Just a week ago Porsche dropped a teaser hinting at something special that many guessed was from its GT division and it the reveal proved it to be spot on. Say hello, or maybe shout it because of the wind, to the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C (Sport Cabriolet), the first GT3 with an automated roof.
It is no secret that Porsche’s sales have been slumping over the last few years with the massive 911 range proving to be the only one with an upward trajectory. Naturally, expanding that range would make sense, especially with a unique model that comes with a higher profit margin.
Many of the media titles suspected a successor to the 911 Speedster but this is no direct heir and it all boils down to that folding roof doing everything itself. Previous special variants without a fixed roof required getting out of the car and getting hands on. Now, it takes just 12 seconds after the touch of a button.
Porsche GT models have always been on a strict diet and an automated roof would be a huge cheat day. However, Porsche claims the roof only adds 30 kg over the Speedster.
Still, it was put on a diet with carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic used for the hood, fenders, doors, rear anti-roll bar, connecting links and underbody panel. It also rolls on standard centre-lock magnesium wheels and ceramic brakes. The S/C nomenclature was also a clever play on the limited-run 911 S/T that contributed some of the lightweight body panels named above.
Pushing the GT3 S/C through the century sprint in jus 3.9 seconds is that screamer of a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six that sings to 9,000 rpm. It makes the same 502 PS with 450 Nm of torque, just like its fixed-roof sibling. Top speed is 313 kph.
Setting itself apart from its coupe sibling though is the sole transmission choice of a six-speed manual, which was another weight-saving exercise being 17 kg lighter than the PDK.
Being a GT model, this makes the 911 GT3 S/C the first convertible 911 with a double-wishbone suspension at the front axle. Handling surprisingly did not require much fettling to echo the road holding of the 911 GT3 coupe with the Touring Package.
More poundage can be shaved off with the optional folding lightweight bucket seats with CFRP shells. Speaking of seats, this is also the first strictly two-seater 911 convertible.
For those that can afford it, you would be delighted to know that the 911 GT3 S/C will not be a limited run model like the Speedster. Production will only be limited by how quickly the GT division can churn them out.
If you want your 911 GT3 S/C to further stand out at the local car meet, Porsche’s Exclusive Manufaktur’s Street Style Package has got your back. Despite the cliché 90’s name that looks more at home between the pages of Super Street magazine, the kit is a tasteful addition to the model.
It blends mixes of red, grey and black on the inside and outside. Adding to that is the four-color braided leather upholstery for the seats and glovebox. The cherry on the top is the open-pore walnut shift knob.
How much will it be? Hard to tell until it arrives here but, in the US, it is a whopping USD 35,500 (~RM 141,000) premium over the base GT3 coupe.
