Porsche’s new 911 GT3 S/C brings drop-top performance

Porsche has given its 911 GT3 a wind-in-your-hair edge with a new S/C version.

It brings together the high performance of Porsche’s GT3 model with the drop-top qualities of your typical convertible.

As with the standard GT3, there’s a 4.0-litre ‘boxer’ engine at the rear, which here produces 503bhp and 450Nm of torque. Porsche says that the S/C will go from 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds and head onwards to a top speed of 194mph.

Exclusively available with a six-speed manual gearbox, the S/C is being introduced as a dedicated two-seater, making it the only 911 convertible model with this configuration. As an option, Porsche can add a lightweight storage box for the rear of the cabin, bringing 80 litres of extra capacity in a leather-trimmed box.

Lightness remains a core principle for the S/C, just as it does in the regular 911 GT3. There are a range of lightweight elements, such as carbon-fibre pull handles for the doors and magnesium wheels, while the fabric roof brings a weight advantage over a metal version. Porsche says that the automatic roof can be open or closed in 12 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph, too. In all, the S/C weighs in at 1,497kg.

The surround of the windscreen is given a black finish to match the colour of the fabric roof, while the stone-chip protection film on the side panels also gets a matte-black finish. Both of these design touches help to distinguish the S/C from the rest of the 911 range. For the first time on a convertible 911, the S/C gets an additional ‘gurney’ flap on the retractable rear spoiler, as found on the limited-edition 911 S/T and the current 911 GT3 Touring.

The 911 GT3 S/C is available to order now, with prices starting from £200,500.