What It Is: The next-generation Porsche 911 GT3, code-named 992. Spied while on its way to the Nürburgring, this bewinged 911 prototype is our first look at the new GT3, and we can see many details that make this high-performance variant stand out from the 992 Carrera prototypes that we have previously seen and ridden in. The most apparent difference is, of course, the big wing that is a hallmark of Porsche GT models. The vertical mounts for the wing do not look like production units—neither does the decklid they're attached to—but the horizontal section and its end plates look new and production-ready.

Aside from that big wing, the dual center-exit exhaust tips, center-lock wheels, and vent in the hood are all hallmarks of the 911 GT3. We can also see a new front bumper with a larger splitter and air intake than what is found on the 992 Carrera, and the rear bumper, while not the final unit, should get a more aggressive diffuser. There are no photos of the new GT3's interior, but expect it to have more microsuede and fewer frills than the standard Carrera has.

Why It Matters: Porsche's 911 is the quintessential sports car, and the GT3 is one of the most exciting and engaging among the myriad variants. When we tested a manual-equipped 991 GT3 earlier this year, we declared that "it delivers a driving experience so glorious that we can't help but wonder if it is a great Porsche or perhaps the greatest Porsche." The new GT3 should deliver the same experience—and maybe an even better one.

View Photos Brian Williams Car and Driver

Platform: The 992 generation sits on the same platform as the outgoing 991, albeit with some significant changes. The 911's wheelbase remains the same, but it grows by about an inch in length overall, and the front and rear tracks are wider, too. Staggered wheel sizes, aluminum rear fenders, and different engine mounts are all new to the 911. Weight should stay close to that of the current GT3 (the manual version we tested was 3276 pounds).

Powertrain: While earlier rumors suggested that the new GT3 would be going turbocharged, the distinctive shriek emitted from this prototype means that the 991 GT3's high-revving, naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six is here to stay. In standard form, the 991 GT3 makes 500 horsepower, while the hard-core GT3 RS pumps out 520; the 992 could see a mild bump in power. The six-speed manual transmission—introduced halfway through the 991's life cycle—will, thankfully, remain available, with a PDK dual-clutch automatic as an option. The regular 992 Carreras receive a new eight-speed PDK; the new GT3 could adopt that new PDK or stick with the 991's seven-speed unit.

View Photos Brian Williams Car and Driver

Competition: Aston Martin Vantage, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, McLaren 570S, Mercedes-AMG GT.

Estimated Arrival and Price: The 992 Carrera S and Carrera 4S coupe will debut next month at the Los Angeles auto show, with regular Carrera models and the cabriolet following soon after. The new 911 Turbo will make its debut by the end of 2019, and we expect that the GT3 will be unveiled sometime in early 2020. Pricing should remain close to the 991.2 GT3's $144,650 baseline. A race-ready GT3 RS version will surely follow, and we're keeping our fingers crossed that the fabulous, subtle GT3 Touring gets a successor.

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