Vehicle: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 with sport bucket seats
Price as tested: CDN$142180
Performance: A race car based on the world’s iconic sports car isn’t easy, having one improved an already wonderful one is an even tougher task. The latest GT3 is such a beast, as it already improved on the successful formula that can be race on Sunday and equally drivable on Monday. The subject of our test drive. Porsche’s latest 911 GT3.
GT3′s powertrain is a honey of an engine, as it builds in Porsche Motorsport’s Zufferhensen assembly line. Unlike other Porsche, GT3 doesn’t receive DFI, what Porsche stands for direct fuel injection and DPK direct shift gearbox. However, GT3 already have 435 horses with torque up to 317 lb/f of torque in this water-cooled flat 6 engine. The result is nothing less than astouishing. Given GT3′s race car status, 317 lb/ft of torque arrives at 6250 rpm means lots of high revving music to be heard from this flat 6 motor. Not only does Porsche’s flat-6 music is entertaining, it also has that typical Teutonic sound that is so solid and understated without sounding rude. Putting 317 lb/ft of torque and 435hp through the rear-wheels with a sweet 6-speed manual gearbox. The clutch has perfect weight and feel, the blip point is absolutely perfect. The 6-speed manual has to be the best gearbox I have ever driven. The throws are short and linkage is clear. Gates are perfectly defined with typical Porsche solidty. Something one has to experienced to be truly appreciate. Everything else from the level of refinement to the flexability are up to Porsche’s world-leading standard. GT3 just brings a notch or so higher.
Handling: If the standard 911 Carrera already a wonderful sports car to begin with, GT3 is a completely different beast. This car just eats the racetrack for lunch. Combined with the usual ingredients like a wonderfully stiff chassis, Porsche Active Suspension Management and Porsche Stability Management. The GT3 handles like its on rail on a racetrack. The steering is surgically precise. Its like the road feels right on top of your palm with each road surface. You can feel every roughness and bumps whenever you pushed GT3 through the twisties. Body rolls are almost non-existence whenever you pushed. The cornering is flat at any speeds. With GT3′s latest rear differential, its tail is easy to get out with even better control. That makes for an even smoother and cleaner tail-out whenever a driver pushed it out of a corner. While the ride quality feels a bit harsh on daily driving, its by no means unbearable even on those rough roads. The suspension is surprisingly compliant on all the roughness and patholes. But leave it to the racetrack, the stiff suspension is perfect with the superb rebound damping characteristics. 997 GT3′s ride quality is much more civilized than 996 GT3, in relative speaking. But if you are looking for a more comfortable ride comfort with close to GT3′s performance, Turbo might be more up to your liking as a daily driver.
Brakes: Porsche’s brakes have always been unparalleled in the automotive world. Latest GT3 just take it to yet another level. The large 6 pot brakes with Porsche Ceramic Composite mean GT3 stops on a dime even at an alarming rates of speed. The stopping distance is short. Pedal feel and modulation are nothing short of amazing. Even after lots of harsh high-speed stops, it remains fade-free. ABS only activates at the right time.
Interior: Inside the GT3, its all race car environment. Those sport bucket seats simply hug all the right places without feeling confining. All the instrumentation gauges and climate control are logically placed for easy access. Materials are up to Porsche’s high standards. There are plenty of soft plastic and Alcantara on the dashboard and door panels.
Conclusion: The new GT3 has shown how you can improved a breed. DFI has made GT3 an even more efficient race car than already is. All have done without losing Porsche’s racing spirits and soul. In a nutshell, what a test drive to remember. 
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Porsche 911 GT3
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5