Porsche GT3 @ 2009 Geneva Auto Show

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http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/geneva/2009/2010porsche911gt3.html

Half of our average day at the office is spent staring longingly at a huge framed picture of a Kermit-green 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RS shot by our crack staff photographer, Scott Jacobs.

We're afraid we might have to soon re-decorate the joint. Or we will once we get our sweaty hands on the car pictured here, the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3. Porsche will unveil the car at the Geneva auto show in March.

More power is always a good thing. And the '10 model comes with 435 horsepower (or 20 hp more than the '07 model we have previously tested), thanks to its new 3.8-liter flat-6 (up 0.2 liter). This engine now has the company's VarioCam technology on both the intake and exhaust sides. Porsche modestly claims the new car will be good for 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds. Considering that the less powerful '07 cranked out a 3.9-second run on our test track, we reckon the 2010 will be quicker even than that. Top speed is listed at 194 mph.

The new motor sits on new mounts filled with magnetic fluid (similar to the shocks of a Corvette or Ferrari 599) that stiffen automatically to form a more solid coupling between engine and chassis when the car is driven with verve. While kicking around town, the mounts soften, allowing for better isolation and a less frenetic powertrain demeanor.

Porsche claims the GT3's grip and stability have been improved by the use of automatically adjusting dampers (Porsche Active Suspension Management). For the first time, the GT3 comes standard with a stability control, although you can turn off stability and traction control independently. The standard brakes are bigger than before and have aluminum hubs to reduce weight. As before, the PCCB ceramic brakes will be optional, an upgrade that cost $8,840 in 2007.

The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 becomes a bit more usable on the street thanks to the optional and cleverly named "Front End Lift." Similar to systems that Lamborghini has offered, the system uses an onboard air compressor to raise the front ride height by 1.2 inches at speeds up to 30 mph. When we drove the '07, we remarked that the car turned every driveway into the Rubicon Trail, so this is a welcome addition. New wheels, modified aero package and bi-xenon headlamps round out the changes to the new car.

The new GT3 goes on sale this fall and starts at $112,200, $5,405 more than the '07.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 2010Porsche
• GT3
• 2009
• Geneva
• Auto
• Show
• motor
• car
• Edmunds
• Inside
• Line
• german
• Germany
• 911

[lawrencelugar]

The Porsche design philosophy is not about drawing Lambo stares and glares

[brocky]

You're right. Porsche will never compromise their designs for the satisfaction of present day car lovers. Function over form always for Porsche.

[Towelman20]

gt3 = ultimate 911 for the drivers who are real enthusiahsts.

turbo = evryday fast 911

gt2 = fastest 911 but evry unpredictble.

[EAGames08]

What the fuk is he on about the top speed is 208 MPH ! Tht is one hell of a car and i love them !

[Kirkh666]

Porsche's are not ugly! They do look traditional and I love that...I would pick 911 over the R8 anyday! Its is just a cute little car that can turn into a monster performance machine in street races, and sometimes on the track too! Just love porsches...

[Formulastreet]

don't they have the 3.8L RS back in the old day....???why now 3.8. porsche suck azz.

[Alennis17]

I agree completely...

[addictpro]

lamborghini is best by far. look is most sleek.

[DrJCCC20]

man thats cold. wanna c the rs next

[coolerdude44]

perfect car, but i think that guy works for sky motoring...

[likeawhispr]

Kouklcrisp.. You just made it easy for yourself which car to purchase. Buy a Ferrari, .. enjoy the sticky gears, so-so syncros, 2nd rate workmanship, and simply ridiculous maintenance for a modern sports car. Ferrari has come a long way from the trash they made in the 80's (I was an owner then), but Porsche has always been an easy sports car to keep up. Porsche body hasn't changed in 10 years? You haven't been looking close enough..