With fewer journalists on the Porsche stand, I could finally get my second impressions of the new 991 GT3’s interior and let my deception flow with these flappy paddles. The GT3 was for me one of the last bastions of the manual gearbox, one of the very last real men’s car, and Stuttgart’s engineers decided there was no need for a proper manual gearbox. This is the only reason why I wouldn’t buy a 991 Porsche 911 GT3 today, along with the rear steering wheels, because the GT3 is sadly becoming too geeky.
To remember ourselves the good old days, where Porsche still manufactured proper man’s car, we went to the Porsche’s second floor to make some quick photographic work around the very special Martini-livery Porsche 917K, one of the most iconic racing Porsche ever made. The Stuttgart based brand is preparing its big return at Le Mans for 2014 in the main LMP1 Le Mans Series category and we can imagine that they have only one target to aim: finishing first of the 24 hour race, making it their 17th victory at the French track.
Getting back down, we went to have a quick look to the 917’s legacy, with the grey production version 918 Spyder showcased on the podium. Porsche had brought a central charging station unit to demonstrate the capability of their hybrid system to be recharged from your daily electric outlet. The new Porsche Panamera Hybrid offers as well this possibility making it possible to drive a 100% fully ecological and electric Porsche as long as you do not travel more than the battery’s autonomy.
Stepping inside the Porsche individual department, things had a bit changed from the first day, where a yellow bright 911 Turbo S with the Sport Classic rims was on display. We went back to see the white 918 Spyder for some more photo shoots of what everyone seem to consider as being the Carrera GT replacement, although I have a different opinion. I do not contradict that this is the next Porsche supercar, so from this point of view it is the Carrera GT’s successor but it doesn’t have any of the famous Porsche’s genes. No more manual gearbox, no more racing engine, no more brutal clutch, and no more savage driving behaviour that made all the Carrera GT’s reputation.
From the few test drives I have seen from the Carrera GT, the 918 Spyder looks way more easier to drive which is certainly a good point for sales, but not for sheer driving emotions. The interior looks more technologic too, less sleek than in the Carrera GT, with more toys to play, and more gadgets to improve comfort and usability.
