Updated Porsche 911 GT3 Touring retains high-revving road focus
The updated Porsche 911 GT3 Touring retains its role as a subtler, more road-friendly version of the track-focused GT3, replacing the fixed rear wing with a deployable spoiler while keeping its high-revving engine and chassis hardware. It matters because Porsche has preserved the car’s distinctive, driver-centred character despite tighter European emissions and noise rules, although its price continues to rise.
Its naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six produces 502hp and revs to 9,000rpm, with rear-wheel drive and a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK transmission. New exhaust equipment reduces torque by 15lb ft to 331lb ft, but GT3 RS-derived parts and an 8% shorter final drive maintain acceleration: the manual reaches 60mph in 3.7 seconds and 194mph, while the PDK manages 3.2 seconds and 193mph. Porsche has also added Touring-specific options, including a $37,310 lightweight package using carbon fibre and magnesium components.
- Updated GT3 Touring preserves its focused driving character.
- Regulations cut torque, but shorter gearing maintains real-world pace.
- Lightweight options add performance and substantial cost.
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The 911 is Porsche’s long-running sports car, and the GT3 is a high-performance version developed with track driving in mind. The Touring is a more understated take on the GT3, with a retractable rear spoiler instead of a large fixed wing, while retaining much of the same engine and chassis.
Its naturally aspirated engine draws air in without a turbocharger and is designed to rev very high. Buyers can choose a manual gearbox or Porsche’s PDK automatic transmission, and power goes to the rear wheels. The Touring’s road-focused design and performance help explain its appeal to drivers seeking a less conspicuous GT3.
European rules on emissions and noise shape how new cars can be built, so updates to the engine and exhaust have to meet those limits. Porsche has kept the GT3’s high-revving character while adding equipment to comply, and the rising price is part of the choices buyers face.
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Originally published by Ars Technica as “The Porsche 911 GT3 Touring punches above its weight class”.