2025 Porsche 911 GT3, 25th anniversary of the birth of Circuit Hero

Twenty-five years after the debut of the original 996-generation Porsche 911 GT3, Porsche is celebrating with the announcement of the latest evolution of its track hero.

The automaker on Friday unveiled updated versions of the current 992-generation 911 GT3 and 911 GT3 Touring, confirming that they will arrive at dealers next summer as 2025 models.

Orders will be accepted later this year, with prices starting at $224,495 including a $1,995 destination charge.

The GT3 and GT3 Touring updates represent a mid-cycle refresh of the current 992 generation. Updated versions of each Carrera model will be announced in May, and the updates will include a new hybrid powertrain for GTS models.

The updated GT3 and GT3 Touring have an unchanged peak power of 502 hp, even though they are powered by a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six and their exhaust systems have been dialed in to meet more stringent emissions regulations. According to Porsche, this was achieved with a new camshaft profile borrowed from the 911 GT3 RS, improved cylinder heads, and an optimized throttle body.

Both GT3 models offer a choice of either a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic called PDK or a 6-speed manual. Both transmissions are said to have a final drive ratio that is 8% shorter than before, contributing to acceleration performance. Nevertheless, Porsche-approved times remain unchanged from the current model when the GT3 arrives in the U.S. in 2022: 3.2 seconds to 60 mph with the PDK and 3.7 seconds with the manual. The official top speeds on the track are 193 mph and 195 mph, respectively.

Porsche also revised some of the suspension components. These include the use of teardrop trailing arms on the double wishbone front axle. The front ball joints on the lower trailing arms are also located lower on the front axle, helping to reduce pitch under hard braking.

Externally, the car features improved headlights (with optional white accent rings) and taillights common to the 911 series. The fascia has also been modified, as well as the rear diffuser, rear wing (GT3 only), and underbody air guides have been redesigned to improve downforce.

In the interior, the instrument cluster is now fully digital, as on other modified 911s. In the GT3 and GT3 Touring, however, the engine is started by turning a small knob mounted on the left side of the steering wheel. In the updated Carrera, this has been replaced by a simple engine start button. New trim options are also available, and for the first time GT3 Touring buyers can also add a rear seat backrest.

There are also a variety of weight-saving measures, including new aluminum wheels that are approximately 3.3 pounds lighter and new lightweight carbon bucket seats that fold down (an 18-way adjustable seat can be added as an alternative).

For buyers looking to save even more weight, Porsche offers new Weissach and Leichtbau packages for the GT3 and GT3 Touring, respectively. These include magnesium wheels, which contribute to a weight reduction of approximately 20 pounds, and a lithium-ion battery, which contributes to a weight reduction of approximately 10 pounds compared to the standard battery. The Weissach package also includes carbon fiber-reinforced plastic components in both the body and chassis.

Porsche is still preparing updates for the 911 GT3 RS and 911 Turbo. Updated versions of these models are expected to appear in the 2026 model year; in the case of the 911 Turbo, a hybrid powertrain is expected to be added to the Turbo S.