Flaunting a huge rear wing, giant air intakes, and fender-filling wheels and tires, there's no mistaking the Porsche 911 GT3 for anything but the track-ready racer it is. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS turns up the wick with further performance and visual enhancements. Last but certainly not least, the low-volume Porsche 911 Speedster is essentially a convertible version of the excellent GT3. Every GT3 interpretation possesses a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six that makes between 500 and 520 horsepower as it shrieks to a 9000-rpm redline. Its rear-mounted engine drives the back wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or an optional six-speed manual. The automatic GT3 we tested went from zero to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds while the manual version we tested needed another 0.5 second. Both teleported down the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds or less, posted up to 1.11 g's on our 300-foot skidpad, and stopped from 70 mph in as little as 141 feet. The 2019 GT3 RS we tested was quicker, gripped harder (1.24 g's), and stopped shorter (126 feet). Despite these racecar-like numbers and its sharper handling, the GT3 RS was just as comfortable to drive as the lesser GT3, which is surprisingly compliant.
Every model benefits from near telepathic steering and more body control than a professional belly dancer. To put it simply, the GT3 lineup improves on the already fabulous 991.2-generation Porsche 911 (not to be confused with the all-new 992 generation). Inside the GT3's high-visibility cabin is the 911's familiar styling, which includes a simplistic dashboard and an iconic gauge cluster with five circular modules. While the regular 911 can theoretically seat four, the GT3 removes the rear jump seats to save weight. The standard front sport seats have power adjustments, but the optional carbon-fiber full buckets weigh less and support more. These upgraded thrones are standard on the GT3 RS, but they can be swapped for the more adjustable seats at no cost. Of course, the GT3 can be personalized with countless options. And for those unimpressed by the non-RS's rear wing, it can be deleted with the Touring package.
Porsche Cars North America today announced several enhancements to its European Delivery Program. The revised experience provides customers the opportunity to purchase their new Porsche vehicle from Beverly Hills Porsche in Los Angeles and take delivery of their new car at their choice of one of the automaker's two German factories. The program is now offered at no additional charge to our customers and includes access to discounted airfare and hotel accommodations. Upon arrival in Germany, guests are provided with complimentary transportation from the airport to either Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, where the iconic 911, Boxster and Cayman sports cars are manufactured, or to Leipzig where the Cayenne SUV and Panamera Sport Sedans are produced. The customer can choose either location, regardless of the model purchased. Both locations offer a factory tour, allowing guests to see first-hand how a Porsche automobile is created. For owners that choose Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, entry into the Porsche Museum is provided, where more than a half-century of Porsche sports and race car evolution is on display. Owners that choose the Leipzig factory will have the opportunity to drive a number of different Porsche models on the Test Track or test the capabilities of a Cayenne SUV off-road.
Upon arrival at the factory, owners are presented with the keys to their new Porsche, after a thorough presentation of their vehicle by a trained expert in an exclusive setting. Special photographic opportunities exist using either the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart or the "Porsche Diamond," the main building at Leipzig, as a backdrop. Guests are then able enjoy their new factory-fresh Porsche on the winding roads and autobahns of the region. The program allows guests to tour Europe, or stay in Germany for up to two weeks to explore the cities and countryside that inspired Porsche's unique design and exhilarating performance. The comprehensive program, which started February 1st, 2012, includes factory delivery and all associated activities including temporary insurance, registration and winter tire usage (if needed. Shipment to the U.S. Further information is available at Beverly Hills Porsche. Beverly Hills Porsche is an authorized factory dealership of Porsche cars, SUVs, accessories, parts and merchandise. Centrally located to all of Los Angeles, we aim to be a complete lifestyle destination for all Porsche owners and fans!
The Porsche Boxster has been around since the 1990s, but the little 2-seater went into its fourth generation in 2017 with many changes. Trims include the base Boxster, the mid-range Boxster S, and the Boxster GTS. The base Boxster makes 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, while the Boxster S bumps things up to 350 hp and 309 lb-ft of torque. The range-topping GTS trim, meanwhile, makes a whopping 365 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. The base trim features a power-folding soft top, well-bolstered seats, a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, and high-quality fit and finish. Options include Apple CarPlay, navigation, a better Burmester stereo, wood or carbon-fiber trim for the dashboard, and several different seat types and upholsteries. The S trim comes with 19-inch wheels and drivers can opt for a lower ride height and torque vectoring. The GTS features the Sport Chrono package along with 20-inch wheels and a slightly lower ride height. The Boxster hasn鈥檛 been crash tested, and it comes with few standard safety features, including a reversing camera. The Boxster is an ideal weekend sports car. Properly equipped, it can also be a capable track-day toy. It competes with equally fun 2-seaters like the BMW Z4. Since 2012, Andrew Newton has been writing about cars both old and new. Andrew has been an associate editor at Sport Car Digest as well as a contributor to sites like BoldRide and JamesEdition. He was also the Education Manager at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, MA before becoming the Auction Editor at Hagerty Classic Car Insurance. He currently splits his time behind the wheel between his NA Miata, 1994 Corvette, and Triumph TR6.