This Porsche 911 Is Both A Beautiful GT And A Track-Hungry Speedster
Fast and furious.
If you’re in the market for a Porsche 911 GT3 Touring, you’ve definitely made some good choices in life. This more sophisticated version of the iconic, track-hungry 911 GT3 stands apart first by shedding its humongous wing.
Wings come in all shapes and sizes, and the downforce-blessing wing of the 911 GT3 is massive enough get noticed. Porsche recognized a serious market for people who wanted all the bang and buzz of a race-bred vehicle but without such dramatic performance bits, so the 991.2 GT3 Touring was born in 2017.
Fast forward to 2023, and the timeless teardrop shaped silhouette of the 911 has become immediately recognizable in its own right. To solidify it as the Touring model, Porsche stripped the swan neck off the rear, streamlining the look and highlighting the pure essence of the 911’s classic design.
This subtle yet impactful change allows the Touring model to stand out, while still staying true to the original spirit and heritage that has come to define the 911 family.
The front end of the 911 GT3 Touring brings the familiar low-splitter flanked by aggressive air intakes and nostrils cut deep into the lid. The same center-locking 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels dress up the Touring as they do the GT3, while the exterior, a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic hood covers the flat-six engine.
On the inside, the Touring benefits from more detailed, perforated leather on the contact surfaces. Many elements of carbon fiber and Alcantara have been replaced with classier brushed aluminum.
The 4.0-liter flat-six engine’s 502 horsepower does everything it’s supposed to. Individual throttle bodies coupled with a reworked exhaust allow the rev counter to twist high into the red. Approach anywhere near the limit, and this car sucks you into your seat when driving, daring for another blip of the throttle.
Peak power and torque hits at 8,400 and 6,100 revs respectively, and the near-flawless powertrain gets there quickly, sounding ferocious exhaust notes along the way.
The driving pleasure of the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring extends beyond its impressive powertrain; the chassis plays a crucial role in delivering a thrilling experience. When this generation’s GT3 Touring was first unveiled, some questioned if the racing-focused chassis and suspension response of the GT3 would undermine the refined intentions of the Touring model.
However, the GT3 Touring has proven to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing, adept at both conquering the track and cruising to business meetings with ease. The raw and precise handling characteristics actually enhance the GT3 Touring’s personality, and the vehicle is surprisingly comfortable, particularly on smooth pavement. Ultimately, the GT3 Touring strikes a perfect balance between race-inspired performance and everyday practicality, making it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts as the suspension remains unchanged from the GT3.
Both the Michelin Cup 2 and the Pirelli Corsa tires are kept short of chasing camber—you get to feel the kickback up into the steering wheel. The suspension filters unwanted harshness and delivers only necessary feedback, allowing even timid drivers to pilot the 911 GT3 Touring with confidence.
The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring is nearly perfect. It’s both a beautiful grand tourer and a veritable track weapon—even with tamed levels of downforce. The 2023 model starts at $182,900—configure it here.