Porsche has unveiled its new Porsche 911 GT3 with Touring Package at the 67th International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany. Instead of the fixed rear wing, when equipped with the Touring Package, the GT3 will have an adaptive rear spoiler similar to that of the 911 Carrera models. The 4.0 liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine develops 500 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque. The 911 GT3 with Touring Package sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 196 miles per hour. The Touring Package will be available exclusively with the 6 speed manual transmission.

The name “Touring Package” harkens back to the 1973 911 Carrera RS. The very pure 911 design and classic interior features were key elements of this model. The new 911 GT3 when equipped with the Touring Package follows the same concept, and retains the two-seater arrangement of the 911 GT3. Apart from Alcantara-covered interior fittings, almost all 911 GT3 options are also available in combination with the Touring Package. This includes all available exterior colors, wheel choices, the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system, the front axle lift system, LED headlights, three seat options, and the Sport Chrono Package.

With the exception of the rear spoiler, the body of the GT3 with the optional Touring Package remains unchanged. Like the other GT3 models, it is based upon the body of the 911 Carrera 4 model, which is 1.7 inches (44 millimeters) wider at the rear wheel arches. It sits about one inch (25 millimeters) lower than the 911 Carrera S. It also has large air intakes in the specially designed front fascia, as well as the air intake that is typical of the 911 GT3 model, located in front of the luggage compartment lid. In contrast to the other GT3 models, the front turn signal lenses and the taillights are not tinted. The 911 GT3 with Touring Package has forged center lock alloy wheels with 245/35 ZR 20 tires on nine-inch wide wheels at the front and 305/30 ZR 20 tires on twelve-inch wide wheels in the rear.

The powertrain and chassis are identical on all 911 GT3’s with manual transmission, including models equipped with the Touring Package. The naturally aspirated 4.0 liter flat-six engine is taken from the 911 RSR and 911 GT3 Cup race cars. It is the most powerful naturally aspirated flat-six direct-injection engine that Porsche has ever developed for a street-legal car. The engine is characterized by its high-revving nature. The crankshaft spins at up to 9,000 revolutions per minute, which is truly extraordinary, even for a sports car engine.

The gear ratios of the six gears are precisely tuned to the power delivery and torque curve of the engine and offer particularly sporty shifting characteristics. An automatic rev-match feature delivers an exciting sound on downshifts. This function is activated via the “Sport” button on the center console, which enables a faster synchronization of the gears. The GT Sport manual transmission transfers the power to a mechanical rear differential lock with brake-based torque vectoring (PTV).

The subtle differences in the Porsche GT3 model when it is equipped with the Touring Package are primarily visible at the rear. The automatically extending rear spoiler from the 911 Carrera models is equipped with an aerodynamic lip or “Gurney Flap” which is finished in body color. The specially designed rear decklid grille has a new “GT3 touring” logo. Other distinguishing features include side window surrounds, Sport Exhaust tailpipes, and headlight washer system covers which are finished in silver, as well as the Porsche logo at the rear. With the further available “Touring Package – Exterior in Black” option, these elements are finished in black, as on other 911 GT3 models. In this case, the front turn signal lenses and the taillights are tinted.

The interior creates the feel of a classic sports car with a manual transmission. In line with the character of a GT car, leather is prevalent rather than Alcantara, which is used in other GT3 models. The steering wheel rim with twelve o’clock marker, shift lever, door panel armrests, center console storage compartment lid and interior door handles are upholstered in smooth-finish leather. The seat centers are made of black fabric. The headrests feature embossed Porsche crests and all seams in the partial leather interior are sewn in black thread. The finishing touch to the interior is black brushed aluminum trim.

In addition to the basic layout, the chassis also boasts superior handling characteristics, thanks predominantly to the standard active rear-axle steering. Depending upon the vehicle’s speed, it steers either in the opposite or the same direction as the front wheels, thereby improving the vehicle’s agility or stability. The size of the tires on both axles promote strong braking, sharp turn-in, and excellent traction.

In addition to Porsche Communication Management (PCM), including an online navigation module with real-time traffic information, every 911 GT3 model includes as standard equipment the Connect Plus module and the Porsche Track Precision app. This app enables the driver to display, record, and analyze detailed driving data on their smartphone.

The Touring Package option is now available to order and is expected to reach dealerships in early 2018. Canadian MSRP is $163,300.