Porsche 911 GT3 2020: track-focused supercar may use Speedster’s flat-six engine
Leaked footage features camouflaged-wrapped test car with ‘no hint of a turbo’
As anticipation grows ahead of the launch of the new 911 GT3 in September, Porsche has hinted that the track-focused supercar will use the same engine as the limited-run Speedster drop-top.
The head of the German carmaker's GT division, Andreas Preuninger, told Autocar that the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine that powers the Speedster will make its way into future sports models - which suggests the motor may appear in the new 992-generation GT3.
Preuninger said the carmaker is “invested in the future with this engine. I can’t comment on future projects but we would be stupid not to re-use this engine somewhere.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
“Our philosophy in GT cars is to stay naturally aspirated. We want to keep that engine for the future and that’s why we’ve made such a tremendous effort to get the engine right without taking emotion and performance away.”
Preuninger’s comments chime with information gained from spy footage, posted by Motor1, of a prototype 911 GT3 testing at the Nurburgring in Germany.
The heavily camouflaged test car’s engine note definitely sounds like a naturally aspirated motor, as “there’s no hint of a whistling turbo” in the clip, the motoring site says.
Here is what else we know about the new GT3:
Design
Judging by the abundance of spy shots that are circulating online, the new 911 GT3 appears as though it will have a wider and more aggressive look than its predecessor. Although the cars snapped by spy photographers are covered in camouflage, they still give fans a good idea of what the car’s final form may look like.
The most notable feature on the car is the “dramatic fixed rear spoiler” placed over the rear-mounted engine, says PistonHeads. There’s also a smaller spoiler placed directly below it, which has a wire mesh running along it to help cool the engine.
Meanwhile, the arches over the rear wheels seem to be even wider than the “already broad” standard model, the motoring site says. The yellow brake callipers hint that the prototype is fitted with carbon ceramic brakes, which are far more powerful than the standard steel brakes offered on most road cars.
When will it come out?
According to Motor1, the new 911 GT3 is expected to arrive at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, running from 12 to 22 September.
This would suggest an on-sale date either at the very end of 2019 or early next year.
How much will it cost?
It’s unlikely that Porsche will announce pricing until the track car makes its debut in Germany later this year.
The current 991-generation 911 GT3 costs around £100,000, so expect the new version to come with a slightly higher price tag.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'Cure for Trump amnesia might be his NY trial'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published
-
Tesla cuts prices in 'intensifying' EV war
Speed Read Electric vehicle giant has struggled in the face of weakening demand, competition from China and technical setbacks
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay: unwind at this picture-perfect resort
The Week Recommends The retreat that's ideal for recharging your batteries while experiencing life on an Indonesian island
By Yasemen Kaner-White Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published
-
Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas review: a mythical beachside resort
The Week Recommends Combine the classically simple pleasures of sun, sea and sand with upmarket fun and food
By Adrienne Wyper Published