Porsche has revealed the 911 GT3 S/C, featuring a lightweight short-ratio 6-speed manual sports transmission.
The vehicle combines the lightweight design of the 911 S/T with the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter boxer engine of the 911 GT3, producing 375kW (510ps) and 450Nm of torque. It features the distinctive wings and doors of the 911 S/T.
The 911 GT3 S/C is the only open-top variant in the current 911 range that is designed as a pure two-seater – reminiscent of the 911 Speedster from 2019.
Frank Moser, head of the 911 and 718 model series, said, “The emotive powertrain of the 911 GT3 comes into its own even more emphatically when driving with the roof down on winding country roads. This is particularly down to managing to keep the weight of the 911 GT3 S/C down to just 1,497kg, despite the fully automatic soft top. That is only about 30kg more than the 991-generation 911 Speedster.”
Lightweight design
The hood, wings and doors are made of carbon fiber. The carbon-fiber anti-roll bars and shear plate are also carried over from the fixed-head 911 S/T. The brakes and wheels also follow the S/T lightweight formula: the PCCB braking system, which is more than 20kg lighter than the cast-iron brakes, is fitted as standard. The center-lock wheels, measuring 20in in diameter on the front axle and 21in at the rear, also from the 911 S/T, are made of lightweight magnesium. This saves around 9kg of rotating mass. Magnesium is also used in the fully automatic cabriolet roof of the 911 GT3 S/C. A compact, lightweight 40Ah lithium-ion battery saves around 4kg compared with a conventional battery.
High-revving, naturally aspirated engine producing 510ps
The naturally aspirated 4.0-liter engine is designed to comply with the latest emissions standards and is equipped with two particulate filters and four catalytic converters.
The cylinder heads have been revised compared with the previous-generation 911 GT3, and the more aggressive camshafts carried over from the 911 GT3 RS ensure more responsive power delivery in the upper rev range. The powertrain also features flow-optimized individual throttle bodies and optimized oil coolers. The flat-six engine produces 375kW (510ps). The 6-speed GT manual transmission features a sporty short final-drive ratio that matches that of the 911 S/T and the 911 GT3. The 911 GT3 S/C accelerates from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 313km/h.
“We have already learned with the 911 Speedster and the 718 Spyder RS just how well our high-revving naturally aspirated engine, a particularly dynamic chassis setup and thorough lightweight construction combine to create a true driver’s car without a roof,” commented Andreas Preuninger, Porsche‘s head of GT cars. “For the first time, the 911 GT3 S/C uses the double-wishbone front axle on an open-top 911. Combined with the particularly high-grip sports tires and low weight, the car offers driving pleasure on winding roads that was previously virtually unheard of in an open-top car.” The chassis setup of the new 911 GT3 S/C mirrors that of the 911 GT3 with touring package. As with all 911 GT3 models, 255/35 ZR 20 front and 315/30 ZR 21 rear tires are fitted as standard.
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