Porsche 911 GT3 (992.2) Review

Porsche's mid-cycle refresh of the 911 GT3 keeps the formula that makes it a fixed point in the sports car world: a 4.0 liter naturally aspirated flat-six spinning to 9,000 rpm, 503 hp, and a choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed PDK. The gearing is 8 percent shorter than before to sharpen response, and the aerodynamics borrow parts from the GT3 RS. It reaches 60 mph in about 3.4 seconds and costs $222,500 before options.

In a market rushing toward turbos and batteries, the appeal is the powertrain itself. Few engines feel this alive, and few cars communicate as clearly. The winged version is the track weapon; the Touring, with its flush rear deck and available manual, is one of the purest fast road cars money can buy. Residual values are famously strong, which softens the price.

The downsides are inherent to the breed. It is loud and firm for daily use, fuel economy is unremarkable, and service and tire bills are high. There is little here that is technically new; this is polish, not revolution.

For a driver who values how a car feels over how quick a spec sheet reads, the GT3 remains close to the summit. If you can still find one at list price, buy it and keep it.