Porsche 911 GT3 2020: track-focused supercar may use Speedster’s flat-six engine

As anticipation grows ahead of the launch of the new 911 GT3 in September, Porsche has hinted that the track-focused supercar will use the same engine as the limited-run Speedster drop-top.

The head of the German carmaker's GT division, Andreas Preuninger, told Autocar that the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine that powers the Speedster will make its way into future sports models - which suggests the motor may appear in the new 992-generation GT3.

Preuninger said the carmaker is “invested in the future with this engine. I can’t comment on future projects but we would be stupid not to re-use this engine somewhere.

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“Our philosophy in GT cars is to stay naturally aspirated. We want to keep that engine for the future and that’s why we’ve made such a tremendous effort to get the engine right without taking emotion and performance away.”

Preuninger’s comments chime with information gained from spy footage, posted by Motor1, of a prototype 911 GT3 testing at the Nurburgring in Germany.

The heavily camouflaged test car’s engine note definitely sounds like a naturally aspirated motor, as “there’s no hint of a whistling turbo” in the clip, the motoring site says.

Here is what else we know about the new GT3:

Design

Judging by the abundance of spy shots that are circulating online, the new 911 GT3 appears as though it will have a wider and more aggressive look than its predecessor. Although the cars snapped by spy photographers are covered in camouflage, they still give fans a good idea of what the car’s final form may look like.

The most notable feature on the car is the “dramatic fixed rear spoiler” placed over the rear-mounted engine, says PistonHeads. There’s also a smaller spoiler placed directly below it, which has a wire mesh running along it to help cool the engine.

Meanwhile, the arches over the rear wheels seem to be even wider than the “already broad” standard model, the motoring site says. The yellow brake callipers hint that the prototype is fitted with carbon ceramic brakes, which are far more powerful than the standard steel brakes offered on most road cars.

When will it come out?

According to Motor1, the new 911 GT3 is expected to arrive at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, running from 12 to 22 September.

This would suggest an on-sale date either at the very end of 2019 or early next year.

How much will it cost?

It’s unlikely that Porsche will announce pricing until the track car makes its debut in Germany later this year.

The current 991-generation 911 GT3 costs around £100,000, so expect the new version to come with a slightly higher price tag.