7 minutes, 12.7 seconds: The 2018 911 GT3 sets a new best lap time

ATLANTA, May 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The new 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 has celebrated its debut on the Nürburgring with a lap time of 7 minutes, 12.7 seconds on the legendary Nordschleife. The track-bred 911 bested the time set by the previous model by 12.3 seconds.

"The new 911 GT3 not only offers the maximum amount of driving pleasure, but with this lap time we have emphatically proven that it also delivers an impressive performance on the Nordschleife. The focus was on optimizing the drivability and adapting the car to the slight increase in engine power," said a delighted Frank-Steffen Walliser, Vice President, Motorsport and GT cars, at Porsche. "A few years ago, lap times like this could only ever be achieved by thoroughbred race cars with slick tires," added Andreas Preuninger, Director, GT Product Line. "The new GT3 achieves this with comparatively modest power, and is still fully suitable for everyday use."

The 911 GT3 also relies more on pure racing technology than the previous model. Its same basic 500 horsepower, high-revving, naturally aspirated flat-six engine can also be found in the 911 GT3 Cup race car. Equipped with rear-axle steering, a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch transmission, and Michelin Sport Cup 2 N1 tires, the GT3 took to the track in the Eifel region production specifications. With an ambient temperature of 46 degrees Fahrenheit and a track temperature of 57 degrees Fahrenheit, conditions for Porsche test driver Lars Kern were ideal. The street-legal rear-wheel-drive coupe recorded its best lap time in the presence of a notary public. "If you can drive fast on the Nordschleife, you can drive fast anywhere in the world", commented Frank-Steffen Walliser.

About Porsche Cars North America, Inc. | One Porsche Drive, Atlanta, GA 30354 USA
Established in 1984, Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche 911, 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman sports cars, Macan and Cayenne SUVs, and Panamera sports sedans. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia since 1998, PCNA is also home to the first Porsche Experience Center in North America featuring a module-based 1.6 mile driver development track, business and conference center, and fine dining restaurant, 356. The company operates a second Porsche Experience Center in Los Angeles. That 53-acre complex features a driver development track with eight educational modules totaling 4.1 miles, a business and conference center, and Restaurant 917. PCNA employs approximately 300 people who provide parts, service, marketing, and training for 188 dealers. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brand's 65-plus year history and leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency. PCNA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.

At the core of this success is Porsche's proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000-plus motorsport wins to date.

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SOURCE Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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