2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Preview
ModelLineupWhile there are more than one dozen different "street-oriented" models in the Porsche 911 lineup, the GT3 is unique in that it is just one of two models in the automaker's "track-oriented" spotlight (shared withPorsche's flagship turbocharged 911 GT2).
Compared to the standard 911 Carrera models, the GT3 is lightly optioned with weight savings in mind. Every vehicle is equipped with power windows, power locks and an audio system, but amenities such as navigation or power seats are options. Not to worry, as the options list for the GT3 is extensive with such performance items as ceramic brakes, carbon fiber racing seats, and roll cages. While the standard Carrera models have a small rear seat, the GT3 model only seats two(weight is saved by eliminating the small rear seats). In addition,much of the noise insulation has been stripped with the objective of lowering the curb weight. The result is a street-legal race car for the dedicated enthusiast.
Hardware
The heart of the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 is a new, dry-sump 3.8-literflat-6 engine rated at 435 hp and 317 lb.-ft. of torque (up from 415 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of torque for the 2009 model). The only transmission offered with the model is a traditional 6-speed manual. According toPorsche, the rear-wheel-drive model will sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.1seconds, on towards a top speed of 194 mph.
The GT3's suspension is independent in the front, with MacPherson spring struts and gas-charged shock absorbers. The independent rear suspension features five arms, with coil springs and gas-charged shock absorbers. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), designed to automatically control shock rates and damping on the suspension, is standard. Massive 13.78-inch cast-iron cross-drilled and vented brakes are fitted to both the front and rear of the GT3. The front brakes utilize 6-piston calipers, while the rear brakes are fitted with4-piston calipers (larger, yet significantly lighter, carbon-ceramic brakes are optional). Porsche has switched to racing-design center-locking aluminum 19-inch wheels for the new model. (This type of wheel lacks traditional lug nuts-it is usually reserved for vehicles that are solely designed for the race track.)
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