Geneva 2009: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3

The latest step in Porsche's neverending quest to change one or two things on their 911 every year and calling it "new," the hardcore 911 GT3 track special gets some mechanical updates for the 2010 model year, aimed at... well, making it just a little bit better.

The GT3 receives an updated engine for 2010, with capacity of the flat-six expanding from 3.6L to 3.8L.  The GT3's powerplant also gets Variocam variable valve timing on the exhaust cams as well as the intake cams.  Power jumps from 415 horsepower up to 435, and Porsche is claiming noticeable gains in mid-range torque, although they haven't qouted any numbers.

They do say the GT3 will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds, and will top out at 194 mph (312km/h).  Which is pretty quick; especially when you consider that's about how long a previous-generation 911 Turbo took to get to sixty.  Then again, this GT3 makes more power than the last generation 911 Turbo.

There are a few other technical details worth mentioning, as well.  Porsche has fitted the 911 with magnetorheological dampers in the engine mounts; it sounds pretty strange, but it does make some sense.  They are variable-density, so if you're just tooling around they are relatively soft, taking much of the harshness out of the drivetrain and making low-speed driving smoother and easier.

If you're on the track and wailing on it (like you should), electric current passes through the fluid, they become harder than hockey pucks, and you get rid of all that slack and movement in the powertrain.  This is supposed to provide more predictable handing during power transitions in corners, and it sounds like a brilliant idea to me.

The GT3 also gains an "on board compressor" (and air bladders?) that raises the front suspension by 1.2" to make getting into a driveway or underground parking deck easier... oh so practical, the GT3.

Other improvements/changes include updated stability and traction control systems, revised aerodynamics for more downforce at speed and some revised cooling ducts.  The GT3's standard brakes have been upgraded with larger rotors and aluminum hats for better heat dissipation; Porsche's PCCB carbon-ceramic brakes are still optional as well.

What I find curious is that there's no mention of either Direct Injection or Porsche's PDK twin-clutch gearbox, both of which were adapted to the standard 997-generation 911's last year.  Perhaps these will be forthcoming on the GT3, but it seems to be doing just fine with port injection and a real transmission.

The GT3 will go on sale in the fall, for €98,000, and will hit US showrooms in October at a suitably exhorbitant $112,200.  Place your order now if you want a piece of the latest and greatest from Porsche.