The Porsche 911 has been the mid-life crisis measuring stick for nearly 50 years, so it is no surprise that a Porsche without a stick shift stole the spotlight at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.
The next generation 911 may look much the same as its predecessors at first glance, but a peek under the hood reveals a new engine design underneath a slightly wider frame.
Under the hood, the 911 GT3 benefits from a reengineered turbo-less 3.8-liter six-cylinder 475 horsepower engine that powers the car from zero to 60 miles in less than 3.3 seconds, with top track speed clocking in at 195 miles per hour.
A check of the specs reveals the GT3 sports Porsche's new seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, the PDK. Porsche says the new dual-clutch transmission was designed with tighter gear ratios which will account for even faster shifting. The company added a set of shift paddles that allow the driver to place the car in neutral by pulling on both paddles at the same time.
The 911 GT3 is the first production Porsche to come equipped with rear-wheel-steering. With the new design, the driver can turn the cars' rear wheels in coordination with the front wheels.
The GT3 also comes with a new rear differential, 20-inch forged alloy wheels and optional LED headlights
According to Porsche, the 911 GT3 is based on the body of the current 911 Carrera; however, the 911 GT3 sports a hybrid steel and aluminum body that measures 1.7 inches wider from rear wheel to wheel than a 911 Carrera S. The 911 GTS also features a large, fixed rear wing, which is designed to improve aerodynamics.
The 2014 911 GT3 will go on sale in the United States later this year, priced at $131,000 including delivery charges. According to the Los Angeles Times, a 911 Turbo is set to debut later this year.
