GT3 for $280K

Porsche Cars Australia has confirmed pricing for the just-launched GT3 will start at just over $280K.

The new 911 GT3 will be priced at $281,600 when it arrives in showrooms January 2010. The outgoing model cost $256,900 including 25 per cent Luxury Car Tax while it was on sale.

PCA says the increased premium is in part due to the higher LCT rate at 33 per cent.

"The new GT3 also has more technology and features, which contributes to the price rise," says Paul Ellis, Porsche Australia's manager of public relations.

Those include revisions to Porsche's VarioCam which has been upgraded to feature variable adjustment for both the intake and outlet camshafts, and a motorsport set-up for the Porsche Stability Management system, allowing the car's traction and stability control functions to be switched off individually.

Unlike the more sedate 911 models, the GT3's 3.8-litre flat six-cylinder engine uses sequential fuel injection rather than direct injection, and instead of the Carrera's PDK transmission, the GT3 is equipped with a six-speed manual to suit its racetrack role. It also maintains dry sump lubrication with an external oil tank.

The all-new engine offers more power (15kW) and torque (25Nm) than the previous model's 3.6-litre version. Output is now rated 320kW/430Nm and max revs has increased to 8500rpm.

Lightweight alloys -- 8.5 x 19 front; 12 x 19 rear -- feature a new central bolt locking as standard. The locking bolt is inspired by the racing environment and until now, only offered "on a handful of exclusive models" like the Carrera GT.

Exterior styling has been revised to incorporate larger air intakes over the engine and brakes. Stability and grip is also helped by increased downforce -- more than doubled, says Porsche -- over the front and rear axles.

Among options, the new GT3 can be ordered with PADM (Porsche Active Damper Management) which manages the engine mounts to temper the impact of hard, fast cornering via magnetic particle-filled fluid. Porsche claims traction from standstill is also improved due to the active mounts. The PADM costs an extra $2890.

Visit the Carsales Network again for our drive review of the new 911 GT3, launched at Queensland Raceway last week.

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