2021 Porsche 911 (992) GT3 Minichamps - 410069200 (diecast)
Published 07/01/22
Porsche unveiled the 992 generation of the 911 GT3 in February of 2021. It came to replace the 991 gen, around since 2013. The 991 had a bumpy start, with Porsche recalling all GT3s in 2014 for new engines(!). In 2017 Porsche gave the 991 a facelift, calling these cars 991.2. With the facelift, they obviously also addressed any engine issues still left behind. With that, Porsche made extensive changes to the flat-6, now producing 493 hp (the 991.1 delivered 490 hp). Four years later, in early 2021, Porsche replaced the 991.2 with the brand new 911 GT3 992. Though it may look similar to the previous generation, the new 992 has some very interesting differences.
One of the big deals about the 992 GT3 is the engine (“9A2 Evo”). Currently, the GT3 is the only 911 with a naturally aspirated engine. The engine is a flat-6 with 3996 cm³, DOHC and 24 valves that delivers 502 hp and 470 Nm. The new GT3 comes with a Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox. All that translates to a maximum speed of 318 km/h and an eye-watering 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. As with all modern cars, the manual engine is a smidge slower. The engine revs up to 9000 rpm, and since it’s not turbo-charged, the power delivery curve makes it a true “driver’s car”. And that’s a BIG deal, since everything on the road nowadays with more than three wheels is turbo-charged. If you want to drive fast, especially on the twisties, a naturally-aspirated car behaves more smoothly.
Another big deal about the 992 GT3 is the suspension. It’s the first civilian 911 with double wishbone front suspension, a trait coming directly from the 911 RSR. That translates to greater cornering stability and a more precise steering response. Another characteristic originally from the 911 RSR is the wing attached to the top – the “swan neck” design. That allows more downforce, and combined with the new rear diffuser and elements in the font, the 992 GT3 produces 60% more down force than the 991. Add all that to a plethora of other systems, like active suspension management, torque vectoring and rear-axle steering, and it’s easy to see why the 992 GT3 is quite exciting. And if you want to make it even more racecar-like, you can opt for the “Clubsport Package”. At no extra cost, you get a roll cage, a six-point racing harness and a fire extinguisher.
In the end, the 992 GT3 is actually a track day car. Nonetheless, a track toy that you can legally (and comfortably) drive from and to the track. And yes, having a naturally-aspirated engine on a current sportscar is a big deal. I don’t need to say that I am one of those so-called “car guys”. You know the type, the ones that moan about SUVs and automatic gearboxes? Yep, that’s me. So when I read the specs of the 992 GT3 and saw everybody on YouTube praising this car to high heavens, of course I wanted one. And since a real one is far (and I mean faaaaaar) from my possibilities, a very nice 1:43 will do. That’s where Minichamps comes in. They made a mighty fine representation of the 992 GT in 143rd. In “Lava Orange”, the model looks terrific – a fine addition to the W-143 Garage.