Porsche really did it. It finally gave the GT3 something it must have had all along: a convertible top. While it could sound like sacrilege to harass Porsche purists who chase ever-increasing percentages of structural rigidity, a convertible GT3 makes all of the sense on the planet to people such as you and me — individuals who enjoy a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six, a six-speed manual transmission and the wonders of the sky above you. Enter the 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C.
That “S/C” makes all of the difference. No, it isn’t a Super Carrera, it’s “Sport Cabriolet.” It also links this automotive back to the limited-run 911 S/T we saw on the 992.1 911, and it means the S/C gets carbon-fiber fenders and door panels, standard carbon-ceramic brakes, and magnesium center-lock wheels. Hell, it’s even got weight-saving, thinner carpets and no rear seats (there is a storage cubby you may option in case you want). Due to that, Porsche says it weighs just 3,322 kilos. That is all well and good, but the large news is that the GT3 S/C comes with the good 9,000-RPM flat-six out of ordinary GT3, which implies you get a healthy 502 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque to play with via a slick, short-ratio six-speed manual transmission. It’s enough power to launch the S/C from 0-60 mph in a Porsche-claimed 3.7 seconds (shave a couple of tenths off for the actual time), and in case you keep your foot in it, it’ll go on to a 194 mph top speed. Sadly, there is not any word on whether that is with the highest up or the highest down.
Making the S/C
You may — and doubtless should — make the argument that the GT3 S/C isn’t the primary convertible GT3. That honor goes to the 991.2 911 Speedster. Nonetheless, unlike that automotive, which is admittedly a bit more specialized with its bespoke bodywork and roof, the GT3 S/C is a little more usable as an actual automotive. Because it’s based on an ordinary 911 Cabriolet, it comes with a traditional folding roof, which Porsche says can open and shut in only 12 seconds. The Speedster was fitted with a manually folding fiddly mess of canvas that the majority owners probably never bothered to place up once it was down.
Porsche
On the within, it’s typical 911 GT3 fare, but turned up a notch. You’ll be able to really make it as basic or as fancy as you would like it, but the actual highlight here, and the choice you have gotta select in case you’re going to spring for the GT3 S/C, is the Exclusive Manufaktur Street Styling Package. It’s outrageous in essentially the most wonderful ways possible. We’re talking red, grey and black tartan seat inserts with red leather surrounds that proceed onto the door panels and dashboard. Real Porsche Lovers will likely be pleased to know the package comes with contrast stitching in addition to extra leather and Race-Tex.
The true centerpiece, though, is the open-pore walnut shifter, which is finished with a Pyro Red shift pattern at the highest. Even from the photos, I can tell it’s just gorgeous.
Porsche
On the surface, the package gives buyers some eye-catching Pyro Red graphics and gold brake calipers. It also gets darkened headlights and body-color-matching airblade within the front fender.
After all, you may skip out on this feature and go for a more subtle, cheaper S/C with none graphics on the surface and four-way adjustable black seats on the within. What is the fun in that?
Value of the century
Suffice it to say, the 2027 911 GT3 S/C isn’t an inexpensive automotive. Prices start at $275,350, including destination, which implies you are going to should cough up $35,500 over the 911 GT3 coupe — a small price to pay in case you ask me. Hell, you might even persuade yourself the automotive is a little bit of a price, in case you’re a lunatic.
Give it some thought like this: the S/C comes with a number of standard equipment, the GT3 coupe doesn’t. Once you add within the Lightweight package ($20,350), magnesium wheels ($17,840), carbon-ceramic brakes ($10,370) and leather package ($5,020), that is 53,580 value of apparatus for just $35,500. Not bad. Plus, that does not even include that $14,400 delta between the usual 911 and the Cab. Then, you should add on the indisputable fact that the 911 Speedster cost $274,500 in 2019 dollars — equal to greater than $354,000 in today’s money — and the S/C is not limited production. Porsche will construct as many as people want… to a certain extent.
Listen, I’m not going to take a seat here and inform you this automotive is a superb deal or anything, but there is definitely enough cocaine on the planet that it is easy to justify to yourself. Plus, just take a look at those seats and consider how good that flat-six will sound with no roof getting in the best way.
This Article First Appeared At www.jalopnik.com
