Porsche has unleashed the latest version of the 911 GT3. It bags the ‘seventh edition’ title by borrowing bits from the 911 RSR and the 911 GT3 R. From the former, it takes the double-wishbone front axle layout and the swan-neck rear wing. The latter donates the same boxer engine which also does duty in the 911 GT3 Cup. All those adaptations have helped the new 911 GT3 become even faster than the previous 911 GT3 RS.

Okay, let’s make things simpler to understand. Powering the new Porsche 911 GT3 is a 4.0-litre, 6-cylinder engine that produces 503bhp, enough for a 0-100kmph sprint time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 318kmph. As standard, it comes coupled to a PDK (dual-clutch automatic) transmission, but Porsche can replace that with a 6-speed manual as well.

Like all previous 911 GT3s, the new one isn’t just about raw power. It is, actually, more about the lightness of the package and the science of aerodynamics. For instance, the massive rear spoiler doesn’t affect the drag coefficient of the car that much. In Performance drive mode, that wing works in tandem with the diffuser to increase aerodynamic pressure for high cornering speeds.

Then comes the engineering behind the overall weight. Despite boasting a wider body and more features, the new GT3 weighs just as much as its predecessor. Numbers? With a PDK, the car clocks 1,435kg on the scale. Choose the manual transmission and that figure drops by 17 kilograms. The actual weight-saving – nearly 10 kilograms – comes from lighter glass windows, light-alloy wheels, a sports exhaust system and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic panels (bonnet, spoiler, etc.).

Porsche’s offering a range of Exclusive Manufaktur personalization options with the new 911 GT3. That includes a lightweight roof made from exposed carbon fibre, carbon ORVM caps and darkened LED matrix headlights and taillamps.

The new 911 GT3 has also been around the Nuerburgring-Nordschleife a.k.a The Green Hell. Lapping the 20.8km stretch in 6 minutes and 59.927 seconds, it is more than 17 seconds quicker than its predecessor. Porsche says that the new car too 6 minutes and 55.2 seconds to cover the slightly shorter 20.6km lap. You have to agree that all those figures are impressive. Prices haven’t been announced yet. But, customers can place their orders from March 31, 2021. That’s when we’ll get to know the pricing as well.