All About Japan Autos

Auto news; 911 GT3 – first pics Harder and faster version of the 911 will debut at Geneva
It’s the 911 in its purest form! These are the first official pictures of the new Porsche GT3, the firm’s race-car for the road. Billed as ‘the ultimate integration of driver and car’, the stripped-out and pumped-up 911 will burst onto the scene at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The naturally-aspirated flat-six engine has grown by 200cc to 3.8-litres, and now produces 429bhp. Performance is shattering – 0-60mph in 4.1 seconds, 0-100mph in 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 194mph.

An updated Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system has allowed engineers to stiffen the suspension, and tighten the handling. More down force at high speed, uprated brakes – with the option of carbon-ceramic discs, and lighter wheels should make this the most focused version of the current 911 so far.

As a first for 911 customers, the car can be ordered with a lift system for the front axle – increasing ground clearance for driving on bumpy roads, or clearing speed humps around town.

Prices will start from £81,914 when it goes on sale in the UK in the autumn.