New 911 GT3 Touring (992)

A little while ago, I had the chance to drive the new 911 GT3 Touring Package (992/PDK). My husband also drove it that day and wrote a test drive article, so here I want to share my own honest impressions from behind the wheel.

Until then, I had only seen the new GT3 in photos and videos, but seeing it in person for the first time that day, my excitement soared and I couldn’t help but exclaim in my heart, “This is insanely cool!”

The new design feels sharper than soft, and this is the GT3 Touring Package without the rear wing.

It clearly has a different aura from a standard 911, yet no wing. Looking closely, you can see the GT3 badge on the rear grille, confirming it’s a GT3. It doesn’t shout for attention, but its understated dignity exudes power.

I really love this “a skilled hawk hides its claws” kind of coolness.

The owner’s taste is also amazing, having created a mature and calm GT3 vibe that’s truly wonderful.

Impressions from Driving the Porsche 911 GT3

The GT3 I drove this time was the PDK version. We previously had a 991 late-model GT3 (manual), and I’ve also driven acquaintances’ 991 early and late GT3s (PDK), so I want to share some differences I noticed.

The Easiest GT3 to Drive

I’ve only driven a few GT3s so far, so I can’t generalize, but this was the easiest GT3 I’ve ever driven. It felt effortless.

Our previous 991 GT3 made me feel “Alright, let’s go!” the moment I gripped the steering wheel, switching into battle mode. Especially on the Royu Driveway, it felt like the car was saying, “You can still push harder! Keep going!” so I never felt like driving it gently.

But this 992 GT3 was very easy to drive.

There was no sense of speed pressure; I could drive relaxed, even humming to myself. Yet when I glanced at the meter, I was surprised, “Wow! I was going pretty fast!”

The owner warned me, “There’s no creep function, so it might feel tricky to drive,” but I felt no discomfort. Just a slight press on the accelerator made the car respond exactly as I wanted, which felt great.

I drove it just after delivery with only 100 km on the clock, and was told, “The brakes are still very stiff, so be careful.” Indeed, sometimes when I pressed as usual, I thought, “Oh! I don’t have enough strength yet!”

I imagine this will ease up gradually as I drive more.

Amazing Handling

The GT3’s handling is incredible. It turns sharply but never so much that it feels scary. It’s just pure joy. I found myself wishing, “If only this curve would continue for another kilometer or forever, I’d keep turning endlessly.”

When I drove the 991 GT3, its handling was so amazing that my husband and I often said, “It’s probably impossible for future models to top this.” But this time, I realized again, “There’s still a higher level—Porsche is amazing.”

Honestly, I felt, “Is it even possible for a GT3 to outperform this one now?” but I’m sure Porsche will surpass it again… (laughs)

Ride Comfort Wasn’t as Harsh as Expected

The ride wasn’t as stiff as I had imagined. Having heard “stiff, stiff” from YouTube and other reviews, I was prepared for the worst. Also, since I drove it on the Royu Driveway, not on busy city streets with traffic and stoplights, that might have influenced my impression.

Still, it felt much more livable than I expected.

The owner joked, “No, no, if you think this isn’t that stiff, Mina, your senses are already numb!” (laughs)

PDK Suits Me Better Than Manual

This is personal preference, but for someone like me who isn’t super confident behind the wheel, I felt again that the GT3 is better with PDK than manual.

I’m comfortable driving manuals—my daily car is a Swift Sport MT, and I recently drove an air-cooled Porsche 964 (MT) without trouble—so I think I could handle a GT3 manual.

However, shifting and clutching on every curve distracts from fully enjoying the amazing handling. For me, gripping the GT3 steering wheel with both hands and driving is more fun (and the PDK is incredibly smart).

So if my husband ever decides to buy another GT3, I’ll definitely say, “I want the PDK!” (laughs)

911 GT3 Overall Impression

That’s a brief summary of my thoughts.

I truly understand why so many people say, “I want to own a GT3 at least once.” Even among Porsches and 911s, the GT3 is on a different level.

Once you experience it, you get hooked. Even though I prefer PDK, I honestly wonder, “What’s it like to drive a manual? I want to try it.”

The GT3 is, in every way, an astonishing and amazing car.

Thank you so much to the owner who let me drive this precious car just after delivery!