Porsche 996 GT3

The Porsche 996.1 GT3 was a high-performance sports car that was introduced in 1999.

It was based on the 996 platform and was designed to be a track-focused version of the 911.

The 996.1 GT3 was powered by a 3.6-liter flat-six engine that produced 360 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.

It was paired with a six-speed manual transmission that allowed the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 190 mph.

The GT3 also featured a number of performance upgrades over the standard 996, including a stiffer suspension, larger brakes, and a rear wing for improved aerodynamics.

The car's weight was also reduced by using lightweight materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber.

One of the most notable features of the 996.1 GT3 was its "Mezger" engine, named after Hans Mezger, the Porsche engineer who designed it.

This engine was derived from the engine used in the Porsche 911 GT1 race car and featured a dry sump oil system and six individual throttle bodies.

The 996.1 GT3 was a popular choice among track enthusiasts and professional drivers alike. It was praised for its precise handling, excellent balance, and high-revving engine.

In fact, the car was so well-regarded that it went on to win numerous racing championships, including the American Le Mans Series and the FIA GT Championship.

Despite its success on the track, the 996.1 GT3 was not without its flaws.

The car was criticized for its somewhat harsh ride and noisy cabin, as well as its controversial "fried egg" headlights, which were seen as a departure from the classic 911 design.

Nevertheless, the Porsche 996.1 GT3 remains an important part of the brand's history and a sought-after collector's item among Porsche enthusiasts.