Hello everyone. This is Mina, the administrator of “Welcome Home, PORSCHE.” Born from readers’ requests to “share the real voices of various Porsche owners,” the “Porsche Owners File” series continues with its fourth installment. This time, we bring you a purchase, options, and driving review of the “997.2 GT3” from “cara,” who lives in Osaka Prefecture.

〘Owner Information〙
・Car: 997.2 GT3 (MY2010)
・Pen name: cara
・Residence: Osaka
・Family: 5 members
・Past cars: Maserati 3200GT (MY2000) → Porsche 911 Carrera S (997 early) (MY2005) → Porsche first-gen Cayenne S (MY2006) → 958.2 Cayenne Turbo (MY2016) → Abarth 599 Competizione (MY2014) → Ferrari 488 Spider (MY2018)
・Message to readers:
Porsche models across the range master the three essentials of driving—accelerating, cornering, and braking—at an extremely high level. I believe the GT3 takes this mastery even further, offering the joy of controlling the car exactly as you wish.

1) How the Purchase Came About

—The 911 Carrera S I Happened to See at the Dealer

I visited the dealer to purchase the first-generation 955 Cayenne S (MY2006, ordered September 2005 → delivered April 2006) as a fun and safe car for our family of five. At that time, I happened to notice a pre-ordered 911 Carrera S on display inside the showroom.
Until then, I had thought “Porsches are plain and rugged cars mainly for race enthusiasts,” so I wasn’t very interested in Porsche.

However, the 911 Carrera I saw was loaded with options, featured a soft blue natural leather interior, and—most importantly—had a manual transmission instead of Tiptronic. I had been interested in manuals since driving school but had never owned one. Seeing that 911 made me unable to suppress the desire to own it… After discussing with my wife, we decided on the spot to purchase both the Cayenne and the 911 Carrera S simultaneously.

—What Led to Buying the 911 GT3

Naturally, the 911 Carrera S was delivered before the ordered 955 Cayenne S (MY2006). As I drove the silver 911, I became completely captivated by its charm.
There was no other test car I had driven that felt so responsive, as if it were an extension of my own limbs. As my desire to drive grew stronger, I decided to purchase the GT3.

2) Options / Specifications

When purchasing the GT3, my basic policy was to avoid adding any options. For example, the Sport Chrono Package only adds a clock on the dashboard and does not change throttle response at all.

■ Body color (exterior): Black Metallic (my wife’s top pick)
■ Interior: Black (standard)
■ Folding carbon bucket seats
(Seats are made of fire-resistant material because I chose the roll cage option)
■ 5-point seat belts and onboard fire extinguisher
(Street versions have natural leather and do not include 5-point belts or fire extinguisher)
■ Clear-look tail lamps

3) Process Until Delivery

—Tentative Reservation Before the 997 Late Model Was Even Released

When I informed the dealer of my intention to buy the GT3, the 997 late model hadn’t even been released yet, so I made a tentative reservation for the 997.2 GT3. I believe it became possible to place an official order about a year later.
At that time, allocation was handled in order of reservation, so I completed the reservation around summer of the previous year without knowing the options. Those who wanted a bare model could finish their order at this stage, but since this was my first GT3, I waited for the option announcement and placed my order with selected options around autumn.
Delivery was in April the following year. I’ve heard that now, if there are many applicants, orders are decided by lottery. Those selected in the lottery gain the right to order.

〘Order to Delivery Timeline〙
April 2008: Tentative reservation
April 2009: Official reservation
September 2009: Option selection completed
April 2010: Delivery

4) Performance Impressions After Owning the 911 GT3

① Handling

Although the aero parts exist, the car’s exterior is basically the same as a standard 911, but once you drive it, you realize it’s a completely different vehicle.
The 997.2 GT3 introduced electronic control (PSM) not found in the 996 generation, faithfully executing the driver’s intentions. The safety-first predictive control seen in the 911 Carrera is implemented at an extremely high level.

This literally allows you to “drive exactly as you wish,” and the throttle and steering response speed and precision, with minimal play in a good way, are incomparable to the 911 Carrera. To put it dramatically, it feels like “turning at a right angle at high speed.” Conversely, if you want to drive normally, the 911 Carrera is definitely more comfortable.
The GT3 can be quite demanding, but even with all safety controls off, it seems to intervene in emergencies, so I believe it’s safe.

② Engine

The GT3’s engine is completely different from the 911 Carrera’s. It’s a GT3-exclusive engine with a GT1 crankcase. Also, from this generation, the displacement was increased from 3.6L to 3.8L, providing ample power.
Thanks to the rear-engine layout, rear grip is excellent, but because downforce is needed at high speeds, the larger rear wing is noticeable.

③ Brakes

Porsche is already top-notch in braking power, but the GT3 takes it to an even higher level. At the time, there were rumors about braking issues when starting to drive or in rain, so I deliberately did not choose PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes), but the two-piece hat-style brake rotors were excellent.

Owners of the 997.1 PCCB also said the two-piece hat-style rotors are easier to control. Thanks to the two-piece design, there’s no heat fade, and repeated braking from high speeds posed no problems.

④ Engine Sound

Because it has a flat-six engine, the engine sound is quite loud, whether you like it or not, but compared to Lamborghinis or Ferraris, it’s relatively subdued.

⑤ Driver-Car Unity

Although it’s bigger than older 911s, its size and weight allow you to drive it like an extension of your limbs once you get used to it. This is the car’s greatest charm. They call it “oneness of man and machine,” and that’s exactly right. The three essentials—accelerating, cornering, and braking—are achieved at a high level, perfectly reflecting driver skill.

⑥ Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is about 5–8 km/l, I think? That said, I rarely drive it in town and have never driven with fuel economy in mind. I have never driven it on a circuit; my main use is touring with friends or solo drives.

⑦ Low Ride Height

The front lip spoiler is low, so you have to be careful at convenience stores or gas stations, but you get used to it. Lifters are available if needed.

⑧ Daily Use

It is possible to use the GT3 daily, and some do, but if daily use is your main focus, the 911 Carrera is definitely easier to handle. The GT3 is a car that allows very little play in many ways. The ride comfort is not great, and my wife and kids rarely ride with me. If I had to choose only one car, I would pick the GT3.

5) Options I Definitely Want (or Have) When Buying a Porsche in the Future

Manual Transmission

Finally, the manual transmission returned with the 991.2. I fully understand that the PDK shifts faster and more accurately, but to enjoy the oneness of man and machine, I would choose the manual transmission without hesitation if buying a 992.

The 997.1 Carrera S I previously owned sometimes hesitated when shifting into first gear after stopping. Even after switching to a short-stroke kit, it persisted, and I got into the habit of shifting to second gear first, then to first. I believe it was an Aisin transmission.

The GT3’s transmission is completely different. It’s very short-throw and shifts smoothly, almost like it sucks the lever in. This is one of the reasons I can’t give it up. The clutch didn’t bother me even on a day trip from Osaka to Ise in Mie Prefecture (a friend who owns both a GT3 and BMW M3 said the BMW clutch is lighter). In fact, if it’s too light, timing is harder to get right, so this level of clutch weight is just right.

The shifts were smooth from new with no hesitation anywhere. My wife also drove it and didn’t say it was heavy; she said the clutch and shift were easier than the 997.1. There’s an old Porsche saying to start moving without revving the engine, smoothly engaging the clutch before pressing the accelerator, and this was very easy to do.

PCCB

The GT3 is fine as is, but since the PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes) has improved, I might add it.

Roll Cage

Recently, most GT3 owners seem to have street-spec cars, and even surprising models have appeared (like the 911 R and GT3 Touring Package, haha), but I will definitely choose a roll cage again next time.

6) Concerns

Because the air conditioning radiator differs from the 911 Carrera’s and is smaller, the AC doesn’t cool well in summer. Also, engine oil temperature quickly exceeds 120°C in traffic jams. But I think these are unavoidable.

7) Overall Evaluation

Knowing the True Nature of the 911 Carrera

The 911 Carrera, often called the symbol of Porsche, now has a wide model range, but all share the RR engine layout with 2+2 seating. It’s truly a versatile and excellent car that handles everything from city driving to long-distance touring, sports driving, and circuit use. The quirks of the RR layout remain but have gradually been overcome, making it no longer a car only for select drivers. Anyone with a driver’s license can enjoy ecstatic satisfaction and safety, and those who want the classic sharp driving feel will find the 911 Carrera fully capable.

About the GT3

Porsche trains all its models to master the three essentials of driving—accelerating, cornering, and braking—at a very high level.
Furthermore, the GT3 is the model that takes this mastery even higher, offering the joy of controlling the car exactly as you wish.

8) Bonus

About the 996 GT3

The RS designation disappeared from the 996 generation, but the 996 GT3 appeared for core fans. If you look into it a bit, you’ll see it’s a razor-sharp car. Designed for sports driving, it minimizes safety equipment to reduce weight and faithfully responds to the driver’s intentions. Although now considered an old-timer, the 996 GT3 still enjoys high popularity among some fans.

9) What Does Porsche Mean to You?

To me, Porsche is like “family.”

At this point, it’s a car I want to own at least one of. Including family-friendly models, it offers a strong sense of protection and peace of mind while driving.
The new Cayenne has been released, and its handling continues to evolve. Porsche is a brand I want to keep owning.

〘Administrator Mina’s Thoughts〙
I recently had the chance to ride in a GT3 (991.1) for the first time (as a passenger), and I was surprised by how comfortable it was. It’s an amazing car that lets you experience Porsche like no other I’ve ridden. cara-san and his wife are so cool driving the GT3 with a manual transmission. Thank you very much, cara-san, for sharing your insights!