Even in uncompromising sports cars, smooth driving behaviour is important in contributing to better handling and improved everyday usability. For this reason, Porsche has redesigned the bump stops of the suspension struts on the new 911 GT3. Shorter bump stops extend the spring travel on the front axle by 27 mm and on the rear axle by 24 mm. This reduces wheel-load fluctuations and the directional behaviour of the tyres, which is particularly noticeable on faster undulating stretches of motorway or when driving over kerbs or bumpy sections on the race track.
For the first time, Porsche is using special aerodynamically designed wishbones on the front suspension of the 911 GT3. The principle originates from the track-proven 911 GT3 RS. With an aerodynamic teardrop-shaped profile, the lower wishbones optimise air movement in the wheel housings, which are subject to powerful airflows. In this way, they reduce lift and direct the air to the front brakes for cooling.
The new 911 GT3 has also adopted the anti-dive system from the 911 GT3 RS: the front ball joint of the lower control arm is set lower on the front axle of the 911 GT3 RS. This gives the control arm a steeper angle. When braking, this generates torque that counteracts the suspension compression, which significantly reduces pitching motion.
Brakes and wheels
The size of the brakes on the Porsche 911 GT3 is in line with its high performance level and its role as a road-legal track tool. The standard brake system consists of brake discs with a diameter of 408 mm on the front axle and 380 mm on the rear axle. The system features cast-iron brake discs aluminium brake callipers.
As usual at Porsche, ceramic brakes are also available as an option. They are characterised by their high thermal load capacity and low mass: the brake discs have a weight about half that of comparable cast-iron discs. The resulting reduction in unsprung mass significantly improves the driving dynamics. The brake discs of the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) measure 410 mm at the front and 390 mm at the rear.
The Porsche 911 GT3 is fitted with forged centre-lock alloy wheels as standard (20 inches on the front, 21 inches at the rear). They are available in a total of six colour choices. The lightweight forged magnesium wheels of the same dimensions, which are included in the Lightweight Package and available as an option for the Weissach Package, are offered in four colour choices. This wheel option saves a total of nine kilograms compared to the standard wheels.
Porsche ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyres are fitted as standard; 255/35 ZR 20 on the front axle and 315/30 ZR 21 on the rear. They guarantee a high level of driving stability, including while cornering, as well as optimal grip and improved driving behaviour in wet conditions compared to the previous model. Special road-legal track tyres are also available. A special tyre compound and slick-like tread design further improve grip on dry roads. The tyres can be ordered from the range of official Porsche Accessories.
