Based on Porsche's GT3 race car, the 2005 Porsche 911 GT3 coupe was powered by a naturally aspirated, 3.6-liter six-cylinder, 24-valve engine, which produced 380 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission was standard.
Like the 2005 Porsche 911 Turbos, the GT3 was based on the 996 platform, rather than the new 997 platform, on which the 2005 911 Carreras were based.
In keeping with its racing heritage, the rear-wheel-drive GT3 came with a stripped-down list of standard features, including air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, leather seats and interior trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual airbags, anti-lock disc brakes, an alarm system, and a six-speaker stereo system with a CD player.
The package also included a rear spoiler, fog lights, and 18-inch GT3 alloy wheels.
The 911 GT3 was about as close as you could get to a street race car, noted drivers, who cited its responsive handling, road-hugging capability, impressive power and braking ability, and heart-thumping exhaust note as among its positive points. The only downside, some drivers noted, was that unlike some of the other Porsche 911s, the ride of the GT3 could be a little rough for daily use.