The Porsche 911 recently gained a significant change with the introduction of a hybrid powertrain to the GTS line-up. However, purists can rest easy as the 2025 GT3 and GT3 Touring (launched simultaneously) are still powered by the same eargasmic 4.0-litre flat-six naturally aspirated motor producing 502BHP.
True to the brand’s character, they’ve simply sharpened and sculpted the GT3 by introducing some visual tweaks, and slight changes to the specifications, which is good and not-so-good news for some buyers.
We’ll start with the not-so-good news because like all modern supercars and sportscars, including Ferrari’s new world-beating F80, the naturally aspirated 4.0-litre engine is beholden to stricter emissions regulations, which require the addition of two particulate filters and four catalytic converters. This is not good news for sound, at least on the outside of the vehicle, and a cursory glance at the specifications reveals that the new models have less torque than previously, now capped at 450Nm.
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Still, it’s not all bad news because other technical tweaks include revised cylinder heads and camshafts taken from its racier sibling, the monstrously bewinged 911 GT3 RS. Another element taken from the most extreme 911 is the fact that the GT3 now gains a Weissach package which further trims down the weight.
This means the new GT3 weighs just 1,420 kilograms and that is the result of weight-saving measures like new magnesium wheels (lightweight aluminium ones are standard) and a new 40Ah lithium-ion battery.
Transmission options include a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (PDK) and a 6-speed manual that now has a final drive ratio that is eight per cent shorter than the earlier GT3. The manual version has a higher top speed at 313 km/h while the PDK enables one to reach 100 km/h faster at 3.4 seconds vs 3.9 seconds in the manual. Not that anyone cares much about straight-line speed in these cars!
Porsche has also tuned the dampers for better control at the limit with sharper cornering and more balance while even more GT3 RS-inspired elements have crept in with the aerodynamically shaped trailing arms with a teardrop profile on the double-wishbone front axle.
Standard tyre sizes in the GT3 include 255/35 ZR 20 at the front and 315/30 ZR 21 at the rear with improved wet grip while track tyres are optional.
We’re yet to get behind the wheel of the new GT3. However, Porsche brand ambassador and GT department overlord Walter Röhrl also points out the updated steering is more suitable for winding country roads: “Particularly on winding country roads, you can clearly feel that the steering is even better tuned than its predecessor.”
“It instils even greater confidence in the car because it responds more calmly from the centre position without losing any of its directness. The shorter gear ratio also significantly enhances driving pleasure on country roads,” he continues.
Visually, both the GT3 and GT3 Touring maintain their design purity yet do not have the brutal aesthetics that dominate the styling in the lairier GT3 RS. Peer closer and there are noticeable tweaks with the redesigned Matrix LED headlamps (powerful enough to delete the LED lights below) and a new front diffuser and underbody fins to generate more downforce. Finally, new air inlets at the rear along with new angled side plates for the rear wing of the GT3.
For the first time, a Touring option is available right from the launch and the Touring arguably looks even better sans the wing as it gets an extendable rear spoiler with a tear-off edge along with the famed ‘Gurney flap’, which is a fin design on the underbody for aerodynamics.
The rotary ignition switch remains and it does not move to a push-button-start much to the relief of GT3 loyalists while Porsche has yet again tried to save even more weight thanks to a new lightweight sports bucket seat with a folding backrest. The seat made from Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) is an option that includes a thorax airbag, an electric height adjustment and manual longitudinal adjustment plus a three-stage seat heater.
These seats have been made for track use while wearing a helmet since some of the headrest padding can be removed.
You can get spec your GT3 with the dashboard upper area covered in anti-glare Race-Tex plus CFRP door handles and a roll cage for the proper track weapon look. However, on the other hand, there is a new wireless charging pad and rear seats are optional for the first time too.
The new Porsche GT3 is priced from AUD$446,700 plus on-road costs and order books will open from this year’s end before customer deliveries begin from the 2nd half of 2025.
Australian-delivered Porsche GT3s arrive with additional standard features:
- Tyre fit set
- Up to the Dreams exterior colour range
- Lifting system on the front axle
- ParkAssist (rear) with reversing camera
- Light Design Package
- Digital radio
If you want to go down the route of a road-legal racecar, the optional Weissach package (AUD$47,530) includes the following additions:
- Anti-roll bar, coupling rods and shear panel on the rear axle are made of CFRP
- Roof, side plates of rear wing, exterior mirror top shell, mirror triangle and air blades made of CFRP
- Leather and Race-Tex upholstery inside For the first time
- Upper side of the dashboard is covered in anti-glare Race-Tex
- CFRP door handles and storage nets optimise the interior door panels for a lightweight design
- CFRP roll cage and magnesium lightweight forged wheels are available as options
Meanwhile, the even more extreme Lightweight package (AUD$71,120) but is only available for the 911 GT3 with Touring Package, it includes the following additions:
- Roof painted in the exterior colour
- Stabiliser, coupling rods and shear panel on the rear axle are made of CFRP
- Lightweight magnesium forged wheels and lightweight door panels
- Shortened gear lever from the 911 S/T used with standard 6-speed gearbox
- Plaque with the inscription “Leichtbau” indicates the package in front of gear shifter
You can customise your own Porsche 911 GT3 at the brand’s website, which is linked below.
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