[Paul_Heery]

From Car & Driver:

The Daily Auto Insider
Ultrahigh Performance 911 GT3 Coming
December 20, 2002

Porsche says it will introduce an "ultra high performance" version of its 911 Carrera coupe in the spring of 2003. The new model, named the 911 GT3, is the most powerful non-turbocharged Porsche ever offered for street use in the United States and Canada, Porsche said in a press release.

Based on the previous 911 GT3 that was not available in North America, the 2003 Porsche 911 GT3 uses a 3.6-liter, flat-six cylinder engine producing 380 horsepower (SAE) and 285 pound-feet of torque. To handle this increased power, the 911 GT3's transmission is fitted with transmission oil cooling and injection oil lubrication and has undergone some additional reinforcements.
Porsche says the 911 GT3 will run from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, from 0 to 100 mph in 9.4 seconds, and hit a top speed of 190 mph.

The 911 GT3 has a unique rear wing that is largely responsible for excellent directional stability at high speeds and increased downforce for fast cornering. Combining a redesigned front apron, the GT3 achieves a drag coefficient of 0.30.
The GT3's handling is further enhanced by a sports suspension, wider and lighter wheels, and wider tires. Front wheels are 8 1/2 inches wide fitted with 235/40 ZR 18 tires, and rear wheels are 11 inches wide with 295/30 ZR 18 tires.

Brakes on the GT3 have been improved as well. Front brakes now use six-piston, rather than the previous four-piston monobloc brake calipers and larger discs fitted with Porsche-patented cooling ducts. The ABS brake system was also modified. The new system (ABS 5.7) has a faster and more sensitive control response. It is also lightweight and provides greater stability for ABS braking. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) discs, standard on the 911 GT2, can be fitted on request.
Priced at $99,900 in the United States, the 2003 Porsche 911 GT3 will go on sale in May 2003.