The New 911 GT3 Touring (992)

A little while ago, I had the chance to drive the new 911 GT3 with the Touring Package (992, PDK). My husband drove it that day, too, and wrote about his test drive, so here I’d like to share my own honest impressions from behind the wheel.

Until then, I’d only seen the new GT3 in photos and videos. Seeing it in person for the first time sent my excitement through the roof. “It looks incredible!” I exclaimed, letting my unfiltered thoughts slip out.

The new design felt sharper and less soft-edged, and this was the Touring Package, without the rear wing.

It had a presence that was unmistakably different from a standard 911, even without a wing. Look closely, and you’ll spot the GT3 badge on the rear grille: that’s how you know it’s a GT3. It doesn’t shout about what it is, yet its understated presence speaks volumes.

I love that quiet confidence—the kind of understated cool that doesn’t need to show off.

The owner’s taste was impeccable, too. The GT3 had been specified with a refined, grown-up feel, which suited it beautifully.

My Porsche 911 GT3 Test-Drive Impressions

The GT3 I drove this time was equipped with PDK. We previously owned a later 991-generation GT3 with a manual transmission, and I’ve also driven both early- and later-generation 991 GT3s belonging to people we know. Here’s how this new car compared with those experiences.

The Easiest GT3 to Drive

I’ve only had the chance to drive a GT3 a few times, so I can’t make a sweeping judgment—but this was the easiest GT3 I’ve driven. It felt effortless to drive.

The 991 GT3 we used to own put me straight into attack mode the moment I climbed in and gripped the steering wheel: “Let’s go!” Especially on the Royu Driveway, it seemed to urge me on: “There’s more in me!” and “Keep going!” It wasn’t a car that made me want to take it easy.

The 992 GT3, by contrast, was remarkably easy to drive.

It felt relaxed and unhurried—so much so that I could almost drive along humming to myself. Then I’d glance at the speedometer and think, “Wow, I’m going pretty fast!”

Before I set off, the owner warned me, “There’s no creep function, so it might feel a little tricky to drive.” But it felt completely natural. I loved how the car responded exactly as I wanted with just a little pressure on the accelerator.

The car had only just been delivered and had covered barely 100 km when I drove it. The owner cautioned me, “The brakes are still really stiff, so be careful.” Sure enough, there were moments when I pressed the pedal as I normally would and thought, “Huh? I need to press harder?”

I imagine that feeling would ease as the car was driven more.

The Handling Is Outstanding

The GT3’s handling is incredible. It turns beautifully, yet never feels so eager to turn that it becomes intimidating. It’s simply a joy to drive. I found myself wishing, “I wish this bend would keep going for another kilometer—or that I could just keep turning forever.”

When I drove the 991 GT3, its handling was so good that my husband and I often said, “There’s no way the next generation can top this.” This car made me realize all over again just how remarkable Porsche is: there was still another level to reach.

This time, I honestly thought, “Can Porsche really make a GT3 that performs even better than this?” And yet I’m sure they’ll find a way to top it again… (laughs)

The Ride Is More Comfortable Than I Expected

The ride wasn’t as stiff as I’d expected. I’d heard people on YouTube and in test-drive reviews describe it as “stiff, really stiff,” so I got behind the wheel braced for the worst. It probably helped that I drove it on the Royu Driveway rather than on ordinary roads with heavy traffic and lots of stops at traffic lights, but even so…

My overall impression was that it was far more comfortable than I’d imagined—absolutely easy enough to live with.

The owner, though, teased me: “No way you can call this not that stiff, Mina—you’re already completely desensitized! LOL.” (laughs)

PDK Suits Me Better Than a Manual

This comes down to personal preference, but for someone like me, who isn’t especially confident behind the wheel, this drive reminded me that I’d rather have a PDK GT3 than a manual.

I’m used to driving a manual—my everyday car is a manual Suzuki Swift Sport—and I recently drove an air-cooled Porsche 964 with a manual, which turned out to be surprisingly easy. So I think I could drive a manual GT3 if I got behind the wheel today.

But having to shift and work the clutch through every bend would make it harder to focus fully on that wonderful handling, which would be a shame. For me, it’s more fun to hold the steering wheel with both hands and drive this GT3. (And the PDK is incredibly smart, too.)

So if my husband ever says he wants to buy another GT3, I think I’ll tell him, “I want the PDK!” LOL.

Porsche 911 GT3: My Overall Verdict

Those are my impressions, in a nutshell.

I can absolutely understand why so many people want to own a GT3 at least once. Even compared with another Porsche—or another 911—the GT3 feels like it belongs in a different league.

Once you’ve experienced it, it’s hard not to get hooked. And even though I say I prefer PDK, I’ll admit I’m also curious: “What’s a manual GT3 like? I’d love to try one.”

The GT3 is an astonishing car in every way—and an absolute joy.

A huge thank-you to the owner for letting me drive your prized car so soon after delivery!