Share

DRIVEN: Porsche's 911 GT3 - Born in Flacht

Cape Town - As a motoring journalist one is often asked 'What's your favourite car?', 'What model would you buy?'

Until now it's always been a Nissan GT-R and a classic Toyota AE86 'Haichiroku'.

After driving the latest Porsche 911 GT3, I've added a third vehicle to my list; I'm in love with this monstrous Porsche and I need this car in my life.

There are few vehicles that can stir this much emotion among petrolheads at first glance. Love at first sight is a natural occurrence with the GT3 and there's no stopping it.

There's so much attention to detail from the moment you step inside and get comfortable in those deep, body-hugging bucket seats. This car was born for the track, or rather, 'Born in Flacht' but I wouldn't mind having it as a daily drive, roll-cage and all.

There are yellow needles on the instrument cluster along with contrasting bright yellow seat belts which stand out in among the black Alcantara, velvety interior. The built-in roll cage in the rear means this car is not for the faint-hearted. 

 

Then you start the car and all resistance crumbles, like a Lindt chocolate ball melting in your mouth, the engine roar is divine. 

But before we get in to that, lets take a quick look at the numbers.

The 4.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine delivers a glorious 368kW and 460Nm. Its capable of rocketing from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds  (fitted with the automaker's PDK gearbox). 

Here are a few more things to know about the Porsche 911 GT3...

Sadly my stint behind the wheel was cut short before I could really get to know the car, and the better part of my journey was in crawling traffic.

It didn't matter though, I was behind the wheel of an epic vehicle. Its the kind of sports car that leaves a permanent grin on your face for a few days. Just thinking about it know is enough to bring up fond memories, sigh.

The monstrous sound emitting from its twin exhaust, trumpeting the engine's divinity leaves you wanting to keep a constant pressure on the throttle and hunt for winding roads.

It's hardly that uncomfortable though perhaps more impractical for a family. It's the kind of car you want to drive alone and leave baby to drive with Dad. Hence I wouldn't mind driving this day-to-day on a 120km commute to work. There's no need for audio, although multimedia touchscreen is there; why would you bother with the radio when you can listen to the riveting purr of the engine.

I took every opportunity to throw its rear into a corner, and boy, is the GT3 capable of hugging bends as if it was one with the road. I can only imagine how much pure fun the manual version must be though the automatic version is near perfect.

Gear shifts are sublime and smooth, the dynamics are faultless. Its looks are aggressive and its squat shouts 'ready to pounce'. It's very low on the ground, 44mm lower than that of the 911 Carrera so its appearance has a natural phat stance. That wide rear with a tail draped in carbon, the ram-air scoops, it's a car made to be driven.


  

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE