Porsche 911 GT3

Porsche 911 GT3
Geneva - The 911 family added a new member at the 1999 Geneva auto show with the appearance of the GT3, a replacement for the 911 (993) RS. Porsche buffs will appreciate the fact that the GT3 is the first production car to lap the northern circuit of Nurburgring in less than eight minutes. Weekend racers will appreciate that the GT3 is ready to hit the track with no major modifications.

Visually, the GT3 is distinguishable from other 911s by subtle ground effects up front, side sills and a huge fixed rear wing. Unfortunately, it still looks a lot like a Boxster from the front. Press the accelerator, however, and the Boxster similarities end.

The car's 3.6-liter boxer six, borrowed from the GT1 racecar, develops 360 horsepower at 7200 rpm and 273 foot-pounds of torque at 5000 rpm. The GT3 moves from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Top speed is estimated at 187 mph. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission derived from the race-tuned gearbox of the 911 GT2. The transmission allows for simple replacement of individual gears and synchromesh rings, parts that require frequent attention from motorsports enthusiasts.

Sporty 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, fitted to 225/40ZR18 front and 285/30ZR18 rear tires. Reinforced brakes with red-painted calipers should help the car slow down just as easily as it accelerates.

In Clubsport trim, the 911 GT3 features a roll cage bolted directly to the car's body. Integrated rear-axle spring supports minimize body twist, so tight corners probably won't upset the car, though the driver will definitely feel any road irregularities. The GT3 also rides on a lower suspension than other 911s, so stay clear of speed bumps. Adjustable anti-roll bars and an adjustable spring system allow for performance tuning.

Like the RS that preceded it, the GT3 is for serious racers ... like Hurley Haywood. Unfortunately, the GT3 will not be sold in North America due to the prohibitive costs of making it street legal.