Why the GT3 and the Nürburgring are matches made in heaven The Nürburgring, that fearsome, technical, deadly German racetrack. A track with unforgiving turns, twists, and elevations designed to truly test a car’s speed, handling, and durability. For the last decade, many manufacturers have made it their goal to conquer the legendary “Green Hell”. A true German Icon. The Porsche 911 GT3, the most beloved version of the world’s most beloved sports car. For 25 years, this lightened, stiffened, high-revving, Flat-6 weapon has proved itself capable of giving any Ferrari, McLaren, Lamborghini or equivalently more costly rival a run for its money. Another German Icon. For the last decade or so, Porsche has developed most of its cars, particularly GT3 variants, at the Nordschleife. To many petrolheads and car enthusiasts, nothing is more pleasurable and natural than seeing a GT3 happily dart its way across the fearsome ring. This legendary car and this iconic track truly go hand in hand. Latest GT3 spotted: Set to break its own record Recently, footage has revealed the recently unveiled a shark blue 992.2 GT3 sprinting around the Nürburgring. This 4.0L, 503hp, 9000 rpm, naturally aspirated Flat-6, lightweight, point-and-squirt screamer is a giant middle finger to the whole current automotive world of heavy, dreary, and dull EVs. GT3s have long made a history of setting new lap records around the Green Hell. The most recent variant, the 992.1 made history, being the first GT3 to break the sub-7 minute barrier. With a time of 6:55.34, it was a whopping 17.4 seconds faster than the previous 991.2. This was due to a 10-horsepower advantage and far more active aerodynamics. So, what time will this 992.2 variant set? Well, to understand that, let’s first look at the upgrades this car brings over the 992.1. Unlike previous GT3s we don’t have an increase in power, torque or even top speed. In fact, most of the changes are minimal. A shorter gear ratio, suspension components from both the previous GT3 RS and S/T models, slight tweaks to the aero and the fact this car is now available with a Weissach Package. This includes carbon fibre reinforced being used extensively around the car, saving a respectable 10kg. When combined, these little changes can make a big difference. Porsche describes the new GT3 as the most “emotional” and “innovative” variant in history. This new one will undoubtedly be even sharper, more responsive and more tactful than its predecessor. All of which makes a big difference on the “Green Hell” circuit. Undoubtedly, the new GT3 will be faster than its predecessor around the “Ring”. By how much is unknown, but given these changes at least five or six around, relatively under the 6:49 second barrier. With a wish of luck, the car could potentially challenge the GT3 RS, 6:44.89 and enter the Top 5. We’ll just have to wait and see. End of an Era Regardless, seeing this car sprint across the Nürburgring is a reminder that the world of the petrolhead is ending. With emission stringencies, eco-mentalists, and the obsession with EVs, lightweight, high-revving, driver-thrilling cars like this will soon be assigned to the history books. Porsche says they can work around the problem, but undoubtedly the next GT3 will undergo some significant changes that will likely remove its naturally aspirated race-derived Flat-6. So as it races round the ring and that Flat-6 wails, it’s a reminder that soon this perfect recipe will come to an end. But for now, it’s here, it’s alive and it’s in its natural home. The Porsche GT3 and the Nürburgring, the perfect car on the perfect track. The ultimate duo of German Icons. Source: CarSpyMedia
