Porsche 996 GT3 2004

Porsche 911 GT3

Highlights

More power and more torque on the same engine size and with unchanged fuel consumption - this,in a nutshell,describes the development formula for the second-generation 911 GT3. Consistently reducing moving masses in the six-cylinder power unit and capitalising on the benefits of infinite VarioCam camshaft adjustment,the new 911 GT3 comes with a significant boost in power of 15 kW or 21 bhp:Maximum output is up from 265 kW or 360 bhp at 7200 rpm to 280 kW or 381 bhp at 7400 rpm.Maximum torque has increased from 370 to 385 Newton-metres (272-284 lb-ft)at unchanged engine speed of 5000 rpm.

In the process the six-cylinder power unit has also improved even further in its free-revving running qualities,engine speeds moving up even more dynamically and maximum engine speed increasing accordingly:Now engine control does not take over in the lower four gears until 8200 rpm,as opposed to 7800 rpm in the past.On the road,this improvement of free-revving qualities offers an over-proportional increase in actual performance you can both feel and measure:The 911 GT3 accelerates to 100 km/h from a standstill in just 4.5 seconds,0.3 seconds faster than the former model.And now,also benefitting from even better streamlining,the new model continues to surge ahead all the way to a maximum speed to 306 km/h or 190 mph.

Brake system now featuring ceramic discs

The supreme qualities of the 911 GT3 in terms of acceleration,flexibility and top speed are matched just as convincingly by the car's stopping power and deceleration to master the even greater power of the engine and the car's dynamic performance enhanced to a new level by the optimised chassis and suspension.The front brake discs have been increased in diameter by 20 millimetres to the new dimension of 350 millimetres or 13.8".And com- pared with the previous model featuring four-piston fixed callipers,the new 911 GT3 comes with far more powerful six-piston brake callipers finished by tradition in red.These callipers enlarge the contact area between the brake pads and the brake discs by approximately 40 per cent,ensuring outstanding deceleration and stopping power even under the toughest conditions.

As an option the new 911 GT3 may be equipped with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB).Cross-drilled and inner-vented,these ceramic composite brake discs measuring 350 millimetres in diameter are 50 per cent lighter than metal brake discs and reduce un- sprung masses by approximately 18 kg.In conjunction with the brake lining also developed specifically for this model,the ceramic brake discs immediately ensure a very high and,in particular,consistent frictional coefficient throughout the entire braking process.

Streamlining better than ever before

Improving the aerodynamic qualities of the 911 GT3 in virtually every respect,Porsche's engineers and aerodynamicists have focused on each and every millimetre of the car's outer skin in the interest of maximum performance.Particularly striking points are the newly designed front end with its enhanced swept-back nose and the new side-sills as well as the truly dominating rear spoiler.These are the main reasons for the ongoing reduction of lift forces on both the front and the rear axle,without any change in the drag coefficient of 0.30.Featuring a 40-millimetre-wide spoiler "lip"extending round the entire front end,the new front bumper cover significantly reduces the flow of air beneath the car.The optimum position of the cooling air intakes,in turn,feeds a large share of the air coming out of the radiators at the side directly to the brake system,and not beneath the car,thus helping to significantly reduce front axle lift.

Porsche 911 GT3

The Purist Sports Car

The new Porsche 911 GT3 comes with all the features of half a century Porsche motorsport. It is a sports car for the purist through and through.A sports car with all the classic virtues a car of this kind is expected to have - and without all the ballast which might in some way impair your outstanding driving experience.The 911 GT3 is not "just"a two-seater coupé homologated for the road and taking you to work reliably every day without the slightest problem.No - it is also a sports car allowing lap times on the race track one would never expect of a street-legal road car.And unlike the former model 911 GT3 is now also available in the USA for the first time.

The engine - even more power and performance

Developing 280 kW or 381 bhp,the 3.6-litre six-cylinder power unit fitted in the rear offers almost 10 per cent more output for a truly supreme driving experience.Output per litre of 77.8 kW or 105.8 bhp makes this 3.6-litre flat-six one of the topmost normal-aspiration engines in the world.Benefitting also from streamlining improved to an even higher standard, top speed is now 306 km/h or 190 mph.Maximum torque,finally,is up from 370 to 385 Newton-metres (272 - 284 lb--ft).

This further improvement of power and performance is a result of Porsche's consistent high enginespeed concept based on the reduction of moving masses in the engine.A further reason for the increase in output developed by the GT3 power unit is the introduction of infinitely controlled intake camshaft management well known as Porsche VarioCam.The green area in the rev counter,in turn,now extends up to 8200 rpm,400 revs more than on the former model.This provides significant benefits particularly in terms of acceleration, the new 911 GT3 accelerating from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds,3/10ths of a second faster than before.But despite this enhanced performance,the new 911 GT3 consumes only 12.9 litres (21.9 mpg Imp)in the EU composite cycle,that is exactly as much as its predecessor,whilst naturally outperforming both the EU4 and the LEV emission limits.

Precisely shifting six-speed gearbox

The new,even more dynamic power unit of the 911 GT3 forms a perfect team with the six- speed gearbox enabling the driver to enjoy the agility of this six-cylinder particularly at high speeds.With a transmission ratio of 1.00 and,respectively,0.85,fifth and sixth gear have a slightly shorter ratio than before (previously 0.97 and,respectively,0.83).The introduction of splash oil lubrication and the new external transmission fluid cooling system also show how carefully the gearbox has been prepared for the toughest motorsport requirements.

Exemplary deceleration

Incorporating new,wider but nevertheless lighter wheels,the sports chassis allows even faster longitudinal and lateral acceleration than before.Developed especially for the 911 GT3, the tyres come on new rims bearing the GT3 logo on the wheel hub cover.Tyre dimensions at the front are 235/40 ZR 18 on 8 1 /2 "rims,the rear tyres measure 295/30 ZR 18 on 11" rims.

The brake system featured in the 911 GT3 is an ongoing development of the brake system carried over from the former model,now boasting 350-millimetre (13.8")brake discs and six-piston fixed calliper brakes at the front.The rear wheels,in turn,feature four-piston brake callipers teaming up with 330-millimetre (13.0")brake discs.

As an option the 911 GT3 is available with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB). The cross-drilled,inner-vented ceramic composite brake discs measuring 350 millimetres in diameter weigh 50 per cent less than metal brake discs and reduce unsprung masses by approximately 18 kg.In conjunction with the brake lining also developed specifically for this new model,the ceramic brake discs ensure a very high and,in particular,consistent frictional coefficient throughout their application.

Aerodynamically balanced all the way to top speed

The 911 GT3 confirms in every respect the sporting impression it offers at very first sight. Each and every millimetre of the car is designed and built for maximum performance. Particularly striking points are the newly designed front end swept back back at a steeper angle,the newly designed side-sills,and the powerful-looking rear spoiler.Expressing this in figures,the 911 GT3 has a drag coefficient of 0.30 truly outstanding for a car of this type.And although this figure is the same as on the previous model,lift forces on the front and rear axle have been reduced once again.The result of this front-to-rear lift balance matched perfectly to the chassis and suspension is truly outstanding driving characteristics offered by the new 911 GT3 also at top speed.

Sporting cockpit

Not just the exterior,but also the interior of the Porsche 911 GT3 leaves no doubt that the driver and co-driver are enjoying the qualities of a thoroughbred sports car.Leather-covered bucket seats made of a high-quality synthetic material guarantee not just optimum side support,but also a very high standard of comfort even on long distances.And they provide a reduction in weight by about 20 kg versus the seats in the 911 Carrera.To further optimise vehicle weight,the 911 GT3 comes without rear seats,again saving 8 kg.

It almost goes without saying that driver,passenger and side airbags as well as electric window lifts,an immobiliser complete with transponder,central locking with remote control, and an alarm system,to mention only some features,are standard equipment on the 911 GT3.Air conditioning with an activated charcoal filter is available as a no-cost option.And to meet the owner's individual wishes,finally,a wide range of options is also available,such as bi-xenon headlights or complete preparation for installation of a car telephone. Model Year 2004 o 911 GT3 47