To somebody outside the Porschephile realm, the 911 GT3 Touring can be a bit of an enigma. You see, while its name and fixed wing delete imply this is a softer version of the road-and-track GT formula, going for a drive means you won’t get anywhere near that word when describing the German machine. And this 2022 example, which leans heavily on Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur (the carmaker’s customization arm) expertise seems to push the scales even further towards the hardcore bits, at least in spirit.
Now, whether you’re a Neunelfer fan or not, the standout spec of this 992 GT3 Touring will speak to your eyes (our hearts have a special place for it, but we’re ready to accept that some enthusiasts might prefer a more restrained specification).
However, Porsche fans will tell you that the exterior reminds one of the 997.2 iteration of the naturally aspirated track devil that is the GT3 RS. And, as we prepare for a deeper dive into this “invisible RS” 911, as we chose to call it, allow us to talk about why the Touring option of the GT3 exists in the first place.
How the Touring iteration of the GT3 came to be
The story of the GT3 Touring kicked off with the previous 991 iteration of the rear-engined coupe that reigned during most of the past decade. During that time, Porsche decided to remove manual transmissions from its (more or less) unlimited-volume GT cars.
So, while the 997 911 built between 2004 and 2013 (here’s one wearing the latest GT3-like aftermarket widebody) could be had with a manual even in the most track-focused GT3 RS form, the initial GT3 and GT3 RS versions of the 991 (called 991.1) only came in PDK form. Sure, the stopwatch dedication of these models was an official excuse for it, but people still wanted the full engagement of a stick shift.
And, after speculators pushed prices of the 911 R limited edition towards $1 million, Zuffenhausen decided to bring back the manual for the 991.2 facelift of the GT3 (not on the RS, though). And (surprise-surprise!), the Touring package of the 991.2 GT3 would lose the fixed rear wing, essentially bringing the model as closed to the shaved, classic look of the 911 R as possible.
However, as it was the case with the R, the 991.2 GT3 Touring could only be had with a manual. But, since Porsche can new models simply by allowing fresh mixes of its generous parts bin, people also asked for a PDK on the Touring. And Porsche listened, which is why you can have the current 992.1 GT3 Touring in two- or three-pedal form—this one is a manual (yay!).
Now, the Grey Black dominant shade and Guards Red accents adorning the exterior of this Touring remind die-hard enthusiasts of the 997.2 911 GT3 RS, with its 4.0L limited edition. Enter the Mezger part of the story.
Hans Mezger, Porsche’s mechanical wizard
The late Hans Mezger, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 90, was a German engineer resposible for a great deal of Porsche tech achievement. He was the mastermind behind the 911’s air-cooled flat-six, the entire 917 endurance race car, twelve-cylinder motor included. And now that Porsche is on track for a 2026 F1 return (as an engine supplier), we’ll remind you Metzger was also behind the legendary 1.6L turbocharged V6 F1 engine of the mid-1980s.
And the 500 hp 4.0L boxer motor of the said 997.2 GT3 RS 4.0 limited edition is considered the pinnacle of Metzger road car engine designs—while the 992 GT3 Touring you’re gazing at also has a 4.0L flat-six, this no longer features the two-part aluminum crank case design of the iconic engineer.
This is one of the most special configurations in America
Speaking of the machine, this reached its American owner recently, having landed at Porsche West Broward in Florida late last month. The GT3 Touring (hey, the 992 GT3 RS is almost ready for its debut) is loaded with special CXX options, and if the said color combo seems extreme on the outside, you should check out the vibz it brings into the cabin!
In fact, as the said specialist mentions on Instagram, this is one of the most standout specs it has seen coming Stateside to date. And in an age when Porsche has taken its PTS (Paint to Sample) range of colors and Exclusive Manufaktur operations further than ever before, that means a lot.
