Porsche has whipped the wraps — and roof — off the 911 GT3 S/C. Confirmed for South Africa, we detail the first 911 convertible to wear the hallowed “GT3” badge.
Since the global debut of the 996-generation Porsche 911 GT3 in 1999, the “GT3” nameplate has become one of the most revered monikers in the automotive world. Now, for the first time in history, this nameplate has been applied to a 911 with a fully automatic cabriolet roof. Meet the 911 GT3 S/C (Sport Cabriolet)…
The first of its kind, the 911 GT3 S/C is based on the current, 992.2-generation 911 GT3 and features the same 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six powertrain — the latter producing 375 kW and 450 N.m of torque. The horizontally opposed unit revs to a screaming 9 000 r/min redline. Power is delivered to the road via a rear-wheel drivetrain, exclusively coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Compared to its manual-equipped 911 GT3 coupé sibling, the drop-top 911 GT3 tips the scales at a slightly heavier 1 497 kg (claimed). However, despite its increase in weight (up 40 kg), the 911 GT3 S/C completes the obligatory 0-100 km/h sprint in the same time — 3.9 seconds. The 911 GT3 S/C’s claimed 0-200 km/h time is similar, too, at 11.9 seconds. The 911 GT3 S/C tops out at 313 km/h.
Stopping power is provided by Porsche’s Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system. The brakes are housed behind 20-inch front and 21-inch rear magnesium alloy wheels — wrapped in 255/35- and 315/30-size tyres — respectively.
The 911 GT3 S/C’s automatic cabriolet roof benefits from lightweight hydraulic actuators; allowing the soft-top to open or close in around 12 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h. A wind deflector, which deploys in just two seconds at speeds of up to 120 km/h, is also present and is operated via the centre console.
How much does the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C cost in South Africa?
Locally, the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C is priced from R6 138 000. As standard, the pricing includes a two-year/unlimited km warranty and a maintenance plan spanning five years or 100 000 km.