The sweeping evolution of technology in cars that demand striving for perfection has once again swept through the corridors of performance models and the next generation Porsche 911 GT3 looks to be the next victim with rumours indicating a dual-clutch transmission will replace the enthusiasts-favoured manual.
According to a Rennlist member that got to pick the brains of a Porsche executive in the know, the next GT3 will be the recipient of Porsche’s dual-clutch PDK transmission as well as some dieting and revised engine placement. If it’s any consolation, power will be upped to 480hp.
Before the next-gen hits us, which won’t be for quite some time more, there is the issue of the more hallowed GT3 RS limited edition, which the Porsche man confirmed as well. It will be based on the current GT3 RS and will be powered by the manufacturer’s 4-liter RSR motor that pushes out 449hp. That’s the same engine that Porsche uses in their GT race car and is the last engine blocks based on the 964/GT1 engine that originated from the days of air-cooled lumps.
Once the new GT3 rolls around, it will have its own direct-injected flat-six that pumps out 480hp. That engine will be based on the company’s new 9A1 series of engines. Furthermore, the next-gen GT3 will be devoid of hybrid stuff like start-stop tech.
The matter that will get Porsche purists crying blasphemy will surely be the dismissal of the manual gearbox that falls victim to technology, being replaced by Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch system.
Weight wise, the use of more composite materials will see the next-gen GT3 weigh in 90kg lighter than the current model, drastically upping the power-to-weight ratio. The engineers will also be looking to move the engine forward a little, leaving it sitting in front of the rear axle, unlike the current model that sees it planted aft of the rear axle. The reason behind this is simply better weight distribution.
It looks like a host of changes are in store for the next-gen GT3 but if you call Zuffenhausen your spiritual home you can still keep your pants on. It isn’t due for another couple of years and experience has proven that things can change even in a short span of time.
