Cover image via Syazwan Bahri/SAYS
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Porsche Malaysia has just launched the track-ready 911 GT3, an upgraded version of the already wild Porsche 911
Aside from the star of the show, the German carmaker also launched the 911 GT3 Touring, a wingless, grand-touring-focused, mile muncher.
Both of these luxury cars are priced from RM2,290,000 on-the-road, excluding insurance and options.
Here are three key facts about the 911 GT3 that you should know:
1. The 911 GT3 packs a powerful punch with subtle updates, yet remains instantly recognisable by Porsche enthusiasts
The familiar 4.0-litre flat-six engine powers the cars.
This powerhouse delivers 510hp and 450Nm of torque, revving all the way to a 9,000RPM redline. While torque drops 20Nm compared with the outgoing model, the seven-speed PDK variant still hits 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds, with the six-speed manual following at 3.9 seconds.
2. The new 911 GT3 makes its predecessor feel slow by comparison
As an iteration of the updated '992.2' generation 911, this GT3 benefits from several key mechanical updates. It borrows components directly from its more extreme GT3 RS sibling, including new cylinder heads and camshafts for the engine. The suspension has also been enhanced with aerodynamic trailing arms, which are designed to increase downforce.
However, the most significant upgrades to this GT3 are its aerodynamics, which feature reworked front and rear diffusers, new bumpers, and a redesigned rear deck.
The new Matrix LED headlights now allow for wider aerodynamic intakes, and a massive rear wing with redesigned angled side plates provides additional downforce. The car's gear ratios are now 8% shorter, slightly reducing top speeds to 311km/h (PDK) and 313km/h (manual).
True to its lightweight philosophy, Porsche has further reduced the weight of the 992.2 GT3. A new 40Ah lithium-ion, lightweight battery reduces the weight by roughly 4kg, while the new optional sports bucket seats also contribute to the weight-saving diet.
The standard lightweight aluminium wheels reduce unsprung mass by more than 1.5kg, and optional magnesium wheels can save a further 9kg. Altogether, these measures contribute to a kerb weight of just 1,421kg in its lightest configuration.
3. Racecar legend Jörg Bergmeister provided his input to develop the car
Jörg Bergmeister signing a customer's car.
Image via Syazwan Bahri/SAYSFormer racecar driver Jörg Bergmeister has validated the car's performance by setting a manual transmission track record at the hallowed Nürburgring Nordschleife with an impressive time of 6 minutes 56.294 seconds. This time beats the car's PDK-equipped predecessor by 3.633 seconds.
Speaking at the Malaysian launch today at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Bergmeister explained that a PDK-specified version would have been only around 1.5 seconds faster, a smaller margin due to its heavier weight.
He praised the new car's handling, stating that it "holds even steadier and handles better on bumps and when driving over kerbs thanks to the optimised damper tuning".
Bergmeister added that the "anti-dive system noticeably reduces the pitching movement when braking," ensuring "the balance of the car remains significantly more consistent under all conditions".
The record was set using a standard GT3 equipped with the Weissach package, which is being made available for the first time on a non-RS model. This package includes a carbon fibre roof, front bumper corners, rear wing endplates, door mirror caps, and A-pillar triangle, as well as the rear anti-roll bar, coupling rods, and shear panel.
All in all, the Porsche 911 GT3 is an exciting car with pure motorsports DNA
The launch of the highly-anticipated Porsche 911 GT3 and 911 GT3 Touring in Malaysia was a major event for motorsports enthusiasts across the country. The celebration at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit was attended by a large number of Porsche owners and fans, showcasing the brand's strong local following. The successful debut of these models demonstrates Porsche's commitment to bringing the best of its brand to the Malaysian market.
