Sold out since early 2015, the current-generation Porsche 911 GT3 
will return in dealerships sometime in 2017 with updates similar to the 991.2 911. Although Stuttgart has yet to confirm this scenario, an early prototype of the 991.2 GT3 was spotted on the Nurburgring track recently, meaning that the revised sports car should be ready for a public debut by the end of 2016.
Not much is known about the upcoming 911 GT3, but if previous 911 facelifts are any indication, the 991.2 GT3 should get mild revisions inside and out, a more powerful engine, and a revised chassis for enhanced performance at the track. A manual transmission could also be in the books after many Porsche enthusiasts have complained that the PDK-exclusive GT3 is no longer a driver’s car.
There’s no word whether the GT3 will be followed by an updated GT3 RS, but recent reports and spy shots have suggested that Porsche is actually working on a new, turbocharged GT2 RS. Keep reading to find out what we already know about the upcoming GT3 and stay tuned for updates.
Updated 07/14/2016: The first “images” of the facelift 911 GT3 surfaced online offering us a first glimpse on the upcoming sports coupe. Of course, this is a clear indication that an official debut will happen shortly.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Porsche 911 GT3.
Spy Shots
March 16, 2016 – First testing session
Exterior
The rear wing could also get a few nips and tucks, but changes will probably remain unnoticeable to the untrained eye.
As the prototype is wearing the bodywork of the previous GT3, as well as some camouflage on its nose, there’s little to be seen in these spy shots. However, the camouflage on the front bumper suggests that Porsche meddled with both the bumper lights and the air intakes, most likely bringing them up to date according to those seen on the 911 Carrera. The changes were recently confirmed by a handful of leaked images that show the car’s design.
Based on them, look for an air intake layout similar to the one seen on the Cayman GT4 and mildly revised light strips above. The headlamps should also be updated to feature the four-point daytime running lights.
Around back, highlights should include a redesigned decklid, revised taillights with four-point brake lights, and a reshaped bumper with air outlets on each side. Also expect the GT3 to receive new lightweight wheels with wider rims on the rear axle, and a slightly lowered suspension. The rear wing could also get a few nips and tucks, but changes will probably remain unnoticeable to the untrained eye.
Interior
Inside, the cabin should remain unchanged design-wise, except for minor revisions to the steering wheel. Notable updates will be made in the technology department and will include, like seen on the standard 911, a new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system. Likely to remain an option for the GT3, the new PCM can be operated similar to a smartphone, by multi-touch gestures on the seven-inch display, while also recognizing handwritten user inputs. Mobile phones and smartphones can now also be connected via Wi-Fi with optional Apple CarPlay connectivity for iPhones. The Alcantara-wrapped, Recaro sports seats should also feature enhanced bolstering for better support at the track.
Drivetrain
Although Porsche replaced naturally aspirated engines with turbocharged units in the 991.2 Carrera, the GT3 is likely to continue with the same all-motor, 3.8-liter, flat-six. Porsche will probably massage the engine to squeeze out a bit more power, but don’t expect significant improvements over the previous 475 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque.
The returns of the manual would put an end to years of complaints.
A bigger change could occur in the transmission department. With the new 911 R, essentially a GT3 without a big rear wing, having received a bespoke six-speed manual, the GT3 could also get a three-pedal gearbox alongside the PDK. The returns of the manual would put an end to years of complaints.
With the extra power and the revised chassis and suspension system, the 991.2 GT3 could be a tenth-second quicker than its predecessor with a 0-to-60 sprint of 3.2 ticks. This figure would naturally be available for the PDK-equipped model, as the manual version would probably hit the same benchmark in around 3.6 seconds. Expect top speed to increase from 195 to around 197 mph.
Prices
With all the improvements, the base price of the 911 GT3 is likely to see a mild increase over the previous model. With the 991 offered from $130,400, the 991.2 facelift could retail from around $140,000.
Competition
McLaren 570S Sprint
The 570S Sprint has yet to be unveiled, but will arrive later in 2016 and will hang around long enough to give the 911 GT3 a run for its money. The Sprint is based on McLaren’s new 570S, which was developed to compete with the 911 Turbo. Essentially a road-legal sports car slotted between the standard 570S and the track-only 570S GT4, the Sprint will use the same twin-turbo, 3.8-liter V-8 engine as the rest of the McLaren lineup. Output is unknown as of this writing, but it should have just enough for a sub-four-second 0-to-60 mph sprint and a top speed of nearly 200 mph.
Read our full review on the McLaren 570S GT4 here.
Mercedes-AMG GT R
Also a model in the making, the GT R will arrive a track-focused, yet still road-legal version of the Mercedes -AMG GT. The coupe’s sleek body will be enhanced by means of an aerodynamic package consisting of a new front bumper, a race-inspired diffuser, and a rear wing, while the interior will get a few exclusive touches. Motivation will come from the same biturbo, 4.0-liter V-8 in the standard model, but likely tuned to around 550 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. Expect a 0-to-60 mph sprint of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of around 198 mph.
Find out more about the Mercedes-AMG GT R here.
Conclusion
It’s way too early to draw a conclusion here, but based on success and performance of the previous 911 GT3, the 991.2-based coupe should be at least as exciting as its predecessor. Hopefully Porsche will give in and reintroduce a manual transmission for this model.