How We'd Spec It: 2022 Porsche 911 GT3s, All With the Manual
The latest iteration of the Porsche 911 GT3 is available to order now starting at $162,450 (plus a gas guzzler tax, we expect), and they'll arrive in the U.S. in the fall. It's powered by a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six paired with either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or an optional six-speed manual, which we all chose, for obvious reasons (#SavetheManuals). You can now build your dream 911 GT3 on Porsche's online configurator, and here's how Car and Driver editors would buy them—if we could.
Tony Quiroga's $184,410 2022 Porsche 911 GT3
As much as I’d like to order my six-speed manual Porsche GT3 in a paint-to-sample color, even in this fantasy I can’t spend the extra $20K or so. The $840 it costs to get Gentian Blue Metallic (a lovely dark blue) seems like a bargain, which would alleviate some of the guilt of having the wheels done in Satin Dark Silver for $1290.
To save some weight, I’d opt for the carbon-fiber roof panel ($3890) and to protect the flared rear fenders and to give a hat tip to the G-body 911 Turbos, I’d get the rear-fender stone protectors in black. To protect the nose when entering my driveway, I’d get the front-axle lift for $3670. To give my gas-guzzling GT3 a bit more range, I’d go for the 23.7-gallon fuel tank for $230. From there, most of the extras are for my comfort or to dress up the interior. There’s a Bose stereo for $1600 and the auto-dimming interior mirror that adds rain-sensing wipers for $700. To cover up the plastic and because there’s nothing more amusing than a near-racecar with a leather dashboard, I’d have Porsche cover the instrument panel and doors in hides for $3270. Those leather options force you into the Sport Chrono stopwatch for $550. Proving that the best things in life, and on the Porsche option list, are free, I’d go for the smoking package. I don’t smoke, but this no-cost option adds an extra 12V outlet in behind the shifter. Other freebies include the Storage Package that adds a net on the passenger-side footwell that seems designed to hold our test equipment and the interior trim inlays in blackened aluminum. After spending $21,960 in options, it feels good to stick it to Porsche with the free stuff. — Tony Quiroga
Maxwell Mortimer's $185,630 2022 Porsche 911 GT3
For most people, buying a car that starts at the price of a reasonable home is not a realistic proposal, but few things could inspire us more to find a way to make it happen than the glorious yowl of the Porsche 911 GT3's 4.0-liter flat-6, and honestly, most GT3 buyers will tick far more boxes on the build sheet than I did. I decided that no matter how unrealistic this scenario may be, I'd still attempt to be realistic with my options.
Outside I decided on the Shark Blue paint ($4,220) with bronze-colored Satin Neodyme wheels ($1,290), Porsche Exclusive Design taillights ($990) and the LED Matrix design headlights with black housings for an additional $4,010. Inside, I opted to continue the Shark blue theme, adding the Leather Race-Tex interior with Shark Blue stitching on the dashboard, seats, and steering wheel for $6,230, and followed that up with Shark Blue seat belts and ambient cabin lighting to round out the interior for $360 and $580 respectively. A few other odds and ends include the front-axle lift system ($3,670) to clear pesky speed bumps, an extended range 23.7-gallon fuel tank ($230) for sun-filled road trips, and a Bose Surround Sound System ($1,600) that will likely take a backseat to the lusty 9,000-rpm redline. Arguably the most important option, though, comes at no cost: a six-speed manual transmission providing the utmost level of driver engagement and that's what the GT3 is all about. — Maxwell Mortimer
Drew Dorian's $185,960 2022 Porsche 911 GT3
While I’m disappointed that Porsche isn’t offering a nice metallic brown on its track-ready 911 model, I do find this bold green to be appropriately eye-catching. It's called Python Green, but I prefer to think of it as Kermit green. I found it difficult to not add over $20,000 in options here but I figure if this is a dream then why not dream big?
The $4010 upcharge for the optional LED Matrix headlamps is steep, but they look cool and I'm hoping I can justify the expense in the name of safety and visibility. The front-axle lift system costs $3670 but saves me from having to scrap the front spoiler getting into my apartment's parking lot and the larger 23.7-gallon fuel tank adds $230 but will let me cruise for longer in between fill-ups. Inside, I splurged on $6230 leather and Race-Tex upholstery in black with red stitching and treated myself to the 18-way adjustable seats for $2640 and the Bose stereo system for $1600. The biggest luxury of all, however, is European delivery but I see it as an essential element of 911 ownership. You can pick up your new 911 right from the factory in Zuffenhausen and enjoy 16 days of temporary insurance and registration so you can tour Europe. I'd use my time in Germany zipping around in my new green GT3, experiencing the Autobahn, and visiting my friend Pascal before handing the car back to Porsche so it can be shipped home to Michigan. — Drew Dorian
Connor Hoffman's $201,810 2022 Porsche 911 GT3
Some of our staffers spec'd their dream cars last year, and for me, the Porsche 911 GT3 was no longer on the configurator, so I had to build a 718 Spyder. My time has now come. This is my dream car, even though I prefer the 991.2 generation. And I'm obviously getting it with a stick.
I think Chalk is one of the best colors on the GT3—or any Porsche—so I'm starting there for $4220. Time to get that price over $200k. This is a GT3, so full bucket seats ($5900) it is with the GT Silver stitching ($4730). I'm keeping it simple here, because I haven't decided how to tackle the many interior options. Painting the entirety mirrors in Chalk ($660) looks nice, and I hope none of my colleagues get any of the exterior graphics, but to each their own. My favorite Porsche option is the deletion of the rear badge, which costs nothing! And, I'll black out the taillights. Performance upgrades include carbon ceramic brakes ($9210) and a front-axle lift ($3670). Inside, I'm matching the seatbelts to the calipers ($360), and getting the central tach in white ($420). Other interior goodies include aluminum pedals ($630) and door sills ($900) and a Bose surround system ($1600) for when I get sick of the 9000-rpm symphony behind my head (I won't). I need to find some way to come across $201,810 because I can't stop drooling over this build. — Connor Hoffman
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