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Porsche's new 992-generation 991 GT3 retains a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated engine and manual gearbox, despite more stringent European emission regulations.

The Stuttgart manufacturer has kept the familiar 9000rpm engine lifted almost directly from the 911 Cup race car, and has avoided any form of forced induction or hybrid technology - a rarity in today's supercar industry.

The engine now produces 510PS, which is ten more than the last generation GT3. It enables the 992 to sprint from 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds and top out at 199mph - again marking minor improvements over the previous 991.

Customers buying the new £123,100 GT3 are also presented with another 2021 supercar oddity: the option of a manual gearbox. It has the side effect of lengthening the 0-62mph run to 3.9 seconds but has proven itself to be a strong seller in the previous generation.

Porsche's customary PDK ’box has dropped a gear from eight speeds to seven, which was in the name of weight-saving, according to the manufacturer. 

On top of that, the shifter for the PDK is a larger, more mechanical-feeling stick compared to the standard switch found in the current 911 range. The design was a choice made by Porsche GT boss Andreas Preuninger, who said: "We know many of our customers like the manual shifting action on the stick with PDK, too. I like to do it."

As Porsche Motorsport have such major involvement in the new car, the 992 GT3 is unsurprisingly very competent around the track. Posting a time of 6 minutes 59.927 seconds around the Nürburgring makes it over ten seconds quicker than the previous generation GT3, and just a couple of seconds shy from the 918 halo car.

Drivers who aren't as worried about track times will be able to specify a Touring version fo the new GT3 later this year, which does away with the 911 RSR-inspired swan-neck rear wing, and is generally dampened more for the road.

Deliveries are expected to begin in May this year.