The Porsche 996 GT3 Mk2 (Coupe) was in production from 2004-2005, and had significant upgrades from the Mk1. It also marked the first time the car was available in the US. It is a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive car seating two people.
In 1973 Porsche launched the 911 2.7 RS, which started a tradition of stripped out, lightweights 911s that were more at home on the track than the road. However, by the late 1990s, Porsche realised that there was demand for what was a road car with even sharper reactions than the standard 911. This formed the idea of the GT3 and when it arrived, many were surprised that it was in fact 30kg heavier than the stock 911. With an engine based on the block of the GT1 racing car, and displacing 3.6-litres, the GT3 had lighter pistons, titanium conrods, dry sump lubrication and a cable-operated six-speed gearbox with interchangeable gear ratios. When new, the GT3 cost £76,500.
There was a 21 horsepower increase in the 911 GT3 Mk2 from the Mk1, with the former boasting 381 horsepower. Like the Mk1, the Mk2 has retained a flat-six 3.6-litre naturally aspirated engine. In the Mk2, the braking setup was upgraded, so it featured six-piston calipers on the front, and the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake system was offered as an option.
The Porsche 996 GT3 Mk2 has been hailed as providing a pleasurable and exhilarating driving experience, with a responsive throttle and sharp brakes. Despite this, it provides more comfort than the Mk1, which means it can be used with greater versatility. Parts are plentiful and available from many Porsche 911 dealers online, so finding spare parts should not be difficult. Engines are easy to work on, robust, and should not offer too much hassle. Typically, the Porsche 911 996 GT3 Mk2 coupe does not suffer from reliability issues, nor bodywork or electrical problems.
The GT3 Mk2 is considered more attractive than the Mk1, yet the Mk1 is rarer and more desirable.
Similar cars in the 996 market include the Porsche 911 996 GT3 Mk1, the 911 GT3 RS, 911 996 GT2, and the 911 996 Carrera 2.