PORSCHE INDEX 1997.2 GT3

A minor engineering masterpiece, the 997.2 GT3 makes for a dynamic weekend car that needs neither heated garage nor mollycoddling, and takes to the track with aplomb

- Kieron Fennelly

HISTORY & TECH
With the advent of the 996, Porsche decided to make the new GT3 category its competition arena. Previously, it had campaigned in GT2 and although the 993 GT2 was moderately successful, as mid-engine opposition became stronger Porsche knew it was at an increasing disadvantage with the rear engine.

The switch to GT3 was entirely logical. As a simpler formula, the Porsche GT3 was less expensive to build and could be sold to far more club racers. More racers meant greater exposure to the public and a virtuous circle was thus created. It was an inspired move and almost three decades later has spawned many more race series and competitors from other manufacturers.

Whereas in air-cooled days the RS had served as the homologation basis, Porsche designed the 996 GT3 as its racing model. It came with its own engine, popularly honoured with the name 'Mezger' (even though Hans Mezger had long since retired) because the flat six was a hybrid of the air-cooled 964-993 block with a bespoke water-cooled cylinder head. Restrictions meant that the competition 996 R was only marginally more powerful than the 360PS road-going GT3, and stiffly suspended. Both generations of 996 GT3 were uncompromising as road cars.

The 997.1 GT3 that was launched in 2006 was more powerful. Yet with adjustable suspension and electronic control of the chassis - something that was lacking in its predecessor - it was also a more comfortable and sophisticated road car.

The major change with the Gen2 model three years later was the larger engine. Bored out to 102.7mm (generating 3,797cc) the now 3.8 effectively homologated the engine, which the competition GT3s had been using since 2005.