I was on the fence purchasing my GT3 and took delivery on the 7th of December and thought maybe another review from a normal car guy might be of benefit.
To start off I thought I would give a little history as our past experiences often influence our perceptions.
I started driving at the age of 14, off road and plowing snow after my 16th birthday; now over 60.I have operated many different types of vehicles from motorcycles, to airplanes, ski boats and 56ft cabin cursers.I grew up driving in the mountains with snow in the winters.Formal training included Skip Barger class and a day with an instructor at Millbrook in a DB9.I have driven most models of Porsche’s and owned a RS 60 with ceramics.I have also driven several exotics and owned a DB9.
So here is my review.Note that my car has ceramics so the ride will be affected due to 40 + lb less in un-sprung weight.Start up was just like other 911 and I did not notice any difference in idle smoothness.In drive the clutch take up seems more like my friends 2010 997 C4S.Not quite as seamless, for lack of a better word as the 991s.
First thing I did notice was a clank over a couple of bumps, sounded like someone left a couple of pieces of rod iron lying in the back.Looked in the back and found nothing so continued with thought to take back to dealer to see if something was loose.First off I have driven past GT3s and this one is similar in highway noise above 60.Quite loud so as I thought I found stereo mostly adding to the noise so left off for the 130 miles to my home.My plan is to use mostly in the mountains where I live with maybe 2 track days a year.Note that if you want a car to make trips with your wife you may want to look at another model, however probably a couple of hundred dollars and 15 lb of insulation placed over the rear fenders and floor will fix this.Most noise is from road noise as volume decreases dramatically with smooth road surface.
Enough with the criticisms.Transmission seams very good in auto mode but does shift very soon, however it did not feel clunky in anyway.Shifts to first when coming to a stop can be felt but nothing dramatic.The noise I heard after first couple of bumps seemed to go away once I hit the freeway and did not notice every on bumpy roads on the way home???
First surprise was the ride.Quite firm due to higher spring rate but shocks somehow take all harshness away and while firm feels very smooth and silky.Even over rough payment car never felt uncomfortable, in fact I can’t say enough about how good the ride and compliance is.Very much unexpected.I personally think it rides better than 991S with sport suspension, just firmer.Over rough pavement the wheels stay in full contact pavement so traction is very good with no skipping during maneuvering.I will mention hyway steering as this thing seems to be the first car I can point toward the end of the road and just seems to go there and is not affected by slope of the road.(Strange in a good way)
Throttle was also noticeable, as the spring rate if higher than anything else I have driven so I found myself backing off the throttle on the freeway and slipping down to 60.I have driven many cars and this is the first one that seemed to need my attention to keep speed up, on the freeway.I did try cruise control but would only leave on for minute or so as I never run one during break in.Once in the turns throttle feels just right.
I took a detour over a windy section of road that I know well for 15 miles.Found myself saying out loud, OH MY GOD.This thing on winding road is just unbelievable.Steering and suspension loading, weight transfer from wheel to wheel is just unbelievable.The feedback communication from all areas is like nothing I have experienced so confidence comes with the first turn.Running the engine around 3 K venturing to just over 4 and the sound is superb.Any thought of noise on the highway completely disappears as all the sounds just makes since in this environment.While breaks are perfect I almost did not use them as any acceleration would send me too far over the speed limit.In fact this thing is so easy to drive fast in this environment you will really have to watch yourself on the road.
Last 3 mile stretch from home is on rough pavement, fixed pothole type with one 25 to 35 MPH turn after another.Can run though it all at about 60.By the way I like to drive up to about the 75% range and always stay within comfortable limits for me.
A lot of other things have been written so this is just my opinion for your thought.Overall I am thrilled with the car.

 

Nice review. beautiful build.


If anything, I have problems keeping the speed and rpms down during the break in.

 

That is a sick ride. Making my wait even harder.

 

Great review. I am up to 560 miles on my GT3 now, love it!

 

Glad you are enjoying the car. Great color and I really like the interior.

 

Great review and I like the spec on your car.

 

Great review Sloopy! The car is a real beauty

 

gorgeous in red

 

I thought long and hard about the red. I am not one who seeks attention with my cars. I like to drive and enjoy them and am willing to be open to other enthusiast but am shy with the general public. I was after white with the red stitching, but when I saw that a dealer had one available in build I decided to accept the red as it does look great. The red gages which I would never of ordered just pulls it all together.


Just need to ware a big droopy hat and dark sunglasses.

 

The red will definitely attract attention but it's ok, it's not like yellow or anything. You get used to it and will love the red...it just pops

Here's mine



I'm totally there with you on your review. Already having a turbo s I didn't expect to have the same OMG moment. I was shocked that the GT3 was that different from my turbo s.

Jeff

 

That interior is un-real. Congrats and enjoy the car, look forward to more pictures and impressions!