New for 2004, the Porsche 911 GT3 coupe was powered by a 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that produced 380 horsepower, which positioned it behind the Porsche GT2 and Turbo models in the 911 pantheon, as far as power was concerned, but significantly ahead of the standard Porsche 911 Carrera models, which were powered by six-cylinder engines that produced 315 horsepower. (Of course, all that additional power came at a hefty increase in sticker price.)
The GT3 was equipped with a unique front end, rocker panels, styling details, and wheels, as well as a lighter body for a quicker response and an engine management system that provided the additional horsepower.
A six-speed manual overdrive tranmission was standard for the GT3. However, unlike the other 911s, it was not available with Porsche's five-speed automatic Triptronic transmission.
In keeping with the GT3's racing heritage, the sports car came with a stripped-down list of standard features, when compared with the other 911s, but was still nicely outfitted with such features as air conditioning, leather seats, dual front and side airbags, a keyless entry system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, a premium audio system, and power windows, steering, brakes, and door locks.
Other features included a distinctive rear spoiler, an anti-lock braking system, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The 2004 911 GT3 was one of a long line of near iconic Porsche sports cars that promised a lot to drivers, and delivered on those promises in almost every way. The handling, power, shifter, suspension, and interior appointments all met or exceeded drivers' expectations.