First impressions of the 997 early model GT3

I had the opportunity to test drive a Porsche 911 997 early model GT3. This car is a notable addition to the GT3 series.
In conclusion, although not as advanced as the 997 Late Model GT3, the body was more rigid than the 996 Late Model GT3, giving the impression of higher performance.

When you get in and start the engine, you can tell that it has been built with a clearer exhaust sound in mind than the 996 model.Brave sound of "zoon".Compared to the 991 and 992 models, the 991 and 992 engines are quieter, but the attention to the starting sound can be felt from this period onward.

The clutch is heavy and clearly belongs to the heavier category. However, it is not as heavy as the late 997 GT3. The shifter is also hard, and according to the owner, it will be hard until the gear oil warms up. It requires conscious effort to operate the gearshift, and it does not feel as if the car is being sucked into the gearshift like the current 992 and other models.

Ease of handling at low speeds

No difficult maneuvering is required to start the car, just a light touch of the clutch and it starts moving smoothly.

Driving at low speeds can be handled without any particular awareness. The suspension is firm, but the car responds to uneven road surfaces in a manner typical of the GT3. The car we test-drove this time had old tires, which gave the car a strong knobbly feel, but with the latest new tires, it would be smoother.

When lightly shaking the steering wheel to the left and right at low speeds, the car does not seem to have a special response, but rather a natural feeling of slalom. The engine does not feel like a special GT3 when running at 2000 to 3000 rpm. However, the engine sound is not as clear as that of the 911 Carrera, and there is a lot of mechanical noise.

Driving in this rpm range, one might ask, "Is this what a GT3 is like?" Some may think, "Is this what a GT3 is like? For those who are not in the habit of keeping the engine revving, the impression may be that it is simply a noisy car, a Porsche that is difficult to drive.

True value of engine characteristics and handling

However, the true value of this car is revealed when the accelerator pedal is depressed and the rpm range is between 3,500 and 4,000. The engine sound, which had been crass up to that point, changes drastically,As if the grains of the engine beats are aligned.It changes to a wonderful tone.

At this moment, the character of the car changes completely.

As soon as the engine sound changes, it begins to turn pleasantly. The engine revs up to 5000 rpm, 6000 rpm, 7000 rpm, 8000 rpm, and so on, all at once, with a grainy "whirr" sound of the exhaust. The engine feels as if there is no friction.

Metzger engine with GT1 crank

Compared to BMW's M engine, the M seems lighter, but the GT3's engine has more power in the way it revs up in addition to its lightness. Just stepping on the accelerator pedal slightly and driving at medium rpm or higher changes the character of the car to something completely different.

The 997 GT3 also has a sport mode, but even without using it, the car wakes up with just gas pedal work.The car responds to the way you drive, not to electronic controls.This is exactly what it is.The appeal of analog carsId.

True value at high speeds and the strangeness of the gas pedal work

Even more interesting is the dramatic change in steering response once some speed is reached.
The steering, which was not so vivid at low speeds, changed its response as the speed increased. This is a testament to the excellent build quality of Porsche's suspension.

When cornering at high speeds, load transfer can be controlled freely by gas pedal work. By simply stepping on the accelerator pedal or pulling it out slightly, the front end of the vehicle can be controlled. This is what it is all about.'I'll turn the Porsche around on the gas pedal.'That's the feeling.

In the modern 991 and 992 GT3s, one needs to reach very high speeds to experience this sensation, but in the 997 GT3, one can experience this sensation even at relatively low speeds. This is a characteristic for advanced drivers, never a car for beginners.

The engine power is 3.6 liters and around 415 horsepower, which is not particularly powerful by today's standards. However, this power characteristic is right on the edge of what can be enjoyed on public roads. More power would limit its enjoyment on public roads.

Club Sports Package

I personally have test-driven all the GT3 series in the past, but the one I like the most is the late 996 GT3. It is not too hard or too soft, and has just the right amount of power. It is well-balanced enough to be used for a little touring. The next most preferable is the early 997 GT3.

The 997 early model GT3 is a true driver's car that combines analog operation with high performance.The perfect car for circuit driving or early weekend mornings on the mountain roads.It could be said that

For purists who love Porsche driving, the GT3 of this era must continue to be special.