New 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 storms in

• Powered by a naturally aspirated engine producing 503bhp
• Available with either a PDK automatic or a six-speed manual
• Prices start from £123,100

This is the new 2021 Porsche 911 GT3. It’s a lightweight, track-focused version of the regular 911 with more power, an upgraded chassis and improved aerodynamics. Prices start from £123,100, with the first customer cars arriving in May.

The new model has been developed in conjunction with Porsche’s motorsports division and is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre, six-cylinder petrol engine producing 503bhp. That makes it the only 911 in the current range to go without a turbocharger.

The GT3 gets a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels. With launch control engaged, the new 911 GT3 manages 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 198mph. A six-speed manual will also be offered, giving more driver involvement and a slightly higher top speed of 199mph.

Like the current 992-generation car, the new 911 GT3 is underpinned by Porsche’s Modular Mid-Engine MMB platform. Despite the wide-body, it only weighs 1,435kg when equipped with a PDK gearbox. This is due to weight-saving construction that makes it lighter than the standard car, with a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic bonnet, thinner glass, forged alloy wheels measuring at 20- and 21-inches and a lighter exhaust system that saves 10kg.

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At the rear, the GT3’s huge rear wing is supported by ‘swan neck’ style struts, giving the car added downforce to make it more stable at high speed. It also features a deep rear diffuser, with Porsche claiming the new car’s aero setup generates significantly more downforce over the old model. The car’s aerodynamic setup can be manually adjusted for track days, which is where most GT3s are likely to be used.

Buyers will be able to personalise their cars, with more lightweight carbon fibre parts, including the roof panel, and different paint options for the wheels.

Underneath the flared bodywork, the 911 GT3 features significant chassis changes with a new double wishbone front suspension setup, as opposed to the standard MacPherson struts used in the regular car. It also gets larger steel brakes as standard, with ceramic discs available as an option.

The new GT3 completed a lap of the Nurburgring circuit in Germany in 6:59.927 seconds with Porsche test driver Lars Kern at the wheel on optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres, making it around 13 seconds quicker than the old 911 GT3.

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Inside, the cabin looks similar to the regular 911 but gets a standard looking automatic gear shifter, as opposed to the shortened switch used in the standard car. It also gets sports seats and a new special track display mode for the infotainment screen.

When activated, the mode simplifies the car’s digital readouts to display essential performance information on the two digital instrument screens located either side of the rev counter, showing the car’s oil temperature and pressure, fuel level and tyre pressures.

Read our review of the Porsche 911 Targa, or check out the newly updated Porsche Panamera.