(March 31, 2013) ATLANTA — The completely redeveloped 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 made its North American premiere last week in New York Auto Show. The fifth generation GT3 is the sportiest model of the iconic 911 family with a new engine, transmission, body and chassis. The car now sprints from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds on its way to a top track speed of 195 mph.

Developed and fine-tuned on the track, the new GT3 brings the exhilaration of a sports car to everyday driving. As a technical highlight, the 911 GT3 features the first active rear-wheel steering in a production Porsche and optional full LED headlights.

The powertrain is composed of a 3.8-liter boxer engine yielding 475 horsepower (125 hp/liter) and a 9,000 rpm redline. The six-cylinder engine is based on the same engine as the 911 Carrera S, although they share only a few common parts. All other components, such as the crankshaft, valve gear and Porsche-designed titanium connecting rods and forged pistons, were adapted or designed for the GT3.



In addition, the 911 GT3 is 1.7 inches wider than the 911 Carrera S in the rear. Another distinctive feature is the large fixed rear wing, which contributes to the exemplary aerodynamics.

A specially developed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK) has characteristics based directly on a sequential gearbox from racing, providing further performance and dynamic advantages to the driver. Highlights include shorter gear ratios with closer spacing for even faster shifting. Shift paddles with shorter travel and increased tactile feedback now allow the driver to place the PDK in neutral simply by pulling on both paddles at the same time.

For the first time, Porsche is employing active rear wheel steering for increased precision and improved lateral dynamics. Depending on the speed, the rear wheels steer in the same or opposite direction of the front wheels, improving stability and agility.

Other new features are an electronically controlled, fully variable rear differential lock and dynamic engine mounts. Contact with the road is made by 20-inch forged alloy wheels that feature center-locking hubs instead of conventional wheel bolts.

The 2014 911 GT3 will go on sale in the United States in late 2013 and will be priced from $130,400, not including a $950 destination charge.