{"id":37798,"date":"2020-04-13T06:00:26","date_gmt":"2020-04-12T21:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/?p=37798"},"modified":"2021-09-04T11:14:13","modified_gmt":"2021-09-04T02:14:13","slug":"gt3-long-time-no-drive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/gt3-long-time-no-drive\/","title":{"rendered":"Finally Getting the Hang of the Porsche 911 GT3!"},"content":{"rendered":"

My First Drive in the 911 GT3 in a While<\/h3>\n

The other day, I drove the Porsche 911 GT3 for the first time in a while. I hadn\u2019t driven since late last year due to morning sickness, and even after feeling better, I hadn\u2019t gotten behind the wheel\u2014so it was probably about six months since my last drive.<\/p>\n

In the past, just the thought of the GT3 intimidated me, and I couldn\u2019t drive it properly.<\/strong> Its power, its razor-sharp handling, and the delicate clutch control required at low speeds\u2026 so many aspects are completely different from a regular Porsche model, and I never felt like I could master it. I was just overwhelmed every time.<\/p>\n

But time has passed, and I can now drive the 981 Boxster GTS (MT) comfortably, and I drive my BMW 320i (MT) daily, so I wanted to believe that my manual driving skills have improved compared to before.<\/strong> With the kids looked after by my husband, I decided to take the GT3 out solo for the first time in a while.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Compared to the 981 Boxster GTS, the clutch on the late-model 911 GT3 is lighter. So I thought it would be easier to operate, but starting off, especially on hills, requires much more care than the Boxster.<\/strong> My husband said:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe GT3 has a racing engine, so it probably lacks low-end torque. It\u2019s not that it\u2019s hard to start, but compared to the Boxster, you need very delicate throttle and clutch control at low speeds.\u201d<\/p>\n

And that\u2019s exactly right.<\/p>\n

With the Boxster, the clutch engages quickly when starting, but if you try the same with the GT3, it almost stalls. You have to treat the clutch a bit more delicately, holding the bite point a moment longer.<\/strong><\/p>\n

So I thought city driving would require some care. I used to be nervous, but once you get the feel, there\u2019s really nothing to fear. This time, I didn\u2019t stall even once. (Not that that\u2019s something to brag about though, haha.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Shifting Up in the GT3<\/h3>\n

Since I had the chance, I decided to take the GT3 to the Royu Driveway. With the new coronavirus preventing hanami outings, I wanted to at least enjoy the cherry blossoms from inside the car. Following the correct manual driving method for the late 991 GT3 my husband taught me<\/a>,<\/p>\n

if you keep the throttle lightly pressed while shifting, it shifts up with a \u201cBashun!\u201d just like a PDK.<\/p>\n

I set out to practice and get the feel on Royu.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Manual driving really is all about getting used to it. I used to be so intimidated by the GT3, but this time I was able to drive it calmly. The Royu Driveway up to the Ashiya toll gate has narrow, tight curves, but why is the GT3\u2019s handling so precise?<\/p>\n

It still turns, and turns aggressively.<\/p>\n

Of course, the Boxster, Panamera, Cayman, and even the 911 GTS I recently drove all handle well and impress me every time, but the GT3 is on a whole other level\u2014so precise, it never drifts wide, and carves into corners aggressively.<\/strong> My husband often says, \u201cThe GT3 is telling you, \u2018You can still go further,\u2019\u201d and that\u2019s exactly how it feels. Every corner feels like the car is saying,<\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t all you\u2019ve got, you can still push harder! (Why in Kansai dialect though?)<\/span>\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a mysterious sense of unity with the car.<\/strong> Also, remembering what I learned at Porsche\u2019s driving school,<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen cornering, brace your left foot on the footrest, press your back into the seat, and turn the steering wheel by pushing with your arms,\u201d<\/p>\n

helped me corner even more smoothly and precisely.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m usually not good at cornering and often think, \u201cAh, I drifted wide again\u2026\u201d but even I found myself wishing, \u201cI wish these curves would just go on forever!\u201d<\/strong> because it felt so good.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

After passing the Ashiya toll gate, the road opens up with gentler straights and curves, so I tried the GT3\u2019s lightning-fast shifts. Keeping the throttle pressed normally (without lifting during shifts)<\/span> and focusing on quick clutch work, I heard a \u201cBashun!!!\u201d<\/strong> sound as it shifted up like a PDK paddle shift\u2026<\/p>\n

Amazing!!!<\/span><\/p>\n

I couldn\u2019t help but grin. I rolled down the window to feel the engine sound on my skin and tried it several times. Each time, the \u201cBashun!!! Bashun!!!\u201d<\/strong> shift sounds reminded me of the Porsches I heard in the PCCJ races.<\/p>\n

After that, I just couldn\u2019t stop smiling. I\u2019m sure drivers in oncoming cars were thinking, \u201cWhat\u2019s with that person grinning like crazy?\u201d<\/strong> but it was just so fun and exciting.<\/p>\n

Differences from the 981 Boxster<\/h3>\n

I love the 981 Boxster GTS too and often drive it on Royu, but I realized the Boxster and GT3 offer completely different kinds of enjoyment.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Boxster is a convertible with a naturally aspirated engine and an amazing exhaust note, so it\u2019s a car that lets you enjoy driving with all your senses\u2014wind, sound, and scenery.<\/strong> Its handling is precise and rhythmic, making every drive a happy experience.<\/p>\n

The GT3, on the other hand, being a racing car, feels like a car that pursues the pure joy of driving itself.<\/strong> Its performance is almost intimidating, and you can feel the passion of Porsche\u2019s engineers. You have to face it seriously and hone your skills to truly enjoy driving the GT3.<\/p>\n

This time, I finally felt the joy of driving the GT3, but I know this is just the beginning.<\/strong> I\u2019m sure there\u2019s an even more exciting world waiting as I keep exploring.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Since it was a weekday, traffic was light, but when I saw cars ahead, I slowed down and kept a good distance. I don\u2019t like being tailgated, so I try not to make others feel that way.<\/p>\n

But with the GT3\u2019s aggressive front end and intense presence, every car I passed gave way with their hazard lights on. I felt grateful and a bit sorry for making them go out of their way, and thanked them with my own hazard lights as I drove by.<\/p>\n

After some driving and taking photos at my usual rest spot, I decided to head home early. I\u2019m pregnant, after all, and with everything going on, I wanted to go straight back. But on the way home, I glanced at the Higashi Rokko Observatory. The air was clear, the view was stunning, and traffic was light, so I stopped by for a bit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"
\n(I could even clearly see Abeno Harukas)<\/span><\/p>\n

When I parked, two young guys quickly came over and said,<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that a GT3?! It looks so cool! And it\u2019s a left-hand drive manual?! Did you just get it? That color is awesome!\u201d<\/p>\n

Their way of speaking was so youthful\u2026 it was heartwarming, haha.<\/p>\n

We chatted briefly, and I realized the 911 GT3 is truly a dream car among young car enthusiasts.<\/strong> I feel so lucky to be able to drive such a car. I need to thank my husband even more.<\/p>\n

Since I couldn\u2019t stay long, I said goodbye to the young guys and headed home.<\/p>\n

Descending the hill, I lifted the front carefully to avoid scraping and drove cautiously. As I got closer to residential areas, traffic increased and there were more traffic lights, making driving the GT3 a bit more demanding.<\/p>\n

I thought, \u201cIf only I could take the GT3 on the highway and drive through Tohoku or Koshinetsu\u2026 It\u2019s impossible for now, but once things settle down, I definitely want to make that happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Back home, I excitedly told my husband, \u201cWow! The GT3 is amazing! I finally enjoyed driving it!!! It really is in a league of its own. No wonder it costs so much\u2026\u201d<\/strong> He replied,<\/p>\n

\u201cRight? (laughs) You finally get it! It\u2019s a bit challenging to master because it\u2019s a manual, but the thrill when the GT3 opens its heart to you is incredible.<\/strong> The PDK version might be easier, but the GT3 Touring, which only comes in manual, is a hardcore Porsche that pursues pure driving pleasure, not lap times.<\/strong> The joy of mastering it is on another level. Also, since I understood how amazing this GT3 is, I lost interest in high-power or top-tier models. If you want overall speed, this is enough, and this car is all I need.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Porsche models each have their own unique charm, and every one offers a different thrill. It\u2019s truly deep. If I were to buy a Porsche myself, I\u2019d love to try a 911T\u2026 though I guess there\u2019s no manual option for that\u2026 just daydreaming these days.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"My First Drive in the 911 GT3 in a While The other day, I drove the Porsche 911 GT3 for the first time in a while. I hadn\u2019t driven since late last year due to morning sickness, and even after feeling better, I hadn\u2019t gotten behind the wheel\u2014so it was probably about six months since my last drive. In the past, just the thought of the GT3 intimidated me, and I couldn\u2019t drive it properly....","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":17766,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_locale":"en_US","_original_post":"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/?p=17758"},"categories":[72,30],"tags":[183,201,232],"yoast_head":"Finally Getting the Hang of the Porsche 911 GT3! - \u30dd\u30eb\u30b7\u30a7\u304c\u308f\u304c\u5bb6\u306b\u3084\u3063\u3066\u304d\u305f - \u30aa\u30fc\u30ca\u30fc\u30ba\u30d6\u30ed\u30b0<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"My husband bought a manual Porsche 911 GT3 Touring almost a year ago. 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