With its race-inspired engine uprated from 3.6 to 3.8 liters, power goes up by 20 bhp to 380 bhp, so the normally aspirated motor maintains the 100 bhp/liter status quo. Torque takes a hike from 273 to 300 lb-ft.
Out of the box, the GT3 3.8 blasts to 60 mph in 4.6 sec., passes 100 mph in 10.0 sec. and tops out at 187 mph, 6 mph faster than the 911 Turbo. In testing at the Nrburgring Nordschleife, the car is said to lap in the low 7-min. 50-sec. region.
Visually, the new GT3 is distinguished by its 2002 Porsche Supercup-style front bumper/spoiler, modified rear wing and exhaust outlets. Its interior is a stripped-out version of the latest Carrera with air conditioning a no-cost option. The Club Sport option brings a rollcage, lightweight seats and cloth trim.
However, you'd better move fast if you want one, as only 400 of the new 3.8-liter GT3s will be made by the racing department in Weissach between January and July 2003. The asking price is 95,000 Euros in Germany. (Note: The first-generation GT3 is shown here.)
Venturi Fetish On TrackDuring the Formula One Grand Prix the Principality of Monaco is undoubtedly transformed into the world capital of motor racing. It was during this event that the Venturi Fetish took its first demonstration laps with former French Formula One driver Jacques Laffite at the wheel.
L Laffite reported he found the concept car "responsive, light and sporty" to drive. Introduced on French Television's TF1, the Fetish became the most televised automobile with more than 34 cameras both onboard and trackside. Fetish ended the weekend with a photo session with H.S.H. Prince Albert in front of the Palace of Monaco. Venturi: www.venturi.fr
We Hear...* If You Can't Find a Mini Cooper to Buy, Rent OneBudget Rent a Car of Beverly Hills has added the new Mini Cooper from BMW to its collection. The company obtained some of the first production Mini Coopers released, so it can offer consumers a first look and a unique opportunity to try before you buy. Twenty new Minis are available at all of the Budget of Beverly Hills' multiple locations in and around Los Angeles, including Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and Marina del Rey. At this time, Mini rentals are exclusive to Southern California and are not yet available at Budget of Beverly Hills' Aspen or Vail, Colo., facilities. For more information: www.budgetbeverlyhills.com; (800) 227-7117.
* BMW Opens New Paint & Body Training CenterThe BMW Group has opened its third state-of-the-art paint-and-body training center in Oxnard, Calif. The new, $3-million facility is used to train apprentices in collision repair and body paint application. The top graduates form recognized post-secondary technical schools are selected for BMW's 9-month Service Technician Education Program (STEP). During the apprenticeships, students receive salaries; they pay no tuition and are assisted in securing a position at a BMW or MINI dealership upon program completion. The new training facility will also host educational programs for the dealership personnel.
* The Italian Avantgarde in Car DesignFrom September 19 to October 6, 2002, the Armory building, in New York City, will host an exhibit, "The Italian Avantgarde in Car Design," which showcases the Italian genius in automobile design. Thirty-two automotive masterpieces, ranging from a 1924 Isotta Fraschini 8A to the brand-new Ferrari 575M Maranello will be on display, along with a historical-critical timeline, associating the cars with key periods in Italian figurative culture. Several workshops will be conducted during the exhibition, including a discussion on "USA-Italy: a bridge between two concepts of car design," which will feature several leading Italian and American car designers.