2007 Porsche 911 GT3 -- 2007 Chicago Auto Show Preview: Overkill is a beautiful thing. Here in the States, a significant proportion of drivers spend their days stuck in traffic, essentially sucking on the tailpipe of daily 9-to-5 life. We clearly don’t need fast cars that offer stellar handling. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t want them. For those who live their lives based on want and not need, and provided their bank accounts are flush with cash, Porsche offers the 2007 911 GT3. Few municipalities will put up with runs up to 193 mph, or personally verifying the claimed 4.1-second 0-60 mph time. Again, we don’t really need to be doing those types of things, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to…There is no substitute.” Most every automotive enthusiast can tell you which company uses that phrase, but they can also tell you that every year there are new contenders intent on proving otherwise. Porsche sees itself as the top dog (as do countless fans of the brand), and to remain at the top it must continue to build outstanding products, products that shoppers truly can find from other manufacturers. The 911 GT3 satisfies that requirement by offering a six-cylinder engine with an eye-popping 415 horsepower (sans turbo or supercharger assist), reduced weight and ride height for improved handling, and a style that is uniquely Porsche. There may be other sports cars and supercars, but the GT3 proves, there is no substitute.

For the 2007 911 GT3, engineers have managed to crank 415 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. of torque from a 3.6-liter, naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine that achieves and EPA-rated 17/24 mpg and LEVII emissions status. Selecting Sport mode unleashes an extra 18 lb.-ft. of torque between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm. Featuring dual overhead cams, 24 valves, and variable-valve timing, the 3.6 does its part to push the 3,075-lb. GT3 (more than 400 pounds lighter than the 911 Turbo) to 60 mph in only 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 193 mph. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, as are a locking differential, 13.78-inch vented and cross-drilled rotors, traction control, and Pirelli PZero Corsa tires measuring 235/35R19 up front and 305/30R19 out back.

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