Soon arriving: GT3

The new Porsche 911 steam roller has well and truly selected second gear now, with the launch of the tin-top base and S models and then the accompanying drop-top variants. Of course, there are still five gears to go and about two dozen different 991s to be launched but one of the most anticipated is surely the next-generation GT3 road racer. Seen here mildly disguised and lapping a test track in anger is just that GT3, due for a reveal in late 2012 and a showroom spot all over the world in early 2013. The formula is much the same as the old GT3, meaning less weight, but that’s where the ‘less’ stops and the ‘more’ comes in, since Porsche is improving everything. Don’t forget the Carrera S laps the’Ring in 7:40, meaning the new GT3 should creep ever closer to the Nissan GT-R’s 7:20-something. It will achieve that with at least 50kg of weight shaved off and improved engine efficiency from the 3.8-litre flat-six delivering around 450bhp. As for the styling changes, the new front bumper gets bigger air intakes and a lip spoiler, while the rear shrouds dual central exhaust pipes and a big spoiler sitting on the engine lid.