Porsche reveals its first GT3 Cabriolet, ending years of delay with a bold £200k launch

Porsche has finally lifted the lid literally on a long-anticipated addition to its performance line-up, unveiling a convertible version of the iconic 911 GT3 for the first time.

The new model, named the 911 GT3 S/C, marks a significant shift for the brand. While it draws inspiration from the Speedster lineage, Porsche has confirmed this is no limited-run special. Instead, the S/C will become a permanent fixture alongside the GT3 coupé, signalling a new direction for the firm’s GT division.

At £200,500, the car enters the market with a striking price tag, immediately placing it among the most exclusive offerings in Porsche’s range. Yet for those closely following the brand, the arrival of a GT3 cabriolet has been a long time coming.

Andreas Preuninger, head of Porsche’s GT division, revealed that the idea has existed for years. He told Autocar that the company had wanted to build a GT3 cabriolet as far back as the 997 generation but lacked the production capacity to make it happen. Now, with GT3 RS production ending, Porsche has seized the opportunity to bring the concept to life.

Under the rear deck, the S/C carries a familiar yet potent heart. It uses the GT3’s 4.0-litre flat-six engine, producing 503bhp. While this is slightly down on the more extreme S/T variant due to updated emissions hardware, the engine still revs to an intense 9000rpm, preserving the raw character that defines the GT3 badge.

Porsche has taken a firm stance on driver engagement. The S/C is offered exclusively with a close-ratio manual gearbox, reinforcing its focus on purist driving. Preuninger emphasised that the car is designed for those who simply want to drive, insisting that manual transmissions remain essential to the experience.

Despite its open-top design, Porsche claims the GT3 S/C delivers performance on par with the coupé. The car accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 3.9 seconds—identical to the fixed-roof version—and even achieves a slightly higher top speed of 194mph. The absence of a rear wing contributes to a sleeker aerodynamic profile.

Weight has inevitably increased due to the addition of an electrically folding roof, but the difference remains minimal. At 1497kg, the S/C is just 28kg heavier than the GT3 coupé. Porsche has offset this by using carbonfibre-reinforced plastic for key body panels and fitting carbon-ceramic brakes as standard.

Importantly, engineers have preserved the car’s dynamic identity. The suspension setup, including spring and damper rates, mirrors that of the coupé. Combined with staggered magnesium wheels and rear-steer geometry, the S/C aims to deliver the same sharp handling characteristics expected from a GT3.

Preuninger insists that for most drivers, the experience behind the wheel will feel indistinguishable from that of the coupé. Only professional racing drivers, he suggests, might detect any subtle differences.

Beyond performance, practicality has also played a role in the car’s design. Unlike traditional Speedsters, which often feature manual roofs, the S/C adopts an electrically operated system. This change makes the car easier to use in everyday conditions, particularly in markets with unpredictable weather.

For those seeking further exclusivity, Porsche offers a Street Style pack. This optional package introduces bespoke design elements, including tartan-pattern leather seats, customised colour combinations for wheels and brakes, and distinctive body decals.

Ultimately, the 911 GT3 S/C represents more than just a new variant. It closes a chapter of long-standing ambition within Porsche, turning a concept that once seemed out of reach into a production reality. And with its blend of open-air driving and uncompromising performance, it signals a bold evolution of the GT3 formula.