Porsche has only just revealed the hardcore 991 GT3 RS, but it’s already pivoting to something new.
Our spy photographers have captured a prototype version of what’s believed to be a facelifted 992-generation 911 GT3 during testing at the Nurburgring.
This facelifted Porsche 911 GT3 prototype has no camouflage on the front or sides, and only has discrete black camouflage tape and panelling on the rear.
It’s unlikely this will be the final design for the rear, as the camouflaged panels are hiding a lot of the finer details.
Interesting aspects of this updated rear fascia include what appear to be reworked side air vents on the outer edges, as well as a tweaked rear diffuser.
The rear number plate is also recessed deeper into the bumper than the current 911 GT3, and the rear reflectors are mounted slightly higher.
Although it’s not covered in camouflage on this particular prototype, it’s expected there will be tweaks to the front fascia of the updated 911 GT3 before it’s revealed.
These expected changes to the front will likely be shown on a different prototype at a later date.
It’s unclear if there are any powertrain modifications planned for the updated 911 GT3.
Currently it’s powered by a 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six engine producing 375kW of power and 470Nm of torque.
This engine is derived from the unit in the 911 R endurance racer, and is actually used in the 911 Cup car with minimal changes.
In the road-going 911 GT3 this engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK transmission with drive sent to the rear wheels only.
Porsche claims the current 911 GT3 can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.4 seconds, and top speed is 318km/h.
As part of the update, the German automaker could potentially eke some more power out of the 4.0-litre flat-six engine, or it could also use some components from the more powerful 911 GT3 RS.
Although we didn’t get a look inside this particular prototype, a camouflaged 992.2-generation 911 prototype was recently spied with digital dials like the Taycan electric car.
The current 911 range, including the GT3, features a prominent rev counter in front of the driver, flanked by two screens that can be customised individually.
Previously spied 911 prototype 
Current 911 GT3
There’s no official word on when the facelifted Porsche 911 GT3 will be revealed and launched.
As noted above, Porsche recently revealed the track-focused 911 GT3 RS. It’s confirmed for an Australian launch in the second half of 2023, with a starting price of $500,200 before on-road costs.
Power still comes from a 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six engine but it’s been boosted by 11kW to deliver 386kW thanks to new camshafts featuring modified cam profiles.
That power is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission featuring shorter gear rations than in the GT3.
911 GT3 RS
The nose of the 911 GT3 RS is home to continuously-adjustable wing elements, and the rear wing is also moveable. Porsche says the 409kg of downforce on offer at 200km/h is three times what the GT3 offers.
There’s also an F1-style Drag Reduction System where the flap on the rear wing opens up. The rear wing can also act as an airbrake under heavy braking.
The 911 GT3 RS is 29mm wider than the GT3, the suspension has been modified to stop the car pitching forward under hard braking, and both the electric driver assists and rear-steer are more aggressive than on the GT3.
Click an image to view the full gallery.
MORE: Everything Porsche 911
