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For passenger cars, maximum engine speeds don't get much higher than 9,000 rpm. Yet that was the number that keep ringing in my ears after the press conference where Porsche took the wraps off of the latest-and-greatest 911 to date: The 2013 911 GT3.
This press event was also the birthday party of sorts for the 911, commemorating 50 years of 911 in the United States. Can you believe that 820,000 911s have been sold? And with the redesigned Cayman not debuting until spring, Porsche graced New York with this new, hot 475-hp rocket boasting a "new" body, chassis, engine, and transmission. Company officials claim that the GT3 can reach 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and tops out at 195 mph.
Perhaps they should have simply named this car the 911 Lightning.
Visit our 2013 New York Auto Show special section for photos, videos and details on all the vehicles unveiled.
All of these dizzying numbers reminds me that we haven't tested a 911 since 2006; its been way too long in my estimation. For comparison, our car took an hourglass-like 4.4 seconds to reach 60 mph. It was also one of the best cars we've ever tested.
The rear-drive only 911 GT3 will have a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) with short gear ratios and closer spacing for quick shifts from the paddle shifters.
The GT3 will also get the company's first active rear-wheel steering and optional full LED headlights.
And for the final (and staggering) number, this incredible piece of German engineering will set you back $130,400. It goes on sale later in 2013.
