Porsche 911 GT3 (2022 - 2023)

The iconic two-door Porsche 911 is a car that would top many thrill-seeker’s ‘top-car’ list and after a few minutes behind the wheel, it’s cult-like reputation is very easy to understand.

The latest incarnation is the race track-inspired 911 GT3. It is based in the 911 922 and boasts a 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated, rather than turbo-charged, flat-six engine with the option of either a PDK automatic or manual gearbox.

Its power is breath-taking and relentless, bringing track-like performance to the road and it is one of the most desirable models on the planet – if, of course, excitement is a key factor in your lifestyle.

If looks really could kill, the Porsche 911 GT3 would leave many supercars in its wake. That’s because this car truly epitomises two-seated sports car  charisma through and through.
It cannot pass without attracting attention, firstly because of the engine, exhaust noise and then due to its gorgeous styling. Ours boasted Shark Blue paintwork that looked dazzlingly good.
Eye-catching features include beautiful streamlining with powerful curves, retractable door handles, a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic bonnet with two air outlets, a rear apron with additional air outlets including anthracite coloured grilles, GT3 badging, LED front lights with daytime running lights and four-point LED spotlights, a taillight strip with PORSCHE logo in satin black, along with 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels with yellow brake calipers.
The seat belts are Shark Blue in colour and there is a high gloss interior carbon package along with full bucket seats and lots of GT3 logos throughout.
The multi-function GT3 sports steering wheel features PDK paddles for taking control of the gear changes and there is a wealth of tech to explore too.
Creature comforts include a compact infotainment screen, a seven-inch TFT display that will show the likes of speed, revs and fuel gauge, along with G-Force readings and track-related data if wanted. There is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, an eight-speaker sound system, digital radio, a navigation system and voice control. 
 

The Porsche 911 GT3 is powered by a 4.0-itre, six-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine that delivers 510hp and 470Nm of torque. It is blisteringly quick off the mark and can complete the 0-62mph sprint in just 3.4 seconds and maxes out at 198mph.

Our rear-engined, rear-wheel drive car featured a seven-speed PDK transmission, with paddles for added fun and drive modes called Normal, Sport and Track that are all pretty self-explanatory.

The acceleration, grip, steering, cornering and balance cannot fail to impress as the revs climb ever higher. And such is the confidence of the car, it makes you push on harder than you would have felt possible.

Keep those revs high and this car will keep on delivering the goods, but ease off that gas and it shows a calmer, almost respectable side of its character. This is a good thing because there are only so many quiet B roads and country lanes that you can fizz along before craving some nerve-calming miles.

If you are brave enough to book a track session, then you will really discover what this car can do under proper supervision with suspension that’s adjustable for racing, but otherwise Sport is thrilling enough on our pitted UK roads.

This is a loud car, even when ambling in gentle mode and with the slightest hint of throttle pressure, especially in Sport mode, the roar is quite deafening.

The Porsche 911 GT3 is a two-seater sports car that has been purely designed for performance rather than practicality. With that in mind, the storage options are very few and far between and somewhat limited in size too.

The cabin has been perfectly designed for two adults to fit snugly, but comfortably and they are fully supported by the powered bucket sports seats. These, along with the steering wheel, can be fully adjusted so it’s easy to find the ideal driving position.

A word of warning though – you need to be fairly agile to get in and out with any sense of dignity.

The all-round visibility is great forwards and sideways, but poor through the rear window or over the shoulder. Thankfully, the test car was fitted with an optional rear park assist system to help when reversing.

There is a front luggage compartment beneath the bonnet that can hold 132 litres of kit, along with a lockable glovebox, some space behind the seats, a charging pad beneath the armrest, narrow door bins and two cup holders for anyone brave or stupid enough to try to drink a hot coffee while driving this Porsche!

The car is 4 573mm long, 1,852mm wide (with mirrors folded), 1,279mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,457mm.

The Porsche 911 GT3 is a premium car with a suitably matching high-end price-tag. Our model started out at £127,820, but optional extras such as the Shark Blue paintwork (£2,525), upgraded interior upholstery (£834), full bucket seats (£3,788), Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (£6,498), Park assist (£876), a lightweight carbon roof (£2,517), a carbon interior pack (£926) and a few other add-ons saw the price rise to £153,717.

And the day-to-day running costs will be high too with official WLTP-tested combined fuel economy of just 21.7mpg and carbon emissions of 294g/km.

That CO2 emissions figure would see a hefty first-year road tax bill of £2,365, dropping to the standard fee of £165 after 12 months.

And the expense doesn’t end there. Because the 911 GT3 costs above £40k it is subject to a premium car levy which costs £355 for five years. 

It won’t come as any surprise to learn the car sits in the most expensive insurance group too, rated at 50.

And anyone lucky enough to have the Porsche 911 GT3 as a business car will see the model fall into the worst possible Benefit in Kind tax bracket of 37 per cent

In reality, the Porsche 911 GT3 is only ever going to appeal to a fairly niche market and then only a very minute percentage will ever get to own one. It’s not practical, it’s not particularly comfortable, it’s expensive and it’s very loud. 

But, they are all factors that can be turned around and work in its favour. If you are lucky and those six numbers do come up, then check out this latest 911 before rushing off to look at alternative supercars.