This is a summary article of the recent live stream radio show “Welcome Home, PORSCHE.”
Feel free to enjoy it during your commute, school runs, or as a driving companion inside your Porsche.
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Main Topics and Highlights

My Brother’s GT3 Touring Delivery [01:01]

• My brother took delivery of the 992 late-model GT3 Touring in GT Silver Metallic, featuring a very clean and simple specification.
• Usually fond of flashy cars, this time he opted for a simple setup, thinking about long-term ownership. The interior is full black leather with Crayon stitching.
• Options include PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes), BOSE sound system, front lift, LED matrix headlights, and painted wheel rims.
• He sold his Dakar and switched to the GT3 Touring.

GT3 Touring Exterior and Specs [03:00]

• GT Silver may seem understated at first glance, but it has a metallic sheen and gloss that exudes premium quality.
• The tires are P Zero R, which have only three longitudinal grooves, so like the CUP2, caution is advised during high-speed driving in wet conditions.
• The wheel rims are painted white to match the headlight rings, creating a cohesive look.
• Window frames remain silver, rear glass is blacked out, and exclusive tail lights are installed at the back.
• Equipped with front lift and features the Touring package without a rear wing.

Differences Between Early and Late Models [11:37]

• The front-end design differs significantly. The late model’s front skirt is black, giving a slimmer front appearance.
• The early model had a unique design nicknamed “Koi-guchi” (carp mouth), while the late model looks sharper and more refined.
• Preferences vary, but Hiro prefers the late model. However, to the average person, the difference is barely noticeable at a glance.

Over 800km Long-Distance Test Drive Report [16:57]

• Picked up at a distant dealer and drove over 800km to my brother’s home. Since he had errands, I drove more than half the distance.
• Tested on city streets, highways, and winding roads to provide a comprehensive evaluation.
• With the PDK transmission, the feel differs from a manual. My brother wasn’t interested in a manual and chose PDK.

Ride Comfort Impressions [21:16]

• The suspension setup for the GT3 and GT3 Touring is basically the same, with downforce differences only due to the presence or absence of the rear wing.
• The 992 late-model GT3 offers a significant improvement in ride comfort compared to previous generations like the 991 and 997.
• Especially improved drivability in city traffic; acceleration from stops is smooth with no turbo lag.
• My brother, new to the GT3, was surprised by how comfortable it felt, saying “It’s totally rideable.”
• However, it’s not ideal as a date car—the passenger seat is firm and road noise is loud. The Spider RS feels milder in comparison.

Gear Ratio Characteristics [24:58]

• The gear ratios are very low; at 5,000 rpm in 3rd gear, the speed is about 90 km/h, which is quite different from the 981 Boxster or GTS at around 115 km/h.
• Similar gear ratios to the Spider RS, allowing frequent use of 2nd and 3rd gears in city and winding roads.
• Designed to enjoy the engine’s revs even on Japanese roads, letting you experience true GT3 character at reasonable speeds.
• On highways, 7th gear at 100 km/h means revs of 2,800–2,900 rpm, resulting in a high-rev cruising experience.

Changes in Engine Sound [30:13]

• Quieter compared to past GT3s, with unnecessary low-speed noises filtered out for a cleaner sound.
• Mechanical clatter is reduced, allowing the exhaust note to come through pleasantly.
• Those seeking the raw, hard-edged GT3 sound might find it lacking, but for Hiro, the volume is just right.
• At low speeds, downshifts produce a satisfying “bonk” sound, distinct from typical burbling.
• While louder than the GTS or Carrera T, it’s milder compared to older GT3 models.

Highway Driving Impressions [43:27]

• The biggest complaint is that 7th gear isn’t enough for highway cruising; my brother and I wished for an 8th gear.
• At 100 km/h, 2,800–2,900 rpm feels too high. When merging into the fast lane, the engine revs so high it feels like driving a kei car.
• Passengers often want to shout “shift up!” but the driver finds it enjoyable.
• Engine noise is mild, but road noise is very loud, especially on rough surfaces.
• Sports exhaust mode can be tiring on highways, so it’s better to keep it off for long-distance cruising.

Suspension Setup [47:08]

• Compared to the 991 late-model GT3 Touring, the 992’s front end is sharper to turn in, thanks to the double wishbone suspension’s improved grip and responsiveness.
• The 991 GT3 Touring was known for its “arrow-like” high-speed stability, but the 992 late model focuses more on city, winding roads, and low-speed handling.
• This setup suits Japanese roads well.
• High-speed driving can be a bit tiring; the best approach is to cruise at around 100 km/h using cruise control, then enjoy winding roads after exiting the highway.
• Despite the “Touring” name, it’s more about touring after leaving the highway. For long-distance touring, the regular GT3 model is better suited.

Fuel Economy and Range [48:07]

• After 866 km, fuel economy was 8.2 km/L, mostly on highways and with a gentle break-in, avoiding high revs.
• Refueled once but didn’t make it to the destination on a full tank, requiring an additional 20L at a service area.
• Range is about 500 km, similar to the Turbo GT—surprisingly short, almost like an EV.
• Low gear ratios and constant high revving make fuel economy worse than the 991 GT3 Touring.
• Nighttime refueling can be stressful since many highway gas stations close early; EVs feel less demanding in this regard.

Comparison with Other Models [51:13]

• Spider RS vs. GT3 Touring: The Spider RS offers an open roof and raw engine sound, which Hiro prefers, but the GT3 Touring has superior driving performance.
• Turbo GT vs. GT3 Touring: On twisty mountain roads, the Turbo GT is more fun; on medium to high-speed corners, the GT3 excels. If choosing one, Hiro would keep the Turbo GT.
• 991.2 GT3 Touring vs. 992 late model: The 991 is comfortable on highways and long trips but its gear ratios don’t suit Japanese mountain roads, sacrificing 90% of the journey for 10% fun. The 992 late model is enjoyable throughout.
• Carrera T vs. 992 late-model GT3 Touring: The 992 GT3 Touring is an upgraded version of the Carrera T but has lower ground clearance, slightly reducing daily usability.

GT3 Touring or GT3? [51:40]

• Hiro would choose the winged GT3 next time. For daily use, there’s no need for a GT3; Carrera or Carrera T are more enjoyable.
• If buying a GT3, it’s to enjoy the circuit. When driving the 991 GT3 Touring at Suzuka or Okayama, Hiro often wished for a wing.
• At Suzuka’s 130R corner, having a wing would allow faster, more confident driving.
• Ideal usage is regular models for daily driving and GT3 for track days.

Musical Metaphor for Engine Sounds [57:03]

• The engine sounds of the Spider RS and GT3 are like rock music, while the 981 GTS is like pop—pleasant and easygoing.
• Listening to rock all the time can be tiring, and only pop can make you crave something more intense. Having both is ideal.
• The charm of combustion engines lies in their sound. Even EVs should be able to replicate this with artificial sounds, just as movies need background music and sound effects.

Overall Evaluation and Summary [1:00:00]

• The 992 late-model GT3 Touring is the best GT3 for Japanese roads, focused on city, winding roads, and low-speed driving.
• It offers the best ride comfort among all GT3 generations and is easy to handle in urban settings. Its low gear ratios let you enjoy revving the engine on Japanese roads.
• Not suited for long highway cruising due to low gear ratios causing fatigue and limited range.
• Not a date car—the passenger seat is firm and road noise is loud.
• If considering track use, the winged GT3 is better. The Touring is more for “touring after exiting the highway.”