Walter Röhrl has an enviable track record. Twice world champion of the WRC, he is currently assuming the roles of ambassador for Porsche and even at the handsome age of 70, he continues to reveal an impressive talent at the wheel. And it is in this context that we see Röhrl at the controls of the latest incarnation of the Porsche 911 GT3.
Röhrl describes and explores the capabilities of the new 911 GT3 on a circuit in Andalusia. And as we can see, it is a unit with a manual gearbox, which returned to the GT3 at the request of “many families”.
And what Walter Röhrl recognizes is the GT3's remarkable balance when pushed to the limits, revealing neither understeer nor oversteer trends. Of course, as it demonstrates, when properly provoked, the machine guarantees epic rear exits. Another aspect highlighted is the traction – almost legendary – of the 911. All thanks to the fact that the engine is in the “wrong place”, guaranteeing exceptional traction when exiting corners.
The machine
The latest Porsche 911 GT3 makes use of a new opposite six-cylinder engine, with 4.0 liters of capacity and not a turbo in sight. It delivers 500 hp at a glorious 8250 rpm and torque is 460 Nm at 6000 rpm.
As an alternative to the six-speed manual transmission, it can be equipped with the seven-speed, dual-clutch PDK. Equipped with a manual gearbox, it weighs 1488 kg (EC), accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 320 km/h. With the PDK the weight increases to 1505 kg, but it takes 0.5 seconds (3.4) in acceleration to 100 km/h, and the top speed stays at a “mere” 318 km/h.
The 911 GT3 comes equipped with rear steering – boosting agility at low speeds and stability at high speeds – and debuts a new rear wing as well as a new rear diffuser.
What's missing is even a few driving lessons with the master Röhrl and the 911 GT3.