Testing the 9000rpm Engine

I floor the accelerator on a straight. The PDK’s shift speed remains the world’s fastest. It shifts with a “Bashun! Bashun!” and the GT3 rockets forward.

All thoughts about low-end torque and gear ratios vanish.

The insane revving speed toward high rpm, the incredible exhaust note, and overwhelming power arrive.

This is the GT3 engine.

Regarding the sound, it’s definitely loud, but I think it’s a bit quieter than the previous model.

However, the tone and quality are excellent. Especially from engine start to low rpm, there’s no unnatural volume control. The previous GT3 used exhaust valves to comply with noise regulations, so you couldn’t hear the true sound below 4000 rpm.

But the new GT3 has variable valve control that opens and closes seamlessly. Perhaps because of this, there’s no sudden quietness when driving starts; the sound gradually grows louder in proportion to speed and rpm, making driving very enjoyable. Even if the volume is somewhat subdued, the driving pleasure increases.

I prefer the sound quality and volume of this new GT3 over the previous one.

GT3 Ride Comfort

During the test drive, I had a friend in the passenger seat. Later, they told me, “You really drive fast!” But I didn’t feel like I was driving fast at all. I thought I was driving carefully, but apparently, the passenger didn’t feel that way.

Later, we switched seats. My friend, who usually drives carefully and calmly, took the wheel. But with the GT3, it was different.

Like me, they thought they were driving normally, but I, sitting in the passenger seat, had my smartphone flying out of my hand from lateral G-forces, and my body was constantly shaken.

One notable characteristic of this GT3 is that the ride comfort differs drastically between the driver’s and passenger’s seats. I’ve never known a car with such a difference.

On winding roads, the driver’s seat is not uncomfortable and is quite pleasant, but that’s only the driver’s side. The passenger seat is relentlessly hit by lateral G-forces.

Even without braking, the GT3 easily corners, so the pace tends to pick up.

Combined with the intense acceleration and overwhelming stopping power of the PCCB brakes, the passenger who isn’t steering is inevitably shaken.

This car should never be used as a date car. I understand the urge to brag, “I bought a GT3! Isn’t it amazing?” to a woman, but that’s just male ego. Almost no woman can truly appreciate the GT3’s qualities from the passenger seat.

Even I disliked sitting in the passenger seat, so any woman forced to ride there would surely hate it. And if she sees the GT3’s wing, I can already imagine her saying, “It’s embarrassing—don’t bring it anymore!”

Some might say, “I’ll drive gently, so it’s fine,” but the GT3 won’t allow that easily. It constantly urges, “Drive faster! Step on the gas!”

And because it’s so thrilling and fast, you unconsciously start cornering at a high pace.

The GT3 is a toy for car enthusiasts. It’s a tool to secretly grin while enjoying winding roads or circuits alone.

By the way, I asked an owner about ride comfort in town, and their one-word answer was “hard!” This owner has owned many Porsches from the 964 to the 992 and 718, but said they wouldn’t want to drive this GT3 long distances.

I didn’t try city driving myself, so I can’t say for sure, but I don’t think the harshness or sharp impacts are that bad. The body rigidity is top-notch, and the suspension moves very well, so you rarely feel cheap rattles or jolts. However, the overall vibration seems greater.

Compared to the previous model, it’s somewhat stiffer, and it’s understandable to describe it as “firm” or “spartan.”

GT3 Overall Impression

Compared to the 992 Carrera models, the GT3 is like the “Char’s Custom 911” in Gundam terms. Of course, it’s not literally three times faster or more capable, but it feels that different.

Everything from the engine to the chassis is different, but what stands out most is the overwhelming chassis performance, handling, and drivability. This is a major evolution even compared to the previous GT3.

What about the engine? Honestly, my impression is that it’s almost the same as the previous model. At least, I didn’t feel a clear difference in power or engine character. That might sound like the engine is lacking, but the previous one was so excellent that it seems they basically carried it over.

After driving the new GT3, I personally want one.

But I don’t intend to buy it. Its performance is so extreme that it can’t be fully enjoyed on public roads. I tell this to many people who ask about buying a GT3, but it’s hard for them to understand until they experience it themselves.

Some say, “I’ll just drive slowly and enjoy it,” or “I’ll only push it occasionally on empty roads.” But it’s not that simple. This car is too deep and full of charm for such shallow satisfaction. Owners inevitably want to experience its full potential.

They take the GT3 out, but realize it can’t be fully enjoyed on public roads, and frustration builds.

On the other hand, some want it simply because it looks cool, or to satisfy their status and ownership desires. For those people, I definitely recommend buying one. Resale value should remain good for the time being, and if you get the chance, it’s a purchase you won’t regret.

In any case, if you buy a GT3, please take it to a circuit at least once. Whether a beginner’s track day or any event, forget about lap times or rankings and unleash its power to your heart’s content. That’s when you’ll truly appreciate this car’s charm and even feel the price of over 23 million yen is a bargain. The GT3 is a car packed with that much allure.