Happenings

Welcome To Singapore, 911 GT3 And 911 Turbo!

BY Azfar Hashim

Porsche today launched the new 911 GT3, 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S at the Porsche Centre Singapore.

Photos courtesy of Porsche Centre Singapore

The fifth-generation 911 GT3, a roadworthy race car developed to offer powerful sporty driving dynamism and an even more refined and emotional everyday driving experience, features an entirely-redeveloped engine based on the six-cylinder currently used in the 991 generation Carrera. For the first time ever in a 911, the classical six- cylinder naturally-aspirated engine has direct fuel injection.

The fifth generation 911 GT3, a completely new development, has a power-to-weight ratio of 3.0 kg/hp and the ability to achieve a top speed of 315 km/h. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in a mere 3.5 seconds and completes a lap at Nürburgring Nordschleife in just under 7:30 minutes. As a technical highlight, it features the first active rear-wheel steering in a production Porsche, as well as optional full-LED headlights. The powertrain consists of a 3.8-liter boxer engine yielding 475 bhp at 8,250 rpm, a Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and a high-traction rear-wheel drive.

The six-cylinder engine is based on the same engine as the 911 Carrera S, although they share only a few common parts. All other components, particularly the crankshaft and valve gear, were specially-designed for the GT3; Porsche designed the titanium connecting rods and forged pistons as well, and these basic modifications allows the engine to reach up to 9,000 rpm. The Porsche dual-clutch transmission was also specially developed; the characteristics are directly based on a sequential gearbox from motor racing, there by providing further performance and dynamic advantages to the driver.

For the first time, Porsche is using active rear-wheel steering in order to achieve even higher precision and lateral dynamics. Depending on the speed, it steers in the same or opposite direction as the front wheels, improving stability and agility. Other new modules improving driving dynamics are the electronically-controlled, fully-variable rear differential lock, and the dynamic engine mounts. The newly developed all-aluminium chassis can still be adjusted by height, toe and camber.

Meanwhile, the new 911 Turbo and Turbo S are the most powerful members of the 991 series. The 3.8-litre bi-turbo flat-six engine at the heart of the new 911 Turbo delivers a power increase of 30 hp while still managing to reduce fuel consumption by 15%. Active rear-axle steering increases agility and stability both on the race circuits and ordinary roads. Porsche Active Aerodynamics further enhances performance, efficiency, and suitability for daily use.

A 560 hp flat six-cylinder engine with bi-turbo charging underscore the role of the new generation 911 Turbo as a circuit racing car, everyday car and technology platform.

The performance partners in the powertrain area are the further advanced engines and the new PTM all-wheel drive system. The turbocharged 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine with direct petrol injec-tion produces 520 hp in the 911 Turbo and 560 hp in the S model. Power is transferred to the drivetrain via the seven-speed dual clutch transmission (PDK), which now enables an auto start/stop function with engine shutoff that now activates earlier during coasting to a stop, as well as a coasting function.

The 911 Turbo with the optional Sport Chrono Package Plus accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, which is even one-tenth better than previous 911 Turbo S. The new 911 Turbo S, on the other hand, does it in just 3.1 seconds. Both car’s top speed is 318 km/h.

Prices starts at S$633,688 for the 911 GT3, S$716,288 for the 911 Turbo and S$849,388 for the 911 Turbo S. All prices exclude COE.