Currently reading: 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 previewed ahead of reveal next week
Porsche's most track-focused 992 911 yet will be shown on 16 February in a virtual unveiling, and the latest shots hint at the car's design

Porsche has begun the build-up to the imminent unveiling of its new-generation 911 GT3 with preview images and confirmed the model will make its debut virtually next week. 

The darkened shots, showing the model in what appears to be a pit garage, reveal that the GT3 will retain the distinctive, race-inspired rear wing design seen recently on later-stage prototypes. The preview release also confirms the unveiling will take place on 16 February at 2pm UK time. 

New 2021 Porsche 911 GT3: first ride in 503bhp flagship

Although we've not had a view of the car's front end, the extensive number of prototypes spotted around Germany with ever-reducing levels of disguise through last year revealed a number of key GT3 details. 

Alongside the prominent wing, there is a sizeable rear diffuser, front splitter and centre-locking wheels, which are now a hallmark of the model. A pair of new air intake slits can be seen in the bonnet, while the lower grille is significantly wider than any current 992-generation car's. There's also a centre-exit dual tailpipe.

Those sightings followed an earlier video of the track-focused model being tested at speed on the Nürburgring, revealing its flat-six soundtrack.

The collection of clips of a prototype undergoing track development confirms what we knew already: that the next GT3 will retain the naturally aspirated boxer engine loved by enthusiasts. 

Although it's hard to be sure, it sounds like the 992-generation GT3 hasn't lost any of the previous model's volume and tone, despite the addition of a petrol particulate filter and other emissions-reducing tech. 

Also seen at the end of the video is a GT3 minus the trademark wing, suggesting the sought-after Touring model will make a return.

Further details have yet to be revealed, but we do know the 911 Speedster’s heavily revised 4.0-litre flat-six engine will be carried over to future GT models as Porsche’s GT division persists with naturally aspirated engines. 

GT boss Andreas Preuninger said: “We’ve invested in the future with this engine. I can’t comment on future projects but we would be stupid not to re-use this engine somewhere. 

“Our philosophy in GT cars is to stay naturally aspirated. We want to keep that engine for the future and that’s why we’ve made such a tremendous effort to get the engine right without taking emotion and performance away.”

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The Speedster, a swansong for the 991 generation of the 911 and priced from £211,599, used the same powertrain as the outgoing GT3 but received a host of updates. 

Chief among the updates, and in order to extend the regulatory life of this big-capacity direct-injection flat six, Porsche has fitted two sizeable petrol particulate filters – one integrated into the exhaust tract that exits each side of the block.  

And yet owing to the use of thinner steel, nickel and soldering techniques rather than welding, the exhaust system now weighs 10kg less than before, despite the additional hardware. Power has also increased, from 493bhp to 503bhp, and continues to arrive at 8400rpm.

To achieve this with an engine that is not only cleaner but also suffers from an increase in exhaust back-pressure owing to the new filters is no mean feat.

The fuel-injection system now operates at 250 bar rather than 200 for improved propagation, and each of the engine’s six cylinders now gets a dedicated throttle body. The combined effect – but particularly due to the new throttle bodies – is even sharper throttle response, says Porsche.

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BertoniBertone 11 February 2021

All those people who've hoovered up endless Panam and Cayenne Turbos at their local OPC must be getting very excited.  Let's face it: no one else is going to get a look-in here. 

I gloomily look forward to used 992 GT3s stickered-up with a £ 25K margin by early 2022. So predictable is the media's feverish reception and the pursuant speculation, this is now a Porsche sub-genre that I've no longer any interest in... at all. Not from an engineering point of view (as if that matters to the majority of future investors....sorry....'owners'...): no, it's being locked-out from a club that increasingly serves itself. A bit like Brussels perhaps ? ;-)

Just Saying 11 February 2021
Thanks for the cheery post. ;-)
Tomorrow will be a good day.
(Well, actually the 16th will be)
JCviggen 12 February 2021
Interesting that you mention Brussels, because the Porsche GT shenanigans are organized almost entirely by the UK car dealers who feel like they have all the right in the world to take advantage of the situation.

Not counting ultra exclusive stuff like the 918 or Speedster, Porsche GT cars really aren't that hard to get in most places in the world. Sure there are speculators everywhere but since many of them got burned on the 911R (nice one, Porsche) it hasn't been bad at all on the continent.

Just Saying 2 November 2020

The superlatives are too many to list

#1 Porsche 911.
Boris9119 2 November 2020

Always Has Been

Go back to the 70's and every car magazine on every continent has consistantly reviewed the 911 as the benchmark. The 911 GT3 only enhanced that sentiment. Those that know........know. Unconvinced? Name me a better daily driver suitable for proper track duty?

sonicmarmalade 2 November 2020

Can't stand those new swan

Can't stand those new swan neck wing mounts everything has these days. How much downforce does it actually add, whilst looking absolutely bizarre. 10kg? Is it worth it?