The most powerful, capable Porsche 911 may be the Turbo S, but Porsche recognises there’s still a market for something a little more old-school.
Our spy photographers have captured a GT3 Touring version of the latest 992-generation 911, which we expect will be revealed next year.
The GT3 Touring first appeared in the previous 991.2 generation. In lieu of the 911 GT3’s huge rear wing, there was a much subtler retractable one borrowed from lesser 911 models.
The smoother rear end tied the GT3 Touring visually to the highly sought after, ultra-low volume 911 R, as did the exclusive availability of a six-speed manual transmission. The stick-shift was eventually added to the GT3 halfway through the 991’s run, as part of the mid-life update.
There don’t appear to be any paddle shifters in this GT3 Touring, which suggests the 992 model will echo its predecessor in offering only a manual transmission. We expect a PDK dual-clutch automatic to be available in the regular GT3, however.
We can see this lacks the giant wing of the previously-teased GT3, while also offering unique centrally-mounted exhaust outlets. There’s also a more aggressive splitter and air intakes up front, with revised guards and a racier diffuser at the rear.
The 992 GT3 Touring will likely continue GT3 tradition in offering a naturally-aspirated flat-six.
We expect an updated version of the 991 GT3 Touring’s 4.0-litre flat-six, which produced 368kW of power and 460Nm of torque and had a screaming 9000rpm redline.
A 911 Turbo S may offer more power and torque (478kW and 800Nm) and all-wheel drive to help get that power down, but the GT3 and GT3 Touring appeal to a kind of buyer who wants something a little more raw.
For the GT3 Touring that means a fairly stripped-out interior, no automatic transmission and no all-wheel drive.
