New Porsche 911 GT3

The new-generation 468bhp Porsche 911 GT3 has been unveiled on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show

Porsche has revealed its next-generation race car for the road: the latest 911 GT3.

But the mightiest of all the naturally aspirated 911s has a shock in store: it will only be available with a twin-clutch PDK gearbox – there’s no manual option.

Wolfgang Hatz, Porsche’s head of research and development, explained his decision to offer the GT3 only with the PDK gearbox: “Because it improves the performance – drive it for the first time and you’ll think it’s impossible to be this good. It’s the fastest transmission in the world.

“No final decision has been made whether the GT3 RS will be auto only too, but it’s a possibility,” Hatz added. “You have to think, is it worth doing all the development and testing if it’s only for 100 cars? We have limited resources.”

Power comes from a 468bhp, 3.8-litre flat-six engine, which rockets the GT3 from 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds and on to a 196mph top speed.

Clever tech includes rear-wheel steering that helps manoeuvrability at low speed and stability at high speed.

The car weighs 13 per cent less than the old model, at 1,430kg. This has been achieved with extensive use of aluminium and the fitting of a carbon fibre/fibreglass wing.

Prices will start at £100,540 with first deliveries in November.