Porsche has launched a drop-top version of the 911 GT3 for the first time – and the firm’s bosses claim it handles identically to the fixed-roofed version.
Called the 911 GT3 S/C, the new cabriolet is effectively the seventh iteration of the 911 Speedster, but instead of being a limited-run model like that line of cars, the £200,500 GT3 S/C will be a permanent fixture in the line-up alongside the GT3 coupé.
GT division boss Andreas Preuninger told Autocar that Porsche has “wanted to do this GT3 cabriolet since the 997” but it has never had the capacity. However, with GT3 RS production ending, “now is the time”.
The S/C uses the GT3 4.0-litre flat six tuned to deliver 503bhp. That is 15bhp down on the S/T due to new emissions hardware, but by retaining the 992.2-generation GT3’s RS-spec camshaft, it still spins to 9000rpm.
The GT3 S/C is sold exclusively with the GT3’s close-ratio manual gearbox, with Porsche positioning the car “for the guys and girls who just go out to drive”, said Preuninger. He added: “That’s why it’s manual only, because manual gearboxes matter for drivers.”
He said the electrically folding roof makes the S/C much easier to live with than the manual roof traditionally fitted to a Speedster. “It’s for those who want something that’s Speedster-ish but with an automatic top, which is why I like to call it the ‘Cabster’. It’s going to be more useful for British drivers when the weather changes fast!” said Preuninger.
At 1497kg, the GT3 S/C is just 28kg heavier than the GT3 coupé and 32kg heavier than 2019’s 991-gen Speedster, but much of that is because of the electric roof mechanism.
Weight has been saved via carbonfibre-reinforced plastic panels for the bonnet, front wings and doors, while carbon-ceramic brakes are fitted as standard and the 911’s rear seats have been removed.
Ultimately, the weight difference to the GT3 coupé is small enough that the S/C has identical spring and damper rates. It is also fitted with staggered 20in and 21in magnesium wheels, and rear-steer geometry.
The GT3 S/C dispatches 0-62mph in an identical 3.9sec to the GT3 coupé manual and top speed rises 1mph to 194mph, mainly because the S/C’s lack of rear wing makes it sleeker.
