The next generation of the Porsche 911 GT3 will lose its high-revving, naturally-aspirated engine in favor of a turbocharged flat-six, according to a recent report. The flat-six in question will make 550 horsepower, a generous increase over the current GT3's 500-horse rating. Torque will go up, too, Australian magazine Motor reports. The extra power will help the GT3 achieve a zero-to-60-mph time of under three seconds and reach a top speed of over 200 mph.
Going turbo inevitably adds weight, but Motor reports Porsche will offset the extra pounds with lightweight materials. Rear-wheel steering will come standard to improve handling.
Purists won't like the idea of a turbocharged 911 GT3, and they'll certainly loathe Porsche's choice in the transmission department. The same report claims the only transmission offered will be an eight-speed dual-clutch. You're out of luck if you want a stick; your best option is to buy the current model. Rear-wheel drive will continue to come standard.
Porsche will introduce the next-generation 911 before the end of the year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show. That means the GT3 variant won't arrive until late 2019 at the earliest. In the meantime, we're looking forward to seeing an updated 911 GT3 RS next month at the Geneva Auto Show.