PORSCHE reckons most buyers of the new 911 GT3, revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, will end up on the track where they'll enjoy the car's 500 horsepower.

That comes from a non-turbo four-litre flat-six engine that will power the £111,802 GT3 to 198mph and to 62mph in 3.9 seconds in cars fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Porsche is one of the makers of very high performance cars that sticks with a manual gearbox option - although a seven-speed PDK double clutch auto is also available. That loses a fraction in top speed (now 197mph) but helps the GT3 reach 62mph faster, in 3.4 seconds.

The high-revving naturally-aspirated power unit remains virtually unchanged from the thoroughbred 911 GT3 Cup racing car.

The redesigned chassis has been specifically tuned to convert this power into highly responsive driving dynamics. Developed on the same test track and manufactured on the same production line as the racing cars, lessons in lightweight construction derived from Porsche motorsport technology have once again been incorporated into this street legal sports car, says Porsche.

The new two-seater sits around 25 mm lower than the 911 Carrera S. In addition to the further refined basic design, the standard active rear-axle steering adds further agility to the handling characteristics.

Depending on the speed, the rear wheels steer either in the opposite or the same direction as the fronts, improving responsiveness and stability.

On looks, the dominant carbon rear wing emphasises the fact that the form has been determined by aerodynamics. The lightweight nose construction and front spoiler have been optimised for an even better airflow.

The interior of this new 911 model gains a sports steering wheel with a diameter of 360mm that originates from the 918 Spyder supercar. Both the driver and passenger sit in Porsche Sports seats Plus with enhanced seat side bolsters.