2018 Porsche 911 GT3 Gets Manual Transmission Option
The 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 now comes with a range of updates and the option of a manual transmission. The latter is going to be among the best things to have ever happened to the blue-blooded sports car’s loyal followers.
What are Some of These Updates?
First, as mentioned earlier, you will now have the option to equip the new 911 GT3 with a manual transmission. Yes, the standard-issue 7-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox is brilliant and is regarded as one of the best dual-clutch transmission cases in the industry right now. Even if that’s the case, enthusiasts have always wanted a 911 GT3 with a manual gearbox, though the dual-clutch PDK transmission never disappointed at all in the previous generation GT3.
Second, the 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 is also getting a naturally aspirated, 4-liter, flat-six, that produces 500 horsepower and 339 pound feet of torque. This helps propel the GT3 from zero to sixty in 3.8 seconds and that’s for the manual version. Opt for the PDK, you’ll get from zero to sixty in a quicker 3.2 seconds.
Third, the GT3 comes equipped with rear axle steering to help in the corners. This system works in conjunction with the front wheels and depending on the speed, turns the rear wheels in the same or opposite direction as the front wheels. This helps the sports car attain optimum stability though corners. This is nothing new for the GT3 but for the 2018 version, it’s been tweaked to deliver even better performance.
Why is the Manual Such a Big Deal?
For years now, more and more performance cars have been taking the automatic with paddle-shift transmission route. Not only are they faster, but the majority of people who buy these cars seem to prefer an automatic transmission. Even so, Porsche has made the effort to put manual transmissions in some of their top performance cars. A couple of prime examples are the 911R and the Cayman GT4, though in very limited numbers. With Porsche bringing this option back in one of their top nameplates, it could have an influence on other sports car and supercar manufacturers as well.
With so many performance car manufacturers out there turning to turbocharged engines and automatic transmissions, it’s refreshing to see a car with an optional 7-speed manual transmission and a high-revving naturally aspirated engine charging to the front line. And that’s what makes the 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 special and above all, important.
The 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 is set to hit dealers in the U.S. in Fall of 2017 and has a starting price of $143,600.
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Should you desire to go through the press release of the 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 in detail, it’s right here.
Image Courtesy: Press.Porsche.com