GT3 since 1998.

Due to the absence of the official Porsche team in the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans, only privateers with the nearly obsolete air-cooled 993 GT2 Turbo were expected to represent the marque, with few chances to beat the Chrysler Viper for GTS class honors. Two new race versions of the water-cooled 996 GT3-R were entered in the GT class by private teams. The car entered by the German Manthey Racing team finished 13th overall.

The 996 GT3-R was made available to privateer teams. In the 24 Hours Nürburgring of the year 2000, a factory-backed effort of the local Phoenix team managed to beat the Zakspeed Chrysler Viper that dominated this race from 1998 to 2000. The improved 996 GT3-RS version of 2001 was entered in countless races in the years to follow, scoring not only many class wins, but also overall wins at Daytona and Spa in 2003. In 2004, the 996 GT3-RSR was made available, with numerous improvements to the RS, including a sequential gearbox, which allows for faster gearshifts.

In 2005, the new 997-generation racing vehicles began to debut with the GT3 Cup, followed by the launch of the 911 GT3-RSR at the 2006 Spa 24 Hours. In VLN endurance races, the Manthey entry won the last 4h race before the 24h event, and then the big event also. Their Porsche 997 GT3 RSR has a larger front splitter, taller rear wing and a 368 kW; 493 bhp (500 PS) 4.0L Flat-6 engine.