2018 Porsche 911 GT3

Porsche 911 GT3 gives a run for money to racing giants like Audi R8, Jaguar F-Type SVR, and Mercedes-Benz AMG-GT. It stays ahead of the competition in terms of acceleration, curb weight, performance and customization options.

It is available in two trims, namely 911 GT3 and 911 GT3 RS. Pricing options for the former start from $143,600 while for the latter it starts from $187,500. Compared to the 500 hp and 339 lb.-ft. the torque delivered by the GT3, the RS delivers an additional 20 hp of power and 7 lb.-ft. of torque. Maximum achievable speed for GT3 and GT3 RS are 320 km/h and 312 km/h, respectively.

Trims	911 GT3	911 GT3 RS
MSRP	$143,600	$187,500
Features	Rear-wheel steering	Weissach package
	Active engine mounts	Sports Exhaust system
	Unique seats	Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)
	Mechanical limited-slip (PDK-equipped GT3s have an active differential)	Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)
	Standard track analysis app	GT3 RS Steering wheel
	Navigation	New Porsche Communication Management

While GT3 has more length than the RS, the latter has more height and width. The GT3 takes about 3.9 seconds to hit the 60 MPH mark. The same feat is achieved by the GT3 RS in about 3.2 seconds. Other than differences in the specifications, there are also a few distinctions to the interior as well as the exterior. For instance, the GT3 RS comes with a lofty spoiler that is absent in the 911 GT3.

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There are only a few additions as you go up to GT3 RS from the base model, the GT3. The most important of which is the enhanced power and torque. However, the max speed goes down in order to compensate for the inclusion of large tires. The design and aerodynamics of the GT3 RS are more aggressive than its sibling.

Besides that, there aren’t many differences between the two makes. The price gap between the two is about $44k. Things are different for racing coupes as that of other non-racing rides. Therefore, GT3 is for casual racers those like to put a load on the accelerator not often, whereas GT3 RS is for those obsessed with speed and performance.

The 2018 Porsche 911 is excellent at every stop, whether as a classic coupe, high-performance grand tourer, or track-ready supercar. - carconnection

Engine and Transmission

The 911 GT3 is driven by a robust 4.0L 6-Cylinder engine. It is capable of delivering 500 hp and 339 lb.-ft. of power and torque, respectively. The drivetrain available in the racing coupe is RWD or the Rear Wheel Drive. The Mercedes also employs an RWD drivetrain, while Audi R8 and Jaguar F-Type SVR make use of AWD drivetrain.

Models	Porsche 911 GT3	Jaguar F-Type SVR	Mercedes-Benz AMG-GT	Audi R8
MSRP	$143,600	$122,750	$124,400	$164,900
Engine	4.0L 6-Cylinder	5.0L 8-cylinder	Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 bi-turbo	5.2L FSI dual-injection V10
Drive Train	RWD	AWD	RWD	AWD
Transmission	7-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	7-Speed Automatic	7-Speed Automatic
Power	500 hp	575 hp	469 hp	540 hp
Torque	339 lb-ft	516 lb-ft	465 lb-ft	398 lb-ft

Though 339 lb.-ft. is an above average torque, it is still the lowest in the competition. The category is ruled by Jaguar F-Type SVR with an unbelievable torque of 516 lb.-ft. Mercedes-Benz AMG-GT is behind with a total torque of 465 lb.-ft. Audi R8 delivers 398 lb.-ft. of torque.The AMG-GT stays below the 500 mark, with 469 hp of power. R8 and F-Type both have above 500 power of 540 hp and 575 hp, respectively.

Acceleration

Acceleration is one of the strong points of the racing monster Porsche 911 GT3. It takes about 3.2 seconds to hit the 60 MPH mark. This is the fastest in the competition. Both Audi R8 and Jaguar F-Type SVR ties at 3.5 seconds, while the Mercedes-Benz AMG-GT takes 3.9 seconds to achieve the same feat.

Models	Porsche 911 GT3	Jaguar F-Type SVR	Mercedes-Benz AMG-GT	Audi R8
0-60 MPH	3.2 sec	3.5sec	3.9 sec	3.5 sec
Quarter mile	11.6 sec	11.2 sec	11.4 sec	10.9 sec
Engine	4.0L	5.0L	4.0L	5.2L
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	10.3	7.5	9.8	10.4

Porsche 911 GT3 takes 11.6 seconds to cover a quarter-mile, slowest in the racing coupe fraternity. The AMG-GT takes about 11.4 seconds to do the same, while Jaguar SVR does so in 11.2 seconds. The feat is reigned by Audi R8 with 10.9 seconds to cover a distance of quarter-mile.

Ride and Handling

As always, riding the 911 GT3 is a joy to have. The excellent steering and lightning-quick acceleration coupled with the powerful braking system makes driving 911 GT3 nothing less than a fast-paced cruise. The aerodynamically pleasing body of the racing coupe allows it to glide on highways and from close gaps.

Braking

It has a well-balanced braking system, with both front and rear brakes equaling at 15.0 inches. Just like it has great acceleration, the racing car also flaunts to have powerful braking at its dispense. At emergencies, the ride can be halted from 60 MPH at 98 feet. It is 1 foot more than the F-Type SVR and 2 feet more than that of the AMG-GT and R8.

Model	Porsche 911 GT3	Jaguar F-Type SVR	Mercedes-Benz AMG-GT	Audi R8
Brake Front(in)	15.0	15.0	14.2	14.4
Brake Rear(in)	15.0	14.8	14.2	14.0
Curb weight(lbs.)	3116	3769	3682	3737
60-0 MPH (ft.)	98	97	96	96

The GTR coupe has the least curb weight in the competition, a total of 3116 lbs. This is far less than that of AMG-GT, Audi R8 and F-Type SVR with curb weights of 3682, 3737 and 3769, respectively. Thus, 911 GT3 is the lightest racing coupe any sports racing enthusiast can have.

Mileage isn’t something that racing cars have to brag about. With those powerful engines by their side, fuel economy is to take a toll in racing coupes. It is apparent with the combined fuel economy of 16 mpg by 911 GT3. Looking at the competition, there isn’t much available by others also. Audi R8 delivers a combined fuel economy of 17 mpg, while Jaguar and AMG-GT draw at 18 mpg.

Model	Porsche 911 GT3	Jaguar F-Type SVR	Mercedes-Benz AMG-GT	Audi R8
MPG (city)	13	15	16	14
MPG (highway)	21	23	21	22
MPG (combined)	16	18	18	17

Loads of headroom and good forward visibility. Materials quality and driving position are excellent. Though the backseats are small, not many competitors even offer them. Limited rear visibility and a backup camera that isn’t great. - edmunds

Seating and Comfort

The 911 GT3 features a passenger capacity of two. It is not different from that of the Audi R8, Jaguar F-Type, and Mercedes AMG-GT. The front headroom, shoulder room, and legroom offered by 911 GT3 are 30, 55.6 and 45.8 inches, respectively. While F-Type SVR and Audi R8 offer more front headroom than GT3, only Jaguar offers more shoulder-room. Nonetheless, the legroom offered by Porsche 911 GT3 is the most among the competition.

Model	Porsche 911 GT3	Jaguar F-Type SVR	Mercedes-Benz AMG-GT	Audi R8
Passenger capacity	2	2	2	2
Passenger Volume (ft. cube)	N/A	N/A	86	50
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.0/ 55.6/45.8	36.8/56.5/42.8	39.5/55.6/45.2	38.5/55.1/40.9
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

The weight distribution for the 911 GT3 is the most unique. While only 39 percent of the entire weight is at the front, the rear holds down to the remaining 61 percent. Weight distribution for Audi R8, F-Type SVR, and AMG-GT are 44-56, 52-48 and 47-53, respectively.

Model	Porsche 911 GT3	Jaguar F-Type SVR	Mercedes-Benz AMG-GT	Audi R8
Weight % (Front)	39	52	47	44
Weight % (Rear)	61	48	53	56

Infotainment System

There aren’t many changes to the infotainment system, which is slightly above than average. It features a wide 7-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system is coupled with 4 speakers, and an integrated amplifier to deliver a smooth, pleasing experience.

Radio with the dual tuner is available in addition to a single CD drive with MP3 playback and a universal audio interface. Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity and a window grid diversity antenna are also available.

Interior Features

In the latest iteration of the Porsche 911 GT3, there has been an addition to an extra few pounds for enhancing the crash stiffness. Nonetheless, the most part remains the same as that featured in the previous facelift. New changes to the interior of the 911 GT3 are:

• Less sound-proofing due to the addition of some extra plates
• Round steering wheel without buttons
• Enhanced full-bucket seating

Trunk Capacity

Trunk capacity isn’t much impressive for the 911 GT3, with mere 4.4 cube ft. of trunk volume. Audi R8 and AMG-GT have 8.0 and 10.1 cube ft. of cargo volume, respectively. F-Type SVR offers the most cargo volume of 14.4 cube ft.

Model	Porsche 911 GT3	Jaguar F-Type SVR	Mercedes-Benz AMG-GT	Audi R8
Volume (cube ft.)	4.4	14.4	10.1	8.0

Although it’s classic, the 911 isn’t the best-looking supercar on the road today. Tomorrow, when the others have faded with style’s evolving taste, perhaps today’s 911 will look better. – carconnection

Dimension and Weight

Like always, the Porsche 911 stays way ahead of its contemporaries in terms of a lightweight and clear-cut build. The curb weight is the lowest in the fraternity, billed at 3116 lbs. The closest competitor in terms of curb weight is the AMG-GT with 3682 lbs. 911 GT3 is the lengthiest racing coupe with 179.6 inches in length. The width of 72.9 inches is, however, the lowest among competitors.

Model	Porsche 911 GT3	Jaguar F-Type SVR	Mercedes-Benz AMG-GT	Audi R8
curb weight(lbs.)	3116	3769	3682	3737
Length(in)	179.6	176.0	179.0	174.3
Width(in)	72.9	74.2	76.3	76.4
Height(in)	50.0	51.6	49.6	48.8
Ground clearance(in)	3.8	3.9	4.9	4.3
Wheelbase(in)	96.7	103.2	103.5	104.3
Track width(in) F/R	61.1/61.2	63/65	66.1/65.0	64.5/63.0

Unfortunately, the ground clearance for 911 GT3 is the lowest at 3.8 inches. The AMG-GT has the most of the same with 4.9 inches. While others have a wheelbase that is over 103 inches, 911 GT3 keeps it remarkably low at 96.7 inches.

Exterior Features

There are several but little modifications to the exterior of the Porsche 911 GT3 for 2018 revamp. Some of the major exterior alterations are:

• Mild tweaking to the rear suspension, including the addition of helper springs allowing main springs to be lighter
• New rear bumper, made from the same lightweight material used for crafting the front bumper
• The rear spoiler is mounted 20 mm back and 10 mm high than in the previous facelift
• New pistons with different liners
• Slightly different crankshaft with bigger seals

Porsche 911 GT3 is safe and secure with all the high-class safety features by its side. 4-wheel ABS, 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist and Electronic Stability Control are some of the many features of the racing coupe that certifies safety. In addition to the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) feature, integrated turn signal mirrors are there.

Blind spot monitor, traction control and lane departure warning are also build into the car to ensure safety to the passengers.

Safety Features

• Driver Air Bag
• Passenger Air Bag
• Front Head Air Bag
• Front Side Air Bag
• 4-Wheel ABS
• 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
• Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Control
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Traction Control
• Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
• Daytime Running Lights
• Auto-Leveling Headlights
• Lane Departure Warning

Porsche 911 GT3 vs Audi R8

Packing a 5.2L FSI dual-injection V10 engine, the all-new Audi R8 delivers 540 hp of power and an impressive 398 lb.-ft. of torque. The ride has an all-wheel-drive drivetrain and offers a great 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time of 3.5 seconds. The R8 flaunts to have the best quarter-mile distance time of 10.9 seconds. It is capable of halting within a distance of 96 feet, from 60 MPH, best in the competition.

Priced at $164,900, Audi R8 is among the expensive racing coupes. Moreover, it has the most CO2 emission rating of 10.4 and is one of the bulkiest cars with 3737 lbs. of weight.

Porsche 911 GT3 vs Jaguar F-Type SVR

With a price of $122,750, it is much cheaper than that of the Porsche 911 GT3. It is also slightly cheaper than that of the Mercedes-Benz AMG-GT, which is yet another low-price racing coupe. That said, the Jaguar F-Type SVR packs 575 hp of power and 516 lb.-ft. of torque, both of which are best that any other racing coupe in its class.

The down-side of the racing coupe is the 11.4-second benchmark for covering a quarter-mile distance. This is still better than 11.6 seconds flaunted by the 911 Porsche GT3. Also, the acceleration time from 0-60 MPH of 3.5 seconds is average. Unfortunately, it is the bulkiest racing coupe with a total curb weight of 3769 lbs.

Porsche 911 GT3 vs Mercedes-Benz AMG-GT

The latest iteration of Mercedes-Benz AMG-GT comes with a Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 bi-turbo engine. It delivers 469 hp of power, which is the lowest in the competition. However, the same engine delivers an impressive 465 lb.-ft. of torque, second only to the 516 lb.-ft. of Jaguar F-Type SVR. Pricing options starting from $124,400 is one of the lowest. The drivetrain is RWD, while a 7-speed automatic transmission is available.

With a 0 to 60 MPH time span of 3.9 seconds, it has one of the sluggish acceleration in the fraternity. CO2 emission value is neither impressive, rated at 9.8. While halting distance is good at 96 feet, the curb weight is much more than that of the Porsche 911 GT3, a total of 3682 lbs.

The 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 is a great ride for those looking for performance and a stylish build on the inside as well as outside. In terms of coupling looks, feel and an excellent performance, there is none second to the 911 GT3. However, its CO2 emission value is something of concern. But, that’s something that most racing coupes struggle with.

Powerful braking, effortless steering, and an impulsive acceleration make Porsche GT3 the perfect ride for rocking race tracks. Combining that with the wide variety of options one can have in terms of customizations, simply makes the deal much more lucrative.