Porsche Introduces Fifth Generation of the 911 GT3, Celebrates 50 Years of 911 in the U.S.

ATLANTA, March 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 will make its North American premiere today at the New York Auto Show. The completely redeveloped fifth generation is the sportiest model of the iconic 911 family. With an impressive sub-7 minute 30 second lap time on the Nurburgring Nordschleife, the 911 GT3 benefits from a new engine, transmission, body and chassis. The car now sprints from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds on its way to a top track speed of 195 mph.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130327/CL82269)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120628/CL32476LOGO )

Developed and fine-tuned on the track, the new GT3 brings the exhilaration of a sports car to everyday driving. As a technical highlight, the 911 GT3 features the first active rear-wheel steering in a production Porsche and optional full LED headlights.

The powertrain is composed of a 3.8-liter boxer engine yielding 475 hp (125 hp/liter) and a 9,000 rpm redline. The six-cylinder engine is based on the same engine as the 911 Carrera S, although they share only a few common parts. All other components, such as the crankshaft, valve gear and Porsche-designed titanium connecting rods and forged pistons, were adapted or designed for the GT3. In addition, the 911 GT3 is 1.7 inches wider than the 911 Carrera S in the rear. Another distinctive feature is the large fixed rear wing, which contributes to the exemplary aerodynamics.

A specially developed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK) has characteristics based directly on a sequential gearbox from racing, providing further performance and dynamic advantages to the driver. Highlights include shorter gear ratios with closer spacing for even faster shifting. Shift paddles with shorter travel and increased tactile feedback now allow the driver to place the PDK in neutral simply by pulling on both paddles at the same time.

For the first time, Porsche is employing active rear wheel steering for increased precision and improved lateral dynamics. Depending on the speed, the rear wheels steer in the same or opposite direction of the front wheels, improving stability and agility. Other new features are an electronically controlled, fully variable rear differential lock and dynamic engine mounts. Contact with the road is made by 20-inch forged alloy wheels that feature center-locking hubs instead of conventional wheel bolts.

The 2014 911 GT3 will go on sale in the United States in late 2013 and will be priced from $130,400, not including a $950 destination charge.

To mark the celebration of 50 years of 911 in America, Porsche is also launching the "50 Years of 911 Photo Stream Competition" at the New York Auto Show. The automaker is inviting Porsche owners from across the globe to upload photos of their 911s on Instagram, Flickr or Twitter with the hashtag #50Y911. Porsche fans will vote for their favorite and the three entrants who receive the most votes will win a professional photo shoot for their vehicle. For more information, visit  http://50years.porsche.com/

About Porsche Cars North America
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga. is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche sports cars, the Cayenne SUV and Panamera sports sedan. Established in 1984, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and employs approximately 220 people who provide parts, service, marketing and training for 190 dealers. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brand's 63-year history and leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety and efficiency.

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

Follow us: www.twitter.com/Porsche and www.facebook.com/Porsche and drive.porsche.com/us

For Porsche apps: http://www.porsche.com/usa/entertainment/apps/

SOURCE Porsche Cars North America, Inc.