Wheels: A New Porsche for Purists

Porsche’s Cayenne SUV has been a hit, accounting for almost all the German automaker’s growth in North American revenue this year. But to show that it isn’t abandoning its race-car roots, Porsche has just introduced a new version of its classic 911 sports car: the GT3. A $100,000 two-seat coupe with a throaty 380-h.p. engine, it is Porsche’s most powerful nonturbo model. What’s the sensation? TIME took the GT3 for a spin at a raceway in Alton, Va., and to the purists, we must say, fear not. The car blasts from 0 to 60 m.p.h. in 4.3 sec. and, with its bone-rattling suspension, corners seamlessly even at 80 m.p.h. If you’re so inclined, Porsche offers higher-performance brakes for an extra $8,150. We think they’re worth it. –By Daren Fonda. With reporting by Lauren Shepherd/Alton