The 911 is perhaps the most iconic sports car, which has been refined in the details, big and small, over and over and over again. And yet, it doesn't lose its magic, the formula in some ways, remains quite faithful to the original. Clearly, restrictions on emissions brought OPF filters that somewhat tempered the majestic sound of its atmospheric flat-6, its weight increased over the years as more and more technology and safety systems were put into it. There were, however, always the 911s in the GT3 series, which stayed more true to the original formula. Aerodynamics that give the driver the confidence to chase the best they can get out of the car, lower weight than its more 'luxury' versions as here we pretty much care about nothing beyond the absolute basics and a majestic sound from an atmospheric engine, now with a capacity of 4 litres, with the throttle at 9,000 rpm. And then there were the Touring Package versions on the GT3s, creating a bridge of balance between the "regular" 911 and the track-focused GT3 and GT3 RS.
The name Touring Package dates back to 1973, when it was first offered as a package for the 911 Carrera RS, yes the famous "old" RS, as an alternative to a more "everyday" and slightly softer RS. In 2017, Porsche is bringing this recipe back to the 991 generation of the GT3. And of course, it makes a splash. A GT3 that doesn't scream track so much, a GT3 with a manual transmission for those who aren't chasing the ultimate timed lap, but want to get out and drive. To drive a more distinctive and feel more "old-school" car, with every positive that existed technologically and mechanically in 2017. And just like that, Porsche is bringing back the Touring Package as an option on the current, now 992, generation GT3.
I could go into every stylistic detail that makes the Touring Package different from the regular one, but I'll just focus on the basics. The Touring Package, has a small retractable spoiler in place of the swan neck, GT3 R racing inspired spoiler. On the outside, the window surrounds and exhaust tips are in silver, instead of gloss black, the interior is also trimmed in leather rather than exclusively Alcantara, the front lights have black interior trim and there's a small red LED strip on the engine cover at the rear, illuminating "GT3 Touring". Porsche also offers all the optional equipment of the "regular" GT3 for the Touring Package. This includes all exterior color schemes, wheel tints, a lift system for the front axle, ceramic brakes, active lights and more.
The essence of the Touring Package, however, lies in its soul, in what matters most to each buyer, its mechanical parts. For starters, it weighs in at 1418 pounds, with its atmospheric, 4-liter flat-6 producing 510 horsepower. Power is transmitted through a GT Specific scalable and generating, 6-speed manual transmission. For those who want the PDK, of course, that option is also available at no extra charge.
However, to answer the title, what gives the Porsche 992 GT3 Touring its own unique charm is exactly what Porsche itself gives it as a basis. An atmospheric flat-6 that is in the 95% range identical to that of the 911 CUP, a 6-speed manual transmission with the right gearing (we're assuming the right feel on both the gearbox and clutch side, as is Porsche's wont, after all) and....the end. That's it. The bare essentials, for anyone who wants to enjoy a 992 GT3, more for its driving character than for its ability to be the ultimate road racer.
For the lucky ones who can and want to get it, the price is the same as the GT3, at €152,416, plus VAT and taxes per country, as the Touring Package option is offered as a no-cost option.
