Porsche 911 GT3 Becomes The Fastest Production Car At The Buddh International Circuit

The Porsche 911 GT3 has become the fastest road-legal production car at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC). Porsche's racing inspired 911 GT3 managed to break the previous lap record by 2.2 seconds set by the Mercedes-AMG GT R. The Porsche 911 GT3 now holds the new lap record at India's only F1 grade circuit with a time of 2m7.6s. Helping achieve this massive feat was India's first Formula 1 driver, Narain Karthikeyan. The record is officially certified by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI). The Porsche 911 GT3 was launched last year in India at a price of Rs. 2.31 crore (ex-showroom).

Karthikeyan broke the record in the early hours of November 20, 2018. The conditions were described as optimal across the 16-turn, 5.13 km circuit. The two-seater coupe managed to hit a top speed of 262 kmph. 

Having completed the lap record attempt successfully, Narain Karthikeyan said, "I have been lucky enough to have driven some of the world's most powerful cars on tracks around the world, and I can truly say that driving the Porsche 911 GT3 today was one of the most exhilarating drives I have had the pleasure of experiencing. To set a record on home soil here at the Buddh International Circuit is really very special to me, and I am honoured to have made history here with Porsche today."

Pavan Shetty, Director of Porsche India, added, "Across its 50-year history, the 911 has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with the record books and we're proud to see that tradition continue in India today. The lap record set here by the 911 GT3 is another example of the concentration of Porsche's motorsport expertise into a high-performance sports car that also masters everyday driving. Offering an unfiltered driving experience and bridging the gap between the track and the road, it is a real highlight of the iconic 911 range which continues to win the hearts and minds of our customers in India."

The Porsche 911 GT3 is regarded as the epitome of Porsche's motorsport legacy. The coupe is powered by a 4-litre six-cylinder boxer engine tuned for 493 bhp 540 Nm of peak torque. The 7-speed PDK automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels, while a 6-spees manual gearbox is optional. With a near power-to-weight ratio, the 911 GT3 can hit 0-100 kmph in 3.4 seconds on the automatic with a top speed of 318 kmph. It weighs in at 1430 kg with a full tank of fuel. 

Visually, the Porsche 911 GT3 gets the racing treatment with a massive carbon rear wing, while the front end and rear spoiler has been optimised for greater airflow. The model comes with a standard aero package, larger wheels, smoked headlamps and 4-point LED DRLs. The chassis has been revised with rear-axle steering and the lightweight construction aids in improved driving dynamics. The steering wheel on the GT3 comes from the 918 Spyder, while the superior driving dynamics can be felt closely in the Porsche Sports seats Plus. You also get a Bose surround sound system and a touchscreen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay as standard.