996 GT3 MKII 2003>>

Porsche introduced a road-legal GT3 variant as part of the 996 series, directly inspired by the company's racing car used in GT3 class racing. Known simply as the GT3, this model embraced lightweight construction, featuring thinner windows and the removal of rear seats. Drawing from Porsche's rich racing heritage, the GT3 prioritized agility and performance, echoing the ethos of the iconic 1973 Carrera RS.

The GT3 underwent significant modifications to enhance handling and responsiveness. Its suspension system was fine-tuned for precision and sharpness, sacrificing some comfort for heightened performance. However, the most notable aspect of the GT3 was its engine. Departing from the water-cooled units used in other 996 models, the GT3 was equipped with a naturally aspirated engine derived from the 911 GT1 '98 sports-prototype racing car. Constructed with lightweight materials, this engine boasted higher rpm capabilities.

The MkII GT3, based on the second generation of the 996, boasted updated aerodynamics and a more potent version of the 3.6ltr engine featured in the MkI variant, now delivering a remarkable 280kW (381PS; 375hp). This iteration marked the first GT3 model to be marketed in North America. In a 2004 test, the MkII GT3 accelerated from 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) in 4.0 seconds and achieved 1.03 g on the skidpad, the second highest figure ever recorded by a street-legal vehicle at that time.