Porsche confirms 911 GT3 for late '09

A revitalised 911 GT3 will be unveiled by Porsche at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The German sports car manufacturer has raised the cubic capacity of the flat-six atmo engine to 3.8 litres, squeezing an extra 15kW of power from it. That power hike, raising the total to 320kW, is also the result of variable valve timing for the exhaust camshafts. Previously, the GT3 featured variable timing for the intake valves only.

Porsche is also claiming improved torque for the upgraded GT3 and has timed the new car at 4.1 seconds for the dash to 100km/h from a standing start. This is a 0.2sec improvement on the superseded variant. Similarly, top speed has risen marginally, from 310km/h to 312km/h.

In other changes, Porsche has specified PSM (Porsche Stability Management) as standard for the revised GT3. This system allows the driver the opportunity to disable stability control and traction control separately -- without the system overriding the driver's selections in any circumstance. Roadholding and stability are both improved, through tweaking of the aerodynamic package for the car and braking has been uprated through larger-diameter brake-disc rotors and redesigned brake system ventilation.

Minor external changes distinguish the new GT3 from the old. As well as a new design of alloy wheel, lighter than before, the cosmetic changes include new bi-xenon headlights, LED rear lights and modified air intakes and outlets.

The importer will begin delivering the new 911 GT3 late this year, at a price of $279,300.