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"Pure" Porsche 911 GT with Back-to-Basics Handling Confirmed for 2016

For a while now, I've suspected that Porsche was going to add an entry-level model to the 911 range when the facelift comes out. I've been tracking both the Carrera and Carrera S models while they were testing, but there was always another type of car that had cheaper-looking exhaust.
2016 Porsche 911 GT 36 photos
Photo: SB-Medien
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Now I know I was right on the money. British magazine Autocar has just reported that Porsche will launch a new 911 currently called "GT" internally which will be more "pure" than the other versions.

While the rest of the 911 family is going for smaller turbocharged engines, the 911 GT will apparently use a normally aspirated six-cylinder 3.8-liter boxer. With more power? Probably not. Just like the Toyota GT 86, it will use skinny tires that provide less grip but let you have more fun. The chassis will also be honed for a "friendly on-limit balance."

A manual gearbox will be offered, aimed at providing the driver with the thrill of bolt-action rifles, not perfect lap times or bonkers launch control. It's even possible for them to go back to the 6-speed, since the current 7-speed stick-shifter is built for fuel economy.

So far, details are strictly limited, as the Germans like to keep their cars secret for however long they can.

Considering Porsche likes to give you less and charge you more, we're concerned that the 911 GT will be more expensive than a Carrera S. However, knowing that Stuttgart sportscars have been getting faster with every generation, we agree that a simple and honest one would be nice.

The 911 GT name might not stick, but we don't think the recently trademarked GT5 would work either. It suggests an extra hardcore track-day machine, not a return to the roots. Maybe they just need to call it "The 911."

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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