EXCLUSIVE: Next Porsche 911 GT3 to offer six-speed manual

In music to the ears of enthusiasts everywhere, Porsche will reintroduce a manual gearbox to its 991.2 GT3.

While sales of Porsche’s hardcore 911 models have exploded since they switched to a dual-clutch only format, many enthusiasts have been dismayed at the loss of a DIY option, leading to soaring demand for manual-only GT cars like the Cayman GT4 and previous 911 GT3 models.

MOTOR’s European correspondent, Georg Kacher, reports ZF has been tasked with developing a bespoke six-speed manual gearbox, unrelated to the seven-speed unit found in the new turbocharged 991.2 Carrera models, which is a manually-operated version of Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch ’box.

While there is no official confirmation from Porsche that 991.2 GT3 models will be built, both 996 and 997-series 911s offered pre- and post-facelift GT3 models.

Following the release of the 718-series Boxster and Cayman, these hardcore 911s will be the only naturally-aspirated models left in Porsche’s model range, with the possible exception of future Boxster or Cayman-based GT models.

At this stage, the 991.2 GT3 is tentatively expected to appear in 2017 with the GT3 RS following approximately 12 months after that.