The recently launched Porsche 911 GT3 has celebrated its first day on the Nürburgring recently with a lap time of 7 minutes, 12.7 seconds for the legendary Nordschleife, beating the time set by the previous model by 12.3 seconds.
“By achieving this time, we have emphatically proven that the new 911 GT3 not only provides the best driving experience, but can also deliver an impressive performance on the Nordschleife. The focus was on optimising the driving quality and adapting to the slight increase in engine power”, says a delighted Frank-Steffen Walliser, Vice President Motorsport and GT cars at Porsche.
“A few years ago, lap times like this could only ever be achieved by thoroughbred racing cars with slick tyres”, adds Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Product Line. “The new GT3 can now achieve this with comparatively modest power, but is still fully suited to everyday use.”
The new 911 GT3 is powered by the same high-revving, naturally aspirated engine found in the 911 GT3 Cup racing car. It produces a maximum output of 500hp and 460Nm of torque, mated with a 7-speed double-clutch transmission (PDK). This allows it to sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 318 km/h.
The 911 GT3 that set this Nürburgring lap was equipped with the standard with rear-axle steering, a 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) and Michelin Sport Cup 2 N1 tyres. The blistering time was set by Lars Kern, a Porsche test driver.
“If you can drive fast on the Nordschleife, you can drive fast anywhere in the world”, Frank-Steffen Walliser comments.
