I had the opportunity to test drive the new GT3 that everyone, including myself, loves—especially the Touring Package—so I’d like to share my impressions.

What is the GT3 Touring Package?

The GT3 Touring Package is a trim that was introduced in the later stages of the previous 991 generation, and it’s a GT3 that I have personally owned.

ポルシェ 911 GT3がついに納車！ – 納車日ドキュメンタリー

This time, the GT3 Touring is the latest 992 generation successor.

Basically, the Touring Package is a GT3 without the large rear wing found on the standard GT3, and although it’s called “Touring,” the suspension setup, engine, transmission, and all driving-related components are exactly the same as the winged GT3.

The Touring Package’s charm lies in the fact that it looks like a regular Carrera at first glance, but underneath it’s a full-fledged GT3, making it a 911 for true Porsche purists.

There are subtle differences inside and out. Besides the absence of the wing, notable distinctions include:

• No ‘GT3’ rear emblem; instead, there’s a ‘GT3 Touring’ badge on the grille.
• No ‘GT3’ embroidery on the rear seat carpet.
• The standard seats use some fabric instead of all leather or Race-Tex.
• The Leather Package features embossed leather on the dashboard’s front section and upper door panels.
• The inside of the front spoiler is painted body color.

These are the main differences from the regular GT3. The concept is to have a ‘GT3’ that doesn’t flaunt being a ‘GT3’, and this ‘aesthetic’ and ‘refinement’ is meant for those who truly appreciate it.

Suspension is exactly the same as the winged GT3

Since it’s a GT3 Touring, some people mistakenly think that the suspension is softer than the regular GT3, or that the PDK has creep, or that the ride height is slightly higher, but none of that is true. It’s exactly the same as the standard winged GT3.

This is also confirmed by the manufacturer; the driving specifications are identical to the regular GT3.

For a detailed review, please also refer to this article on the winged GT3 (992):

新型ポルシェ911 GT3（992）試乗レビュー｜もはや異次元！圧倒的な高性能！

Experiencing the 992 GT3 again, it’s clear that it’s a pure sports car that stands out from the crowd. The PDK without creep responds instantly to even the slightest throttle input, and the GT3 moves immediately.

On smooth roads, the ride is very comfortable. Reviews of the GT3’s ride quality vary, but that largely depends on the road surface.

For example, if you focus on highway driving, it feels great, but on rough, low-speed roads, it can feel harsh.

The GT3 suspension moves very freely up and down. This was true for the previous generation as well. Although it’s a firm setup, the dampers work with very little friction and respond precisely to fine inputs. Compared to the suspension on a regular Carrera, this difference is immediately obvious, showing the superior quality of the dampers.

On flat surfaces, even the rough texture of asphalt is absorbed well, and the smoother the road, the more refined the ride becomes. On such roads, everyone would praise the ride comfort.

On the other hand, the GT3 struggles with larger bumps and undulations. Although the dampers move well, the suspension stroke is short and the stabilizers are stiff. So, beyond a certain input level, the shocks exceed the absorption range, causing the body to sway significantly side to side.

This causes the occupants’ heads to move, and the body unconsciously tenses the neck and shoulders to keep the head stable, which over time leads to fatigue in those areas. This is the mechanism behind why the GT3 can feel ‘tiring’. However, unlike old-school stiff sports cars, it doesn’t deliver harsh jolts that cause discomfort.

The fatigue comes more from ‘swaying’ than from ‘impact’.

To elaborate on this ‘swaying’: for example, SUVs like the Cayenne also sway on rough low-speed roads, but the nature of that sway is very different. SUV sway lasts longer and feels like a gentle rocking motion, allowing the body to consciously adjust and maintain posture, so it’s less tiring.

In contrast, the GT3’s sway is instantaneous. It’s a quick, sharp side-to-side jolt that lasts very briefly, causing the body to tense unconsciously.

The owner also has a 992 GTS Targa and when asked about ride comfort, he said, “It’s completely different from the 992 GTS. It’s almost a different car.” and “It’s cool, but tiring (laughs).” He also said, “This isn’t a Touring Package, it’s a Racing Package.”

It turns as if you will it

That said, the GT3’s driving performance and emotional appeal more than make up for these downsides.

I want to say it’s like “it turns as if you will it.” Of course, it turns when you steer, but the naturalness of the response is incredible. It’s not exaggerated but perfectly linear.

The moment you look ahead to the curve and decide to go there, the GT3 is already changing direction. Of course, other Porsches like the Carrera also respond well, but the GT3’s reaction is unbelievably fast.

Relax and simply direct your gaze toward the corner. That’s all it takes for the GT3 to flow through each turn like a fish in water. However, this peaceful feeling is only for the driver; the passenger will be subjected to intense lateral G-forces, so be warned.

It turns so precisely that the owner said, “You can’t afford to look away in this GT3.” Indeed, if you get distracted by the scenery or other cars, the GT3 will try to go that way, so you need to keep a firm grip on the reins when driving.

This car is the kind that, given the slightest chance, will start behaving like it’s on the Nürburgring.

Checking the Touring Package’s interior and exterior

Putting driving aside, looking at the interior and exterior, this particular car is a very mature GT3.

Agate Grey paint, clear taillights, satin neodymium wheels, and even the option to paint the standard brake calipers high-gloss black. The whole car is styled in a monochrome palette with minimal colors inside and out, creating a chic, unified look.

This is the perfect example of an adult’s ‘Touring Package.’

The interior’s extensive use of black leather items is wonderful. This embossed leather looks almost like carbon fiber, giving a sporty yet refined impression. The Touring Package deliberately hides its Nürburgring sub-7-minute capability, and this tough, understated interior and exterior perfectly suit that character.

By the way, I’ve written an article about how I would order one of these, so I’ll include it here for reference:

新型911 GT3ツーリングパッケージを買うならこの仕様！PCCBは付ける？フロントリフトは？

Ignoring some of the hardness, hiding the GT3’s wild nature, and using it coolly in daily life—that’s the kind of ‘Porsche owner’ this GT3 Touring Package is made for.