The 911 GT3 (996.2) is the track-biased, rear-drive 911 built by Porsche's motorsport department, and — unlike the 996.1 GT3 — it was the first GT3 offered new in North America, arriving for the 2004 model year. Its naturally aspirated 3.6-liter "Mezger" flat-six revs to an 8,200-rpm redline and is a different engine from the Carrera's M96: dry-sump oiling and internals descended from the GT1 racers, driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual only. A no-cost Club Sport package (bolt-in roll cage, fixed-back Recaros, six-point harnesses, battery cut-off, fire extinguisher, single-mass flywheel) was offered for track use.
Crucially, the Mezger engine does NOT suffer the M96's IMS-bearing or bore-scoring failures — it uses oil-fed plain intermediate-shaft bearings and a race-derived dry sump, and is prized for durability. One honest nuance on weight: the GT3 is not actually lighter than a base Carrera. Its deleted rear seats and reduced sound deadening are offset by a reinforced shell, larger six-piston front brakes and motorsport suspension, so at roughly 3,042 lb (1,380 kg) it sits a touch above the base Carrera's ~2,910 lb (1,320 kg). The lightening is relative to a comparably equipped 911, not an absolute win over the cheapest 996.
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Because its weight savings — deleted rear seats, less sound deadening — are offset by a reinforced shell, bigger six-piston front brakes and race suspension. At roughly 3,042 lb (1,380 kg) it's actually a touch above the base Carrera's ~2,910 lb (1,320 kg). The GT3's lightening is relative to a comparably equipped 911, not an absolute undercut of the cheapest 996; the GT3 RS then shaves further with carbon panels, a plastic rear window and deleted comfort gear.
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