2022 Porsche 911 GT3

Spy Shots

October 7, 2019: 2020 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Package Spied for the First Time

We’ve been seeing random prototypes of the new, 992-gen Porsche 911 GT3 testing for nearly a year, and today we’re able to show you what the new GT3 will look like when it’s fitted with the all-so-popular Touring package. As expected, it doesn’t look like the Touring package will change much about the GT3, with the exception of removing that overly aggressive rear spoiler. It certainly gives the car a more subdued, sleeper look compared to the prototypes of the standard GT3, so we expect the 992-gen Touring package to be just as popular as it was when it was introduced back in 2017 for the 991-gen GT3. Expect to see a revised version of the GT3’s 4.0-liter Flat-Six under the metal, tuned to deliver somewhere in the neighborhood of around 550 horsepower without forced induction. We suspect the 992-gen GT3 Touring package will probably turn out to be more valuable than the standard GT3, and it should hit make its debut sometime in mid-2020.

July 1, 2019 – The Porsche 911 GT3 making Nurburgring passes on the way to the production line

As you can see by comparing the photos above with spy shots from earlier this year, the 911 GT3 hasn’t really changed much on the outside over the past few months. It’s still wearing the riveted front and rear fascias, the vented bra on the hood, and the prototype spoiler assembly. This specific prototype is still lacking the rear diffuser and still has the unfinished exhaust outlets as well. If you look closer at the front end, though, you’ll see that Porsche has added new mesh to the air dam up front, which means it’s in the final stages of front airflow and cooling testing. You’ll also notice that the air dam has taken the full-on rounded corners and is actually a bit taller than before. This might be a prototype bumper, but the production model will look a lot like this with only minor changes. The rear end will, of course, feature a rather large diffuser and the spoiler will more complete.

At this point, Porsche should be finalizing all airflow and engine tuning and will soon move to finalizing the look of the front and rear fascias and dialing in the front hood. As a 2020 model, you can expect it to debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Auto Show if it doesn’t happen at a private event.

February 19, 2019 - 2020 Porsche 911 GT3 caught testing during cold weather

May 11, 2019 - Getting Ready For Prime Time At The ‘Ring!

The 992-generation 911 GT3 is still about a year away, but it’s already looking quite tasty indeed!

We just got a slew of new spy shots in hand, as Porsche crosses its t’s and dots its i’s with some test sessions at the Nürburgring. This time around, we have a much better view of the sports car’s new lines. Just check out that rear end!

Once again, rumor has it the GT3 will keep its all-atmosphere 4.0-liter engine intact, with roughly 550 horsepower on tap.

Expect a full reveal next September in Frankfurt. Until then, read on for our full speculative review.

2020 Porsche 911 GT3 Exterior

If this is indeed the new 992, look for it to gain further aesthetic and aero revisions when it finally hits the market.

At first glance, the black 911 pictured here would appear to be some kind of 992 Turbo prototype. However, the vehicle pictured here has a different exhaust system compared to the other 992 turbo prototypes we’ve seen. It also has a revised rear bumper and new air outlets as well.

While the revised aero bits suggest this isn’t just a 911 Turbo mule, it’s the wheels that really give it away.

While the revised aero bits suggest this isn’t just a 911 Turbo mule, it’s the wheels that really give it away. Look closely, and you’ll see these rollers get a racing-style center lock element, which is standard fare on the GT3. True, the center-lock wheels are also offered as optional equipment on the Turbo, but Porsche wouldn’t send out a test mule with optional equipment this early. It would start with the standard stuff first.

If this is indeed the new 992, look for it to gain further aesthetic and aero revisions when it finally hits the market. That includes a new front bumper and fascia, with additional, larger intakes, and extra cooling ducts as well. And of course, the rear end will come with a giant GT3-style wing element, not the Turbo-esque whale tail equipped on this early tester.

While yes, we agree that the wing on this spied machine looks like it should belong on a Turbo, we’re still quite a ways off from the debut of the GT3, so expect some substantial changes in the near future.

Either way, the next 911 was previewed earlier this year in a series of camo-clad images sent straight from Porsche, so you just know the 992 is very close to making its debut at this point. Once it does, add some extra body pieces, some bigger aero, some vents on the fenders, and a large wing in the rear, and bam - you’ve got yourself the next GT3.

2020 Porsche 911 GT3 Interior

Note current Porsche 911 GT3 picture here.

Look for track stuff like a lap timer and data recorder, not to mention loads of Alcantara.

While we have yet to get a glimpse inside the new GT3, we can deduce what it’ll get based on what Porsche has offered in the past.

To that end, we’re expecting Alcantara upholstery covering the majority of surfaces, with loads of carbon fiber as well. The seats will be bucket items with big side bolsters and contrast stitching, while the steering wheel will get a top center mark and no buttons. Behind the wheel will be a center-mounted tachometer, with ancillary gauges for road speed, engine vitals, and other important readouts bookending the large rev counter.

The latest infotainment goodies will be accessed via a center console digital screen, while an array of buttons will populate the center console. Brushed metal will adorn the various switchgear. Also look for track stuff like a lap timer and data recorder, all of which will send vital stats to your smartphone for a little online bragging.

2020 Porsche 911 GT3 Drivetrain

Stuttgart might ditch the current all-atmosphere 4.0-liter flat-six in favor of something smaller and boosted.

As you can see in the above picture, the exhaust on this mule looks as though it’s rocking the twin exhaust side tips of the GT2, rather than the twin center pipes of the GT3. It’s the sort of thing that suggests this up-and-coming model is rocking a pair of snails on the manifold.

And given the rumors that the current 991.2-era GT3 is the final naturally aspirated GT3 Porsche will make, it starts to fall into place.

If that turns out to be the case, Stuttgart will ditch the current all-atmosphere 4.0-liter flat-six in favor of something smaller and boosted. For now, the GT3 produces upwards of 513 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque, which, properly applied to the pavement, can slingshot the GT3 to 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds.

By contrast, this new turbocharged mill would undoubtedly give the new GT3 a considerable power boost, with some rumors pointing to a figure of 550 ponies. Expect a sizable torque increase as well, with the 0-to-60 mph time getting a serious downsizing in the process.

The 992 GT3 is also likely to get an eight-speed PDK automatic as its exclusive transmission option, which certainly stands in stark contrast to the manual transmission option offered on the current 991.2 GT3. Of course, the high-tech trans will make the car substantially faster in the long run, but, as the purists will tell you, the driving experience will be much less involved than a true third-pedal option.

Finally, for the handling, don’t forget Porsche’s penchant for plus-sized carbon ceramic brakes under those center-lock wheels. We’re also thinking the recently introduced rear-axle steering system will make its return for the next-gen model.

2020 Porsche 911 GT3 Prices

With the base model 992-generation 911 likely getting its debut later in October at the Paris Auto Show, the tuned-up GT3 is still several years out. We’re thinking it’ll break cover either next year or in 2020.

When it does, expect a price tag starting around the $150,000 mark (the current GT3 starts at $143,600, while the GT3 RS starts at $187,500).

2020 Porsche 911 GT3 Competition

Mercedes-AMG GT R Coupe

Although it takes a slightly different approach to the problem of speed, the Mercedes-AMG GT R is still quite the competitor for the Porsche 911 GT3. Power is provided by a front-mounted 4.0-liter V-8, which gets stuffed by a pair of turbochargers to produce as much as 577 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, all of which is sent to the rear axle by way of a seven-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch automatic gearbox that’s mounted in the rear of the vehicle. All told, the AMG GT R will hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Pricing starts at $157,000.

Read our full review on the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R.

Audi R8

Offering a few extra high-tech features compared to the Porsche, the Audi R8 is still every bit the performer. Motivation is derived from a 5.2-liter V-10, which produces as much as 540 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. Keeping it under control is the Audi magnetic ride suspension, as well as a Quattro AWD system. If that doesn’t suit your fancy, there’s also a new special edition RWD version if you prefer to go old school with your drivetrain layout. Pricing starts at $164,900.

Read our full review on the 2018 Audi R8.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, in an era where the demand for the best and the quickest seems to trump tradition at every turn, things like all-atmosphere engines and manual transmissions aren’t long for this world.

While we’re just speculating here, it’s looking like there’s some pretty massive changes coming down the line for the Porsche 911 GT3. Headlines include a turbocharged power plant and exclusive automatic transmission, both of which will make the machine substantially quicker, but are sure to enrage the purists.

Of course, we could be wrong. Various Porsche brass have made a few comments that suggest the brand is looking to retain the naturally aspirated power plants and third pedal options for it’s high-end performance models, so maybe the GT3 will stay true to its roots.

Thing is, in an era where the demand for the best and the quickest seems to trump tradition at every turn, not to mention Volkswagen’s move towards ever-greater efficiency for it’s entire portfolio, things like all-atmosphere engines and manual transmissions aren’t long for this world.

• Love it
  • * Should look very aggressive
  • * More power and better handling
  • * Even faster than before
• Leave it
  • * No NA engine
  • * No manual transmission
  • * Plenty of competition to choose from now

References

Read our full review on the 2018 Porsche 911 GT3.

Read our full review on the 2014 Porsche 911 GT3.

Read our full review on the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3.

Read more Porsche news.

Update History

Update 07/01/2019: Fresh on the heels of the 718 Cayman GT4, the 911 GT3 has been spotted on the Nurburgring and engineers work to dial in all the fine tuning needed to raise the bar yet again. Check out our spy shots section below to see the latest shots and learn more about it.

Updated 02/19/2019: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming 911 GT3 out for a new testing session, this time during cold winter conditions. The car is expected to make its world debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Updated 11/05/2018: We just got our hands on a bunch of new spy shots that show off the various facets of the GT3’s (mostly) production-ready body! Check them out below.