Update! Just made a video.


I'm relatively new to posting on 6speedonline but I've been a long time Porsche enthusiast and owner.

I finally own my dream car, a 997.1 GT3 and I've had it for about a week.

I am in love. Truly madly deeply. Despite the epic internet hype the 997 GT3 is the first car I've owned where the driving experience not only lives up to its lofty expectations but actually surpasses them. The clutch is herculean and the shifter is stiff and soon my left leg and right arm will be disproportionate in sizes. But I don't care. This car is uncompromising, unapologetic and most importantly, prioritizes feel above all else. The steering sends so much information through my arms they are practically hardwired to the front axle. This is exactly the kind of hyper-alive old school steering feel that has become lost with modern electric power steering (991 included). The chassis communicates in a way that not only embraces the classic and flawed 911 sense of balance, but also allows me to minutely adjust its cornering attitude by pressing on or lifting off the throttle. I can rail corners while keeping the horizon completely level but unlike modern high performance cars that are at least equally proficient, the GT3 keeps me deeply involved in its conversation and is happy to steer with the throttle. The 3.6L mezger engine is not only a tool to motivate and balance the chassis, but a musical instrument to delight my soul. Under every overpass and inside every tunnel, the need to blip two downshifts and mash the throttle is instinctive and impossible to overcome. In those fine moments where the chassis is loaded up, the steering is alive and I'm dancing on the throttle and brakes and clutch the way a soccer player dances with a ball, I am utterly lost in its driving experience. If there ever was enlightenment in the automotive world, then the GT3 is it. This is the car I've been searching for my entire life.

P.S. I'm selling the FVD Exhaust that came off my car. Putting everything on the car back to stock because that's how I like things.

FYI: Previous P-cars: 987 Cayman S, 996.1 Cabrio, 997.1 C4S, all manual transmissions. In the pictures the black wheels/PCCB car is mine, the silver wheels car belongs to my best buddy. He got his about a year ago and I've been searching for one ever since. After years of driving similar enthusiast cars at different times, we finally have matching rides!

FYI 2: Somewhat related, I drove some 991s a couple years ago and made a video. If you're interested here it is below. I think I prefer the 997 GT3 over any 991 thus far. However, I haven't driven the 991 GT3 but I will get to soon. Will report back when I have some seat time with the 991 GT3 and how it compares.

 

Congrats bro! It looks freakin awesome.

 

Also - is it just me, or why does your GT3's front look more "elongated" (I guess?) than your friend's?

 

Thanks!

I think it's a combination of Barrel distortion of the camera lens and also the angle of the photo.

 

Very well stated...I can only agree that it's a true dream car for me too!

 

I remember watching your videos in the past - great work!

Hoping you'll make something similar in regards to the GT3 - and congrats on finding your dream car. It's a really astonishing piece of automotive artwork.

 

Congrats on acquiring your GT3 ! Gotta love 'em.

 

Your wish is my command. I've just updated the post with a video review! Check it out!

 

Great video! Thought of my first day real drive with mine in the rain and mud when I took delivery at the Canada/US border here two years ago in March (in face there she is just off the truck in my avatar!). I can't agree more as far as the unique and rewarding experience of owning and driving this version of the GT3.
Look forward to seeing your next videos about it and the comparisons with the new 991 version.

 

Welcome to the 997 GT3 Club! Had a 996 GT3 and sure the 991 GT3 is nice in it's own right. Having that said, my 997.1 RS is a keeper. In fact, have enjoyed several road trips to Vancouver BC in it. Enjoy.

 

Awesome!!!

Shared with the fellas during lunch yesterday - love hearing your comparisons and thoughts on these cars - congrats again on the dream realized

- Jason

 

Great video Sam, I'm from Vancouver too!

 

Great review and congratulations on purchasing your dream car!

 

Maybe you could you tell us a little bit about the history of your car and your search process? These stories are always fun.

 

I have to ask. If you dream car is a GT3 why is your name Rosso Corsa