The day has finally arrived. It’s time to test drive the latest 992-generation 911, and not just any model—the newest GT3.

Speaking of the GT3, I previously owned the late-model 991 GT3 Touring Package. I also currently own a 992 Carrera, so I’d like to explore the appeal of the new GT3 while comparing it to the previous GT3 and Carrera models.

992 Porsche 911 GT3

This time, I had the chance to test drive a GT3 dressed in the new Shark Blue color.

It features PCCB brakes, sports seats plus (adaptive sports seats) with Shark Blue stitching inside, Race-Tex interior, carbon mirrors, a carbon roof, Shark Blue accent rings on the LED headlights, and a 7-speed PDK transmission.

This is undoubtedly a magnificent GT3, with the vehicle price including options likely exceeding 28 million yen.

Nervously, I opened the door and climbed into the GT3. The predominantly black interior feels very sporty, and although the interior design is the same as my 992 Carrera Cabriolet, it feels like a completely different car.

Looking at the gauges, the GT3 logo immediately catches your eye. It’s no exaggeration to say that many buy the GT3 just to see this logo.

Already, it feels as if the GT3 is urging me, “Hurry up and drive!”

The Godlike Handling of the GT3

When I start the engine, the 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six roars to life with a “Grrrnn!!”

Unlike the previous GT3’s “Vroom! Vroom-vroom!” startup sound, this one is a bit more subdued.

At first glance, the PDK shifter looks like a manual stick. I engage Drive and start moving. Like the previous model, there’s no creep. I gently rev the throttle and slowly pull out of the parking lot.

I place great importance on the initial feeling when starting to drive, but so far, the new GT3 hasn’t given me any particular wow factor. I think, “It feels similar to the previous model,” as I merge onto the road.

I press the accelerator a bit more and accelerate. Then I’m surprised by the difference compared to the 718 Spyder I had just driven. The 718 Spyder picks up speed effortlessly at 30, 40, 50 km/h with just a slight throttle input.

But the GT3 is different. You have to consciously apply more throttle to accelerate; you can’t drive it the same way.

The thin low-end torque and gear ratios seem to say, “This is a racing engine.”

Approaching the first corner, I turn the steering wheel. My reaction is, “What on earth is this?!” This is no exaggeration—I was genuinely moved. It’s simply amazing. The response and drivability are perfect. Could it get any better?

I’ve never been this impressed by any supercar or sports car I’ve driven before. No flattery—this is truly outstanding. The balance between performance and driving pleasure is divine.

This is undoubtedly number one.

It’s not just sharp response or great cornering.

It corners ferociously with excellent response, yet there’s zero fear. Unlike some supercars that react 1.2 or 1.3 times more than your input, this car moves exactly as the driver commands.

If you turn the steering slowly, the car follows faithfully; if you turn quickly, it moves with the same speed and feeling. That’s why driving it feels incredible.

This isn’t achieved by simply increasing response. Porsche traditionally includes a slight “buffer” or “play” in the steering movement. This makes the driving feel natural while enabling ultra-sharp response.

The previous GT3 also had excellent handling, but at higher speeds in corners, it felt like the steering input was stepped, with a “grip-grip” sensation mid-corner.

Compared to that, the new GT3 is seamless and continuous. It offers a more fluid, stepless feel. This makes it even easier to handle. Whether you add or reduce steering input, the front end follows every subtle movement.

At this point, pushing the car a little on public roads doesn’t affect weight transfer. It’s as if there’s a weight in the trunk pressing the front down. The front tires stick to the road and refuse to let go of the asphalt, regardless of bumps or undulations.

The front tires are always firmly pressed to the road, and you can even feel the tire direction through the steering. This is largely thanks to the front suspension being changed to double wishbones, like the racecar 911 RSR.

But what impresses me most about this GT3 is the engineering that faithfully transmits the tire movements to the driver’s hands on the steering wheel.

This is true for the regular Carrera and 718 models as well, but the GT3 takes it to another level.

This time, while steering, I could vividly imagine the exact direction of the tires in my mind. I’ve experienced this before, but never as clearly as in this GT3.

That’s why no corner feels scary. It was like being bewitched.