New 375kW Porsche 911 GT3 unleashed

Porsche has pulled the drapes off the track-suited 992-series Porsche 911 GT3 ahead of its Australian arrival in the second half of 2021.

Described by the German sports car marque as a "highly athletic road car fit for high-performance driving on track balanced with the demands of everyday use", the 992-series 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 has again been developed in partnership with Porsche Motorsport.

The headline news is the hard-core 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 keeps its naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre flat six-cylinder engine, which now produces 375kW (+7kW).

So it misses out on a turbocharged engine, as seen across the rest of the 992 series.

It combines as standard with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission that sends power to the rear wheels.

A six-speed manual will also be offered for purists who are happy to trade some speed for greater involvement.

Porsche says that against the clock using the latest version of its launch control, the PDK-equipped 911 GT3 takes just 3.4 seconds to complete the 0-100km/h dash.

Based on the 992 generation's Modular Mid-Engine (MMB) platform, the new 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 gets Porsche's wide-body architecture that maximises front and rear track for enhanced cornering grip.

As standard, the GT3 gets 20-inch front wheels and larger 21-inch rims at the rear. Steel brakes are standard, with carbon-ceramic stoppers remaining optional.

Despite being larger than the model it replaces, Porsche claims weight has increased only 5kg for a PDK-equipped model.

Helping cut the kilos is extensive application of carbon-fibre that's even used to make the new bonnet. Thinner glazing, plus new forged wheels and a lightweight exhaust, meanwhile, saves 10kg.

Beneath the car, there's been yet more significant changes that include the adoption of a double-wishbone suspension, making the new GT3 the first 911 in the model's 58-year history to not feature a pseudo-MacPherson strut front suspension.

The new set-up is said to be inspired by the mid-engined Porsche 911 RSR racer that also donated much of its aero know-how for the wild-looking GT3 road car.

New features include the GT3's swan neck rear mounts for the huge rear spoiler that add more downforce without any compromise in drag for a higher top speed.

Porsche claims the 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 can now hit 319km/h (321km/h if you choose the manual), while delivering significantly more downforce for high-speed stability.

There is an imposing rear diffuser, a deeper front bumper, a large central intake, plus nostril air-vents on the bonnet.

The new 911 GT3's aero also features manual adjustment that allows owners to tailor their car's wind-bending for different circuits on track days.

Speaking of which, unsurprisingly, Porsche has timed its new 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 around Germany's Nurburgring where it set an incredible 6:59.927 lap.

This makes it 17 seconds quicker than the previous 911 GT3, although much of that time is thought to be attributed to the optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres used.

Inside the stripped-out cabin the rear seats have been binned to save weight while Porsche has adapted the regular 911's infotainment screen to include a new track screen.

The latter also reduces the amount of distracting info displayed either side of the analogue rev counter that's marked to 10,000rpm, with the revised flat-six still capable of revving to a stratospheric 9000rpm.

While on track, tyre pressures, oil temp and pressure, plus fuel level, take priority while there's also a new motorsport-inspired shift light system.

Less sound deadening, liberal use of Alcantara trim, a pair of sport seats and a half-cage complete the changes over the standard car's cabin.

Choose the two-pedal PDK 'box and, instead of the 992-series toggle gear selector, the GT3 gets a gear lever that looks near identical to the manual gear shifter.

Porsche says it's for those PDK drivers who use the lever rather than the paddles to swap cogs.

For those who can't wait for the even more extreme RS that's on the way, Porsche will allow owners to add yet more performance-enhancing lightweight parts that include a carbon-fibre roof, mirror caps and different rims.

On sale in Europe this May, Australian deliveries of the 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 will commence before the end of this year.