Frankfurt 2017: Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Package - Understated Performance

Slightly over a year ago, Porsche introduced the manual-only 911 R, a throwback to the 1967 911 R. However, the company only produced 911 examples of this hardcore models, leaving those late to the party empty handed.

Good news for those wanting a stick shift Porsche 911, as the boys from Stuttgart has released the 911 GT3 Touring Package (TP), based loosely off the 911 R. Similar to the Porsche 911 R, the new 911 GT3 TP gets a six-speed manual transmission mated to a naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six that does 500 PS and 460 Nm, identical to the 911 R. Despite similar outputs, the new Porsche 911 GT3 TP takes 0.2 seconds longer than the 911 R to hit 100 km/h from a dead stop, at 3.9 seconds. Top speed is rated at 316 km/h.

Inside, the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Package is adorned with leather upholstery, as opposed to the 911 R's Alcantara. Porsche says that fine leather is fitted to the steering wheel, shift lever, door panel arm rests, centre console compartment lid and interior door handles. Interior trim is black aluminium.

On the outside, the Porsche 911 GT3 TP's only resemblance to the regular GT3 are the large front air intakes. Head and tail lights are similar to the regular GT3, but the Touring Package does not have them dark tinted. Perhaps the biggest difference between the GT3 and GT3 TP is the lack of a large fixed rear wing, replaced by the regular 911 Carrera's automatic deploying rear spoiler. Tyre sizes are staggered, the front end getting 245/35ZR20 rubbers versus 305/30ZR20 tyres at the rear.

Customers have the option of selecting the "Black Exterior Touring Package" will get black side window strips, sports exhaust system tailpipes and headlight washer system covers plus black Porsche logo at the rear, which otherwise would be silver in colour if the option is not selected.

Price wise the new Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Package will retail for USD 143,600 in North America, while customers in Germany are expected to pay EUR 152,416. Both prices are similar to the regular Porsche 911 GT3.