Updated GT3 due in January

Porsche launched its race-car-for-the-road, the 911 GT3 in the most convincing manner this week. Released on the Queensland Raceway track and in the hands of hotshoes like Fabian Coulthard, the new GT3 showed it's even more race-oriented this time around.

Expected in local dealerships next January, the latest GT3 will be priced around $280K -- an increase of $25K, with Luxury Car Tax a contributing factor over the cost of the increased spec -- and offered with a range of racer options including carbonfibre seats, lightweight headlights and ceramic brakes.

The GT3 uses the all-new 3.8-litre flat six-cylinder engine which 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.

Among revisions, Porsche's VarioCam has been upgraded to include variable adjustment for both the intake and outlet camshafts.

Unlike the more sedate 911 models the GT3's six 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 GT3 also comes with a motorsport set-up for the Porsche Stability Management system, allowing the car's traction and stability control functions to be switched off individually. The control functions do not activate, even if the car is undergoing wild driving, unless a resume button is pressed.

Lightweight alloys with a new central bolt locking feature come 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.

The wheels -- 8.5 x 19 front; 12 x 19 rear and shod with bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport tyres -- are 3kg lighter than the previous versions offered. All up, the weight of the GT3 remains unchanged, at 1395kg.

Exterior styling has been revised to incorporate larger air intakes over the engine and brakes. On brakes: aside from the $20K-plus ceramic upgrade, standard-fit versions are six-piston, cross-drilled vented discs at 380mm up front, and four-piston on 350mm rotors at the rear. Stability and grip is also helped by increased downforce -- more than doubled, says Porsche -- over the front and rear axles.

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.

Porsche Cars Australia provided the local motoring media with two Clubsport-specced GT3s, each equipped with the Clubsport package's rear roll cage, fire extinguisher and harnesses.

Driver training courses are conducted by the Porsche Sport Driving School, starting with a Precision level for the basics in high performance driving and up to a three-day Masters Plus course for the skills required to obtain a race licence.

The launch event included the school's one-day Masters level and 25 laps of Queensland Raceway's Clubman (short) circuit. We were lucky enough to be onboard for training with a long-time hero, Tomas Mezera.

The Bathurst winner is head instructor at the Porsche Sport Driving School, doing an excellent job of explaining the dynamics of a rear-engined car at high speeds and what to do to trim lap times.

And students can't argue because data including engine speed, braking and acceleration is recorded and graphed against an ideal lap like one by Mezera or Coulthard.

Prices for the driver training start over $1000 and can cost around $10,000 by the time the courses are complete. PCA says the school's website will be available to visit shortly.

The Porsche Sport Driving School is supported by the brand's chosen tyre supplier, Michelin. Spokesman for Michelin Australia, Adam Storey was on hand at the launch to explain the benefits of the new Pilot Sport tyres, which feature a road-race design and high silica compound.

We like Adam: he awarded us a new set of rubber (though it won't be for a Porsche) for Most Improved (meaning: from slowest, to somewhat-up-to-pace) on the day. But seriously, after hundreds of laps and some less-than-expert driving the tyres had stood up well in terms of wear.

Visit the Carsales Network again for our upcoming drive review of the new Porsche 911 GT3.

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