Test drove a 997 GT3 today
Discussion
Just got back from this Test drive....
The instructor was Barry Horne (2003 Carrera Cup Winner)
Started at PennyHill Park Hotel in Bagshot, and drove the car to Chobham test ground.
Did some thrashes in 1st and second followed by hard on the brakes, then driving a constant circle until it broke traction, and he got me trying to unsettle the rear by fearce lift off, but the car was very well planted, and it was very hard to induce much oversteer, and when it did, it was very controllable.
Then round the perimeter track for some high speed stuff, including 100mph hands off wheel ABS braking...the car stayed perfectly straight, and the stopping distance was awesome for a damp greasy track.
It lasted about 1.5 hours, and was a good insight into the capabilities of the new car.
My thoughts compared to my old MKII were that it didn't feel any quicker, if as quick.
BUT, bear in mind i had the Manthey upgrades, and the car i drove today hadn't even done thousand miles yet......so it will prob lossen up a fair bit more.
The PCCBs seem to have more feel than the ones on my TT, (which i drove there), but didn't really get a chance to push the repeatedly at high speed.
The tyres are a revalation, the ground was semi damp in places, and on this circle thing, they didn't move anymore in the damp than the dry, or even going through puddles.
They certainly inspired you with confidence.
Lastly the Traction control is superb, i did numerous standing starts but with full lock on, to try and induce oversteer, as if pulling out of a T junction under massive power.
The traction was awesome, and you couldn't even tell the TC was working.
Did it again with the 'sport' button on, this allows more slip, and again, very controlable, with a bit of oversteer, but no drama.
Treid the same thing with TC off, and i could not control the oversteer in time and just span big style.
The sport button doesn't feel to give hardly any more power, but the exhaust note is much better, and gives a slighlty Ferrari-esque burble on the over run.
All in all, a fun experience, and great way of getting a feel for the car in the right environment.
the 997 GT3 feels that bit more planted than a MKII IMHO.
I think the RS will be just awesome
G.
The instructor was Barry Horne (2003 Carrera Cup Winner)
Started at PennyHill Park Hotel in Bagshot, and drove the car to Chobham test ground.
Did some thrashes in 1st and second followed by hard on the brakes, then driving a constant circle until it broke traction, and he got me trying to unsettle the rear by fearce lift off, but the car was very well planted, and it was very hard to induce much oversteer, and when it did, it was very controllable.
Then round the perimeter track for some high speed stuff, including 100mph hands off wheel ABS braking...the car stayed perfectly straight, and the stopping distance was awesome for a damp greasy track.
It lasted about 1.5 hours, and was a good insight into the capabilities of the new car.
My thoughts compared to my old MKII were that it didn't feel any quicker, if as quick.
BUT, bear in mind i had the Manthey upgrades, and the car i drove today hadn't even done thousand miles yet......so it will prob lossen up a fair bit more.
The PCCBs seem to have more feel than the ones on my TT, (which i drove there), but didn't really get a chance to push the repeatedly at high speed.
The tyres are a revalation, the ground was semi damp in places, and on this circle thing, they didn't move anymore in the damp than the dry, or even going through puddles.
They certainly inspired you with confidence.
Lastly the Traction control is superb, i did numerous standing starts but with full lock on, to try and induce oversteer, as if pulling out of a T junction under massive power.
The traction was awesome, and you couldn't even tell the TC was working.
Did it again with the 'sport' button on, this allows more slip, and again, very controlable, with a bit of oversteer, but no drama.
Treid the same thing with TC off, and i could not control the oversteer in time and just span big style.
The sport button doesn't feel to give hardly any more power, but the exhaust note is much better, and gives a slighlty Ferrari-esque burble on the over run.
All in all, a fun experience, and great way of getting a feel for the car in the right environment.
the 997 GT3 feels that bit more planted than a MKII IMHO.
I think the RS will be just awesome
G.
Edited by glenn mcmenamin on Wednesday 13th December 17:26
clubsport said:
Excellent review Glenn, particularly the comparison to your old car...it really does sound like they have got this car so right.
Look forward to report of differences to how your expectant RS feels....not long now surely?
Look forward to report of differences to how your expectant RS feels....not long now surely?
arrives at OPC next week, but won't be taking it until 4th Jan...so plenty of chance for
the window lickers out there
G.
You're not helping Glenn.....Just as soon as I get GT3/RS out of my brain and start to occupy that little space in my head for something else you come along and stir it all up again.
I can't wait once more........Must be awesome to get one of the ealy cars like you but I guess March is not that far away.
This car sounds irresistable and I'm sure I'm gonna use it at every chance.
I can't wait once more........Must be awesome to get one of the ealy cars like you but I guess March is not that far away.
This car sounds irresistable and I'm sure I'm gonna use it at every chance.
glenn mcmenamin said:
clubsport said:
Excellent review Glenn, particularly the comparison to your old car...it really does sound like they have got this car so right.
Look forward to report of differences to how your expectant RS feels....not long now surely?
Look forward to report of differences to how your expectant RS feels....not long now surely?
arrives at OPC next week, but won't be taking it until 4th Jan...so plenty of chance for
the window lickers out there
G.
That's it Glenn, I'll be down at Silverstone OPC with my camera phone sending you MMS messages every hour, posting them on the old internet.
Damian
damianc4s said:
glenn mcmenamin said:
clubsport said:
Excellent review Glenn, particularly the comparison to your old car...it really does sound like they have got this car so right.
Look forward to report of differences to how your expectant RS feels....not long now surely?
Look forward to report of differences to how your expectant RS feels....not long now surely?
arrives at OPC next week, but won't be taking it until 4th Jan...so plenty of chance for
the window lickers out there
G.
That's it Glenn, I'll be down at Silverstone OPC with my camera phone sending you MMS messages every hour, posting them on the old internet.
Damian
You and everybody else...
I found out, that there will be quite an entourage turning up when it arrives !
G.
ed. I would just like to see what its like out on a fast road. 
The GT3 being used at chobham is flat white. You can tell its a GT3 because there are no GT3RS's around in white at the moment. Lots of rumours exist about a white variant being available later on but not seen any real evidence yet.
Those like Glenn and myself who went on this "test drive" havae had deposits down with a our local OPC for a while.
Mega good fun!
Those like Glenn and myself who went on this "test drive" havae had deposits down with a our local OPC for a while.
Mega good fun!
vixpy1 said:
Glenn, what colour was it, Porsche were useing the track again today and i saw a white 997 that looked like a 997 GT3 RS, but i don't really know how to tell the difference between a 997 GT3 and RS !
The obvious external difference between the two is the rear spoiler.
Look at some pics of the two. The RS also has the script down the sides.
bergmeister said:
Glenn
There is a interesting article in the latest Christophorus issue 323 on the 997 cup,rsr,gt3&rs.
If you dont have this mag,just go to your local opc and borrow there copy.
There is a interesting article in the latest Christophorus issue 323 on the 997 cup,rsr,gt3&rs.
If you dont have this mag,just go to your local opc and borrow there copy.
Just got my copy, and usually struggle to find anything interesting to read
in between all the bloody adverts
I shall get it out of the bin , and look for said article, thanks
G.
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