Porsche unveils 911 GT3 S/C cabriolet with manual gearbox and lightweight design

For enthusiasts who prefer the visceral feel of open-top driving, Porsche has unveiled its all-new 911 GT3 S/C. This special variant of the lineup uses lightweight components from the 911 S/T model and features a 4.0-litre boxer engine from the 911 GT3, developing 502 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. The SC prefix stands for Sports Cabriolet.

Since Porsche seeks to emphasize the feel and driving pleasure of Stuttgart’s finest, the special variant will only be available with a short-ratio, lightweight six-speed GT sports manual transmission. Reminiscent of the 911 Speedster from 2019, the S/C is a pure two-seater. Buyers will further be able to personalize the car according to their tastes, thanks to the availability of a Street Style Package option.

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Old engine with new updates

The cylinder heads of the new engine have been revised from the 911 GT3 of the previous generation. The camshafts of the GT3 RS ensure that the car has a dynamic power delivery in the upper speed range. Beyond that, the engine has now been fitted with flow-optimized single throttle valves and optimized oil coolers.

The boxer engine puts out 502 hp, and the six-speed GT sports manual transmission has a short constant axle ratio that is similar to that of the 911 S/T and the current GT3. The S/C is able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 194 mph.

Leaving no stones unturned to keep the weight of the car as low as possible and maintain a low centre of gravity, the Speedster uses magnesium panels and a lightweight hydraulic roof mechanism. The top opens and closes in roughly 12 seconds. The front roof frame and the rear window frame have also been made out of magnesium.

Despite being a convertible, the GT3 S/C has a weight of 1,497 kg. The Touring Package includes a double wishbone front axle.

The lightweight ideology follows into the interiors as well

The interiors of the Porsche are laden with lightweight carpets and door panels with carbon fibre pull handles. Customers can opt for lightweight sports bucket seats with folding backrests and seat shells made of carbon fibre as well.

The folding bucket seat is equipped with an integrated thorax airbag, electric height adjustment, and manual longitudinal adjustment. The interior of the coupe has been upholstered with black leather as standard. The special steering wheel for the variant has also been crafted out of perforated leather.

Street Style Package for added features

The interior of the car includes Adaptive Sports Seats Plus and extensive use of braided leather. In true Porsche style, the gear knob has an open-pore laminated wood finish. The interior has been finished in two-tone leather, Slate Grey and Guards Red. The contrasting decorative stitching, door handle loops, seat handles, and seatbelts are also finished in Guards Red. The steering column trim, the seat console, the inner sill trim, and the fuse box cover are trimmed in leather.

The Porsche GT3 S/C is now available for order globally. Porsche has not announced any plans for an India launch yet.