PORSCHE 911 GT3 (997) 2006-2009 Photos, engines & full specs

The GT3 was proof that an owner didn't have to forget about comfort when driving a race-oriented Porsche, but it was still able to get very good lap-times.

While it wasn't a race-car with number plates on it, the 2006 Porsche GT3 came on the market with a package that could make its owners smile wide. It was built as a daily driver car, but with some PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) and other tricks could transform it in a split of a second from a sports-car to a race car.

For starters, the look was aggressive with a lower apron, a lip-spoiler underneath, and five air-intakes. An exhaust vent was placed on top of the bumper. The Porsche 911 GT3 came for the first time with a specially designed rear end. It featured centrally-mounted tailpipes, plus an additional air outlet openings at the rear. The twin exhausts were placed in the middle of the rear apron.

The standard interior of the GT3 was fitted with Alcantara on the steering wheel, the gear-stick, and on the handbrake knobs. The same material was applied to the center of the seats. As a reminder of the Carrera GT, the GT3 featured the dials with yellow needles and scales. On the tachometer, a GT3 logo was applied. Like its predecessor, the 996 GT3, it was fitted as standard with two seats. As an option, a roll-cage was available to increase safety and car's stiffness.

Despite having a smaller engine than the regular Carrera, which offered 355 hp, it offered 400 hp. On top of that, a sport-button provided 15 more horses between 3000 and 4250 rpm. For the transmission, the GT3 was fitted with a 6-speed manual, with either a race or a street-use gearing.