What’s red and German and goes 200 mph? A Bavarian frog in a blender. The other, more legitimate side to that joke is Porsche’s new 2014 track thumper, the GT3 (geeteethree), which recently premiered at the Geneva Auto Show.
The new fifth generation GT3 is tagged as a complete makeover from previous generations. New chassis, power plant, fuel delivery system, gearbox and body fill out the grocery list of track star upgrades in the 2014.
Just back from the Nurburgring, the new GT3 posted a most impressive time of under 7 minutes and 30 seconds. With a top track speed of 195 mph (314 km/h) and capable of sticking to most anything but a silicon baking sheet, the GT3 is ready to make a most definite impression once the snow retires to Arizona for the summer.
Other stinking fast personality traits of this track device include Porsche’s first active rear-wheel steering system. Depending on speed, the system is designed to turn the powering wheels in the same or opposing direction of the front wheels. Two actuators manage the rear wheels where they can be turned up to 1.5 degrees
Below 30 mph (48 km/h) the hind rubbers turn opposite to the front, similar to a skateboard, thus improving maneuverability. Above 50 mph (80 km/h) the actuators advise the rear tires to go the same direction as their forward counterparts, which works to increase high speed stability and cornering.
Another big departure from previous models is the inclusion of an electric-assist steering system. Premised off the Carrera’s steering setup, it will remain to be seen how this new system is accepted given drivers’ fondness for the previous system.
Making the GT3 go like an angry German on fire is Porsche’s highly evolved 3.8 liter boxer engine. Along with a reputation for being of a generally accepted bullet proof design, the flat-sixes low center of gravity keeps engine weight low to improve handling and weight transitions. Developing 475 hp at 8,250 rpm and 324 lb. ft. of torque, the GT3 puts 0-60 mph (96.5 km/h) figures into the stopwatch at a time shifting rate of only 3.3 seconds. Impatiently challenged need wait only 12 long dreary seconds to reach 125 mph (200 km/h).
Weighing in at 3,152 lbs (1,430 kg), the GT3 is slightly heavy for a pure track racer but manages to retain a daily driver civility, unlike most track racers.
With a 9,000 rpm redline, the flat-six uses a myriad of racing/performance tricks to get the job done. A new direct fuel injection system delicately places droplets of fuel ever so gently into the explosion control chamber. Four overhead cams with variable valve timing, a three-way catalytic converter per bank and a hydraulic valve clearance compensation system all work together in a beautifully chaotic unison to put the twisting motion to the tires. Titanium connecting rods and forged pistons amongst other components help differentiate the GT3’s inner workings from other 911s.
Porsche’s dual-clutch gearbox, or PDK, has also been specifically messed with in the new 2014 model. Predicated off a sequential racing box of gears, the new configuration includes shorter gear ratios spaced more comfortably together, faster shifts, and shift-paddles with even shorter travel than previous models. The new box provides two drive modes: sport and racetrack.
Read More: gizmag.com
