For true purists of classic Porsche cars, it may be best to look away, because Porsche GT has just unveiled the 911 GT3 S/C, a retractable-roof version of the iconic car.
Speaking with Car and Driver, Andreas Preuninger, head of Porsche GT, emphasized that “this isn’t a convertible 911 with a GT3 engine in it… it’s a roofless GT3 Touring or an S/T.”
In other words, only the S/C’s rear three-quarter aluminum panel and rear deck lid are carried over from the standard convertible 911. The powertrain, chassis, and interior, meanwhile, receive hardware from a full GT3, along with selected lightweight parts from the 911 S/T.
Under the hood, it features a 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing 510 hp sent to the rear wheels through a manual transmission, while its weight stays below 1,500 kg, giving it an even greater aerodynamic advantage.
Now for its main highlight: the roof. It can be opened in around 12 seconds, while new flat magnesium bows sit beneath the fabric for a tighter, more precise look when closed.
It also integrates more cleanly than the double-hump rear deck of the Speedster, giving the car a more cohesive GT3-derived stance. In addition, the black windshield frame is also available as an option.
Speaking of options, the Street Style Package adds 18-way seats, four-color braided leather extending to the glovebox lid, and Race-Tex technical fabric for the upper section, A-pillars, and sun visors. According to Car and Driver, this should add £20,000 to the car’s base price.
The GT3 S/C starts at £200,500 in the UK, around £40,000 more than a coupe. Although that is a considerable price, it is justified by the premium appeal of a convertible, the lightweight parts that GT3 coupe owners usually pay extra for, and the S/T wings and doors they cannot buy.
Unlike the last Speedster, it will not be as exclusive, although European supply will be limited to 1,500 units. “[The GT3 S/C] feels like the same car while offering even more excitement,” Preuninger added to Car and Driver.
“Enjoying this engine on its own, to me, is like a sacred object these days, but without a roof, the sound, the emotion it creates, is on another level.”
Photos: Porsche. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
