Porsche’s celebrated 911 GT3 is not a one trick pony, according to technical training manager Paul Watson.
The high performance road and track car was the centrepoint of a Porsche Sport Driving School ‘Level 4’ Master day at Queensland Raceway which was attended by Speedcafe.com recently.
Among the professional driver coaches were Craig Baird, celebrated as the most highly decorated Carrera Cup racer in the world, and long-time Porsche driver tutor and former Bathurst 1000 champion Tomas Mezera.
Other key players included successful Porsche international racer Alex Davison, Carrera Cup team owner Andy McElrea and engineer Leigh Geyer.
Essentially the 911 GT3 is longer, wider, stiffer, has better aerodynamic qualities and more sheer power and is lighter than before.
It boasts 350kW (475bhp) of power and 440Nm of twist and can launch from 0-100km/h in 3.5s.
The latest version of the GT3 now adds the super quick double clutch 7-speed PDK transmission. The previous model was manual-only.
Porsche says it has devised the right balance between its dedicated track machine, the Cup car and the Carrera road version.
Gearing is shorter than normal and it is devoid of a standard drive mode with a Sport and Sport Plus sharpening shift performance.
Out on the track Baird offers advice on where to brake, when to ease off the anchors, when to press the throttle and the correct lines to take.
Strapped in as a passenger beside Baird, the Kiwi expat then attacks the 3.12km circuit at full speed in a GT3.
The performance is astonishing.
Then it is time to apply some of the principles espoused by the experienced instructors.
At first tackling a five lap stint behind the wheel of the GT3, then a 10 lap run with data analysis in between.
There is two-way radio communication between instructor and driver at all times – whether the instructor is in the car or not.
While the Master course successfully improves the skills of participants, the day provides an insight to the sublime capabilities of the 911 GT3.
This 911 thoroughbred features active rear steering, similar to the 911 Turbo.
There is satellite tracking, used to record the exact position of the car on the racetrack which syncs to provide the readable data and help improve a driver’s understanding of what they are actually doing.
Anyone wanting to book a Porsche Sport Driving School program can visit www.porsche.com.au to download a registration form, email [email protected] or call Dearne Riddell on 1800 062 911
Speedcafe.com was a guest of Porsche Cars Australia. Porsche Cars Australia are also a Platinum Partner at Speedcafe.com.
*Price: Just north of $300,000
Porsche 911 GT3 fact file
Engine |
Dimensions |
Transmission |
Performance |
Fuel consumption |
Horizontally opposed (Boxer)6 cylinder |
length: 4545mm |
PDK sequential |
Top speed: 315km/h |
12.4l/100km (combined cycle) |
3799cc |
width: 1852mm |
7-speed |
0-100km/h: 3.5s |
emissions: 289 g/km |
350kw (475bhp) @ 8250rpm |
height: 1269mm |
Driveline: rear drive |
0-160km/h: 7.5s |
|
440Nm @ 6250rpm |
wheelbase: 2457mm |
|||
weight: 1430kg |
See below video of the Porsche 911 GT3 track day