Porsche 911 GT3 gets First Public Showing at Geneva Motor Show

The legions of Porschephiles who snap up every tidbit of information the moment it drops (you know who you are) are already intimately familiar with the new 911 GT3. Here's a brief recap, to celebrate the first round of show-floor pictures from the car's official launch in Geneva, and to get everyone else caught up.

The 2010 911 GT3 gets a slight power boost and a round of the subtle styling upgrades that Porsche is known for. The front and rear bumpers have been restyled with track performance in mind; this is the version that's designed to be stripped down for racing, after all. The air intakes are larger, with mesh screens, and the lighting has been upgraded as well, with new bi-xenon bulbs up front and LED taillights. The design of the rear spoiler has also been updated.

The naturally-aspirated flat-six engine has been bumped out from 3.6 to 3.8 liters, and makes 435 horsepower and 317 ft-lbs of torque in 2010 form. That's an increase of 20 horsepower over the 2009 911 GT3. Porsche claims a top speed of 194 mph.

Control is maintained by Porsche's Active Stability Management (PASM) system which enables the 911 GT3 to switch between a streetable level of comfort and the stiffest track settings yet. Porsche has also updated its Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system. When left alone, it provides stability and traction control and helps keep the powerful GT3 manageable for the average driver. Above-average drivers can opt to deactivate the system in stages, tailoring the level of assistance to individual need. Ceramic-composite brakes are used, of course.

The most athletic Porsche goes on sale later this year. Prices for the 2010 911 GT3 start at €98,100 in Europe and €116,947 in Germany thanks to VAT and special home-market only features. The bottom line in the United States is $112,200, and it stickers for £81,914 in the UK.