DRIVEN: So, What's A 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 With A STICK REALLY Like?

Now, I will be the first guy to say that if I had $150,000 to spend, I probably wouldn't go running to the Porsche dealer to plop it down on a 911. While I think they're great sports cars, it just doesn't have me completely sold.

A Cayman GT4, on the other hand... A used R8 V10, on the other hand... Now you've got my attention.

While the 911's footprint has grown in the 991 generation and it's become more luxurious, purists have still been lusting after the technologically enhanced GT3. While it gained rear-wheel steering and a PDK gearbox as the only option at first, now Porsche has finally come around.

You can spec it with a manual transmission.

So, what's the deal? Would reviewers still want a stick on a GT3 or are they completely smitten with the dual-clutch 'box? See for yourselves, below.

Porsche 2018 GT3 review: verdict

This was hardly a car Porsche was going to get wrong. In fact it could have made some token changes and still sold every single one without breaking sweat. But GT3.2 is so much more than that, building on the brilliance of the old car by making it more accessible and usable but without any dilution of the sensory magic that makes it such a joy to drive in the first place.

We know what you’re thinking: another 911, another glowing review. But spend five minutes exploring the GT3’s ability on a suitable road and we guarantee you won’t think any differently. As for the manual? It’s not the fastest transmission to stick in your GT3, but it’s the right one.

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MDarringer - 3/4/2018 11:29:14 AM

+1 Boost

If you love the 911, you'll love this.

I'd rather have a modern 944 or a 928.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 3/4/2018 1:15:30 PM

+1 Boost

A very last century choice. I wonder how long the Porsche Cup race cars have been running without manual transmissions. The answer may surprise manual purists.

zlives - 3/6/2018 8:00:03 PM

+2 Boost

i am not sure the term purists applies, i prefer a stick because its more engaging, the PDK is faster no question.

MDarringer - 3/6/2018 10:02:12 PM

0 Boost

a 911 purist buys a Singer anyway.

PUGPROUD - 3/4/2018 2:52:21 PM

+1 Boost

The automatics accelerate quicker and are faster point to point. The manuals offer a visceral connection and strengthen the man and machine bond. Take your pick while you still have a choice.

TomM - 3/4/2018 4:58:12 PM

+1 Boost

Driving a Porsche is still something people aspire to - even though others have a hard time telling one from another. Personally - Porsche has stuck with similar styling for too long - and there is nothing special to me from one 911 to another for years now.

However - when you get above $150,000 - there are a lot of very special choices - and that probably is the line where the money is not an issue.

I would still prefer a Portofino - to these.

momentofsurrender - 3/5/2018 1:49:39 PM

+2 Boost

I think that is the point-it is likely top of the food chain at that price point. Going to a Portofino is a big jump in real world price as they are usually loaded up with very expensive options and you face incredibly high maintenance costs. What you say is true when looking at a Portofino- there are a lot of very special choices, where money is less of an issue.

As well, few are buying the GT3 "weekend car". Most Porsche owners go for a Carrera S, GTS or Turbo which they also use as a daily driver.

carloslassiter - 3/4/2018 8:21:24 PM

+2 Boost

Just be thankful it still has a GD steering wheel.

mini22 - 3/6/2018 1:45:36 AM

+2 Boost

The GT3 is great but I wonder if I might enjoy the new 911T as much on regular roads. The old 928 was a GT car. Unless you are able to get the GT or GTS any modern 911 997 and newer would shade any 928. To me it was really the "German Corvette". I've ridden in them. They look cool but a flat six simply sounds much better that V8.The 944 was a great car as long as you were not trying to drag anyone from a stop light. A 944 turbo would be a mechanical nightmare to maintain. Yes I know there are plenty of aftermarket companies that can retrofit a Corvette engine in them. The only issue is then their not really Porsche's anymore.A Ferrari Portofino sounds exciting and it is certainly more sporting the previous California. It's still not a GT3 in terms of driving, however. Further it is significantly more expensive. What makes Porsche so unique in the field of exotic cars is it's simple practicality. A Porsche can easily be used on a daily basis and have the dual purpose role as a grocery getter and a track car for time attack etc. It is in fact a vehicle that could be your only household car if you so choosed it to be. No other cars that compete with it offer this dual personality. That is probably why it sells more cars than any of its competitors. I agree with most that they are too cautious with design changes. However If they were to make it too exotic looking it would lose that dual functionality.