Data reveals exactly how fast the Porsche 992 911 GT3 is around Sydney Motorsport Park

It’s not a great surprise that the Porsche 992 911 GT3 is fast. It was always going to be fast.

What is surprising, is how much faster it is than expected. Despite having no significant power bump, Porsche’s changes to the suspension and aero have made an impressive improvement to what was already a class-leading machine.

To get to grips with the new-generation GT3 we had a thrash at Sydney Motorsport Park as part of the car’s launch program.

You can read our comprehensive review of the track-ready 911 here, but what we want to dive into today is the data!

When we first strapped into the GT3 we thought a lap of SMP’s 3.93km Gardner Circuit layout in 1:45.0 would be reasonable.

17

Turns out we underestimated the depth of the GT3’s talents, with our first flyer stopping the clock at 1:40.3. Bang!

Rain hampers our running somewhat, but eventually our benchmark time is lowered to 1:38.9.

In 2010, Warren Luff managed a best time of 1:44.2 in a Nissan R35 GT-R – the quickest car in that year’s PCOTY field.

Speaking of our man Luffy, MOTOR’s resident racing driver will be on hand for PCOTY once again in 2022, helping us test the hottest metal in the country at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. We’ll be sure to report back on how the GT3 fares at Australia’s fastest permanent circuit.

But for now, here’s our turn-by-turn analysis of the 911 GT3 at Sydney Motorsport Park:

17

Turn One

Brake from 245km/h but carry plenty of speed in with excellent stability.

Gear: 4th

Apex speed: 175km/h

Turn Two

Brake late and carry it through the apex. Patience required on exit.

Gear: 2nd

Apex speed: 65km/h

Turn Three

A gentle lift is all that’s required to ensure the nose remains stuck.

Gear: 3rd

Apex speed: 125km/h

17

Turn Four

Let the car settle after the crest then brake hard and don’t run wide.

Gear: 3rd

Apex speed: 115km/h

Turn Five

Hug the apex then let the car run out onto the concrete on exit.

Gear: 3rd

Apex speed: 100km/h

Turn Six

Brake late but don’t get greedy – there’s kerb to use on the outside.

Gear: 2nd

Apex speed: 80km/h

17

Turn Seven

Blind entry is challenging and it’s easy to run wide on hairpin approach.

Gear: 3rd

Apex speed: 125km/h

Turn Eight

Be careful not too upset the rear under brakes, then try for a clean exit.

Gear: 2nd

Apex speed: 65km/h

Turn Nine

Commitment required. Carry as much speed as possible while realising that you have to turn left in a moment.

Gear: 4th

Apex speed: 145km/h

17

Turn 10

Try and keep the minimum speed as high as possible and use the concrete on the outside to open up the corner.

Gear: 3rd

Apex speed: 100km/h

Turn 11

Patience! Throttle application is crucial to ensure a good run down SMP’s long main straight.

Gear: 3rd

Apex speed: 90km/h

17