Porsche 911 GT3 (2009) (2nd gen 997) photos & video

Porsche has just issued the first photos of the new 911 GT3. It's the second-generation 997 family iteration of the evergreen GT3 and will be launched at the 2009 Geneva motor show on 3 March.

The wizards of Weissach know not to mess with a winning formula. Whether you're a 911 fanatic or a sceptic who thinks it's yesteryear's leftovers and a triumph of style over substance (and we know CAR Online users fall into both camps!), there's no denying the GT3's abilities on road. CAR hailed the original 997 GT3 'the greatest 911' of all time and you can read our review of the first-gen 997 model here.

Porsche 911 GT3: the background

The new GT3 lands in the UK in autumn 2009 and Porsche is touting it as the 'most sporting and dynamic roadgoing 911 ever with a naturally aspirated power unit'. In other words, exclude the blown Turbo and GT2 iterations, and this is the hardest 911 to date.

It's designed for use on road and track and the 3.8-litre flat six is tinkered with to produce 429bhp – up 20 ponies on its predecessor. Much of that power jump is managed by improved head gas flow and the exhaust camshafts are now controlled by Porsche's VarioCam system.

The second-generation 997 GT3 is knocking on the door of supercar performance, with 0-62mph in just 4.1 seconds, 99mph (160kph) in 8.2sec and 194mph flat out.

And the price of all this performance?

Ah, yes. There's a sizable step up in the price tag attached to the GT3's windscreen compared with a standard £69k Carrera S. You'll have to stump up £81,914 premium to bag one this autumn – at least that's only a modest rise over the outgoing GT3's £79,540.

The price includes a tuition course at the new Porsche Driving Experience Centre at Silverstone. Click here to read CAR assistant editor Ben Barry's experience on the course and watch our video.

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