Test drive a late model 996 Porsche 911 GT3

We have test-driven various 911s on our blog, from the original 911 to the latest 992 GT3, but there are still few reports on the 996 and 997 models. Especially for the 996 model.Late Carrera 4SandCarrera 4 in the previous yearThere is only one article on the

We had the opportunity to test drive a late-model 996 GT3 in excellent original condition, and would like to report on it.

This is GT3.

In conclusion, this 996 GT3 is aThis is GT3.It is one that can be said to be the best in the world.

The 997 GT3 was great, but the 996 feels even more analogous and lighter than the 997. And the ride is not as hard as the 997, but has a moderate mildness.

However, its mildness is very good.
It is not that the performance is low, but the mildness of the suspension is what makes the ride comfortable. And when driving on winding roads, the roll makes it easy to understand the load being applied to the car. It is as if you are talking to the car.

Very rare PCCB-equipped specimen

Handling is also perfect.
While anyone can drive the latest 992 GT3, for example, fast, the 996 GT3 cannot be driven by simply turning the steering wheel. Its behavior changes drastically depending on whether the driver is accelerating, pulling out, or braking. This is the essence of the Porsche 911's RR (Rear Engine Rear Drive).

When accelerating by pressing down on the accelerator pedal, the front even feels as if it is floating.

When the accelerator is released from there, a large load is applied to the front and the car turns completely differently when steering with the accelerator depressed than when steering after the accelerator is released. Especially when the accelerator is released.The godlike way they cut into it is inspiring.Really nice. It feels really good.

Words cannot express the pleasure felt when the driver's will and the car's behavior are perfectly matched.
The 996 GT3 is truly the most enjoyable model for drivers who know how to shift the load.

The mileage is a miraculous 5,000km.

Nimble handling

The handling of the 996 GT3 is light and nimble. The car weighs about 1,380 kg, but it feels even lighter than that. My 718 Cayman T is also quite nimble, but it feels even lighter than that.

Compared to the latest 991 and 992 GT3s, there is a clear difference in athletic performance. The latest GT3 is very stable and feels like nothing is happening, but the 996 GT3 depends on your skill. Bad driving will lead to spins and accidents, but if you can handle it well, there is nothing to say. The light weight in particular is directly related to the fun of driving.

If the current GT3 is a normal car, the 996 GT3 is like the Mazda RoadsterIt is. That's how big a difference I feel. Perhaps this era of GT3 is what GT3 should be.

Powerful engine

The 996 GT3 Late model that we test-drove this time is equipped with a 3.6-liter engine that produces 381ps of maximum output and 39.3kgm of maximum torque. This is a 21ps power increase from the previous generation 996 GT3 early model. The engine was made high-revving by modifying details such as lighter valves and improved piston pin material.

Power is 381 hp, almost the same as the latest 992 Carrera, but the 992 Carrera feels faster when actually driving. However, the 996 GT3 is faster in terms of acceleration in the high-rpm range. The lightweight body also makes the 996 GT3 feel faster in some scenes.

Commonly known as "Metzger engine" with GT1 crankcase

The limit of horsepower that can be used on Japanese mountain passes and winding roads is probably around 400ps. My 991 Carrera 4GTS has 430 hp, but there are situations where that is not enough. On that point,The 381 hp of the 996 GT3 is just right.I am very happy to be able to drive in 2nd or 3rd gear on a mountain pass. It is great fun to be able to drive through mountain passes in 2nd or 3rd gear while spinning the wheels. This is one of the charms of the old GT3.

The engine feel is excellent. It blows straight up to the red zone without any stagnation at all. At idle, the engine rattles noisily, but as the rpm rises, a metallic high-pitched "cone! as the rpm rises, a high pitched metallic sound echoes through the air. It is truly a racing engine.

Many people are nostalgic for NA engines these days, but it is precisely because we are in the midst of a turbo boom that I would like to recommend a ride in an old NA 911. Especially this 996 GT3 before the stricter environmental regulations,An engine that appeals directly to people's sensibilitiesIf you have any reservations about NA engines, this is one car you should definitely try.

summary

The 996 GT3 late model is,A great car that is already one of the top candidates for this year's Test Drive of the Year!It was.

The directness of handling is unique. The car will turn as fast as the load is applied, but it will not turn unless the driver understands how to transfer the load. If the driver provides appropriate input, the car responds to it with exceptional enjoyment.

The lightweight body is also a major attraction of this model. Compared to the current model, which is heavier, it has a different body. The narrow body also makes it more agile.

This engine is a NA horizontally opposed 6-cylinder that revolves all the way up to 8200 rpm, and is derived from a racing engine with a 911GT1 crankcase,It is capable of bearing the Metzger engine name.

The 996 and now the 996 GT3 are one of the models that embody the true essence of NA Porsche.