Behind the Wheel: Driving the New Porsche 911 GT3 S/C

There are some cars that you really need to spend time behind the wheel of to understand. The new Porsche 911 GT3 S/C is certainly one of them.

When Porsche first announced the 911 GT3 S/C, it was an interesting proposition and one that certainly raised a few eyebrows. A naturally aspirated GT3 engine, manual gearbox and fully automatic convertible roof make for a rather different take on the familiar GT3 formula. So, when the opportunity came along to experience one for ourselves, we were keen to find out exactly what all the fuss was about.

With our own GT3 S/C due to arrive at JCR shortly, it was also the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with the car before it lands at JCR HQ.

Having spent time in the 992.2 GT3 Touring, one of the first things that becomes apparent is just how different the S/C feels dynamically.

It's noticeably more playful, with a greater tendency towards oversteer and a character that feels a little less planted than its fixed-roof sibling. It's a car that seems to encourage you to explore its limits, and one that really comes alive when driven with a little enthusiasm.

It also highlights just how important weight distribution will be when it comes to getting the very best out of the platform. Reducing weight over the rear of the car will be an interesting consideration, particularly when looking to offset the additional weight introduced by the electronic roof mechanism.


One of the biggest attractions of the GT3 S/C is, of course, the opportunity to enjoy that naturally aspirated flat-six with the roof down.

And what a soundtrack it is. The familiar high-revving GT3 character is all there, but being able to experience it without a fixed roof between you and the engine adds another dimension to the driving experience.

It's already pretty special in standard form, but knowing what a JCR exhaust can bring to the equation, we're particularly excited to hear what this car will sound like once we've had the opportunity to develop and install our own system.


The manual gearbox is every bit as good as you'd expect, with a shift feel that will be immediately familiar to anyone who has driven the 991.2 GT3 Touring.

It's precise, engaging and feels perfectly suited to the character of the car. That said, we can't help but feel there is an opportunity to take things a step further with the lightweight clutch and flywheel setup from the 911 S/T. It's an idea we're certainly keen to explore. Watch this space.

It's important to understand what the GT3 S/C is, and perhaps just as importantly, what it isn't.

This isn't a dedicated track car, nor is it pretending to be. Its appeal lies in offering a more engaging, open-air driving experience without losing the naturally aspirated GT3 DNA that makes these cars so special.

However, that doesn't mean it should be underestimated. With a few carefully considered modifications, we suspect the GT3 S/C will be more than capable of troubling some seriously impressive machinery when the opportunity for a few laps presents itself.

Our first drive has certainly left us looking forward to spending more time with the GT3 S/C. It's a different proposition to the GT3 Touring, with a character all of its own, and one that we think has plenty of untapped potential.

With our own car arriving at JCR imminently, we're looking forward to getting properly acquainted with the platform, exploring where improvements can be made and, of course, seeing what we can do to make an already very special car even better.

Another stunner from Porsche.