The GT3 is dead. Long live the 458/12C competitor

[HokumPokum]

Well,

how does a 475hp (but actually closer to 500Hp) tech-laden rear drive porsche offering impressive lap times in green hell sound to you? It's even got bling LED lights (which look fantastic to me) and, even though is porkier, goes faster with PTV plus and rear steer.

Wouldn't you be tempted with this car at a 50% lower price point than an equivalent 458/12C? Put aside the motorsport discussion.

Pros and Cons pls.

[Steve Rance]

From a quick read of the spec of the car it's obvious that it's designed to compete directly with the GTR 458 el al in terms of performance and more importantly drivability. I think that for the vast majority of buyers this will make it an even more attractive proposition from the GT cars before it. What it isn't is a cup car with number plates and will not share any DNA with it of any note. Again, I think for most people that will be pretty much irrelevant.

Those of us that we're hoping for a very sharp driving tool with its roots deeply planted in motorsport will be disappointed but I think for the vast majority of buyers it may be a very popular car. In reality it is a development of a 991S which will be very quick, capable, easy to drive and look very nice. The real point of difference that the 911 had over the 458 et al was its driving dynamic. It's pretty clear that the new car's dynamic will be much closer to its competitors and if it is to be successful it will need to fight head to head with some very good cars indeed. I suppose only time will tell if Porsche's move away from the original formula of the GT3 will prove successful. Using a new engine will certainly make the car a lot more profitable. The old unit was good for a lot more power but it is a proper motorsport unit over engineered for road use. The engine experts on here may contradict me but the bottom end of the unit is probably the strongest and robust unit on any road car. That's why you still see 996 and 997s still pounding around tracks all over the world day after day without any problems.

Interesting times ahead

[Davey S2]

Still in a different market to the 458 / 12C just as the 997.2 GT3 was compared to the 430 Scud.

[HokumPokum]

Davey S2 said:

Still in a different market to the 458 / 12C just as the 997.2 GT3 was compared to the 430 Scud.

yes at 50% less, it is priced in a different market. but if you were in the market for a 458/12C, would you consider this? That is the real question here. I think for the 997 Gt3 vs scud comparo, the track element is important and appropriate. Track guys are (generally) not attracted to Fiats that are costly to repair and cannot sustain the abuse. Challenge teams are excluded from this discussion, otherwise we might as well invite lambo and even aston into the fray, let alone 12C Gt3 and 458 challenge

[Ekona]

Look at it from a different angle: If you were in the market for a 360CS, would you consider a 6GT3RS? Roughly half as much to buy, comparable driving experiences, similar kudos within the brand.

I think I would, so I guess I'd consider a 1GT3 if I was pondering a 12c/458. However, it would very much depend on what I was going to use the car for, and if it was for that special weekend away then I'm afraid the McLaren or Ferrari would get my money every time. If it was for trackdays or more common usage then the GT3 could well get a look in. Ultimately though if I've got £230K to spend on a car then I'm probably not going to give a £115K car a look in.

[IMI A]

Just bought a 458. Didn't consider any other 911 and probably wouldn't again (Porsche as a brand has lost it) although my mezger based turbo is a keeper. Going to add a few older porkers to my stable though