Upcoming Porsche 911 GT3 to Receive 4.0L Engine and Optional 6-Speed Manual
Flashing back to when Porsche took away the 6-speed manual
In 2013 when the 991.1 Porsche 911 GT3 debuted, many hardcore enthusiasts were in an uproar. The reason being the fact that the only transmission offered was the PDK. It came to a shock to many Porsche owners and fans because the previous iterations of the GT3 always came with 3 pedals and a manual gearshift. “Why?” – the question we all asked Porsche for doing such a thing. Back then, Porsche didn’t think their consumers would miss not having the clutch pedal. Boy were they ever WRONG!
A Sign of Hope
Fast forward a couple of years to 2015, it seems like Porsche have finally listened to the uproars and responded to enthusiasts by introducing the Cayman GT4. For years, the idea of fitting a 911 engine into a Cayman chassis was pure fantasy. When the GT4 came out, they were practically all sold before they hit the dealerships. This paired back, manual transmission-equipped track special showed that Porsche had heard the edict of it’s customers. A forebear of what was to come from the brand.
A 911 Made for Pure Driving Pleasure
Next, Porsche gave us a love letter to those who genuinely enjoy driving – the 911 R. Equipped with the same 500-horse, 4.0L flat-six from the GT3 RS, but with one very important detail – a 6-speed manual gearbox. It was somewhat of an apology for fitting the GT3 and GT3 with only PDKs. Whatever they case, the 911 R was obviously a huge win for Porsche and their fans. To manufacture a 911 with GT3 RS power and a focus on driving pleasure was a reminder that they really do care about the die-hard enthusiasts. Another new model created from customer demand. Porsche is listening to it’s customers.
More Displacement & 3 Pedals for the next GT3
With the 991.2 lineup expanding since last year, it’s almost time for the new GT3 to make its debut. With no official press release yet from Porsche, all we’ve heard until now has been speculation especially with the rumor about the new GT3 being offered with a traditional manual transmission. Recently, Autocar had an opportunity to talk to a source inside Porsche regarding some details on the 991.2 GT3. According to the source, the upcoming GT3 will be bumping up the displacement to 4.0L and the best news of all – yes, a 6-speed manual transmission will be available as a option.
The 4.0L that will be found in the new GT3 will be different from the ones found in the current GT3 RS and 911 R. Word from Dr. Frank Walliser, head of Porsche Motorsport and GT cars says that the engine will instead be sourced from the 911 RSR race car. The key focus for the development work is durability, claiming the motor “has done thousands of kilometers, absolutely flat out, with no problems at all.” says a source from Autocar.
Well there you have it folks! The rumors we’ve been hearing for months seems likely to be true, but we still have to wait for official word from Porsche. What do you guys think about the possible return of a 3-pedaled GT3? Let us know!
