Barely a decade has past since the Cayenne SUV joined the Porsche lineup. What's more, the Panamera four-door sports sedan was not introduced until 2010. Despite their brief history, both models are now well established in the Porsche brand. However, no Porsche model stands to define the essence of the Stuttgart automaker quite like its rear-engine 911 sports car -- not even the highly anticipated 918 Spyder.
This year, the iconic Porsche 911 celebrates its 50th anniversary of the moniker. Appropriately, Porsche has also taken this privileged opportunity to introduce the latest generation of what is popularly regarded as the purest Porsche 911 of all -- the track focused GT3.
The 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 makes its first North American appearance at the 2013 New York International Auto Show.
Powered by an immensely capable 3.8 liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine, the GT3 produces 475hp and 324 lb-ft of torque. As per GT3 tradition, power is sent to the rear wheels only. However, breaking tradition is the new-for-GT3 7-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox.
Deeply concerning news for Porsche purists who prefer the tactility of a conventional manual gearbox, Porsche GT3 chief engineer Andreas Preuninger assured the PDK will not dilute the 911 experience:
"I like my 911s pure and hardcore. I like to really work for my fun. The gearbox had me convinced within 150 metres - and you will be too."
Just as important as the driving experience, Porsche concentrated its efforts to make the GT3 perform on the world stage. The new 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 will be capable of launching from 0-to-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds before an impressive top speed of 195 mph. Tuned for the racetrack, Porsche also boasts that its latest GT3 will lap the notorious Nürburgring circuit in less than 7 minutes and 30 seconds.
The 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 will start at $130,400.
According to sources, Porsche will assemble a small batch of just 2,400 race ready GT3 cup car models alongside the standard production model.
Check out the latest pictures of the 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 at the New York International Auto Show in the gallery below.
