Porsche 996 GT3 Clubsport

The very first Porsche 911 Type 996 GT3 instantly won over enthusiasts at its debut.
Everything was in place to make it a true sports machine: aggressive looks, rock-solid chassis, ferocious flat-six engine, performance, and pure character. At L’Automobile Sportive, we were 300% on board with Porsche’s approach to the 911 GT3.

However, its production was seriously limited due to homologation requirements, and its exterior design shared the much-criticized headlight clusters from the Boxster—something that drew criticism when the 996 was launched.

For this new track-focused icon, Porsche took it even further: a more seductive, unmistakably 911 design, relentless driving precision, a reworked and more powerful flat-six with a ferocious growl, and even sharper performance. That’s the formula behind this evolution of the Porsche 911 GT3.

There are several notable differences between the two generations of the 996 GT3. While the 18-inch wheels remained the same diameter, their design is more modern. The bumpers have been redesigned to appear more aggressive, and the rear wing is more prominent, improving aerodynamic downforce. Most importantly, this GT3 no longer risks being confused with a Boxster, thanks to the Turbo-style headlights adopted across the facelifted 911 range.

This GT3 sits 30mm lower than a standard Carrera and benefits from dampers that are 60% stiffer.

The engine in the first GT3 was already a marvel, delivering 100 hp per liter—an impressive feat for a naturally aspirated engine. Yet, the engineers in Zuffenhausen went even further for the updated version. With the same displacement, they squeezed out an extra 21 hp and 1.5 kg·m of torque. How? By lightening the entire rotating assembly, allowing for a higher redline—now up to 8,200 rpm. They also revised the camshaft timing for smoother response and updated the engine management system. With 381 hp on tap, the flat-six sings loudly and proudly. Transmission updates were minimal.