Porsche has taken its benchmark GT3 and given it a subtle yet meaningful refresh for its 25th anniversary. Whether you go for the winged GT3 or the stealthy GT3 Touring, both come with that glorious 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six, a hallmark of Stuttgart’s finest engineering. And while it may look like minor tweaks on paper, they’re all there to make it dance through the tighter emissions hoops without losing an ounce of its soul.

Under the skin, the changes are precise and surgical. The cylinder heads have been tweaked, and the GT3 RS has generously lent its cams to the baby GT3, boosting high-rev thrills. Porsche’s gone through the throttle valves and oil coolers with a fine-tooth comb too, ensuring everything's running at peak efficiency. Power stays at a heady 503bhp (375kW), though torque takes a tiny dip from 471Nm to 450Nm.

Despite that, performance is still blistering. The GT3 will rocket from 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds with the seven-speed PDK gearbox, or 3.9 seconds with the six-speed manual. Top speed? A dizzying 312 km/h with the manual, 310 km/h with the PDK. Yes, this car still delivers the goods in spades.

Speaking of the manual, Porsche’s given both gearboxes a final drive that’s 8% shorter than before. That’s a tangible shift, more urgency in each gear, more of that mechanical magic Porsche is known for.

The aero tweaks are all about subtle improvements. The front diffuser has been reshaped, the spoiler lip refined, and the underbody fins modified for better airflow and increased downforce. Pitch has been reduced, too, meaning the car stays more stable under braking. Even the front ball joint on the lower trailing arm sits lower, mimicking the GT3 RS for better handling.

Up front, the redesigned headlights allow for larger air intakes, while the rear diffuser, air inlets, and lid have been fine-tuned to improve cooling and performance. The GT3’s wing now features freshly angled sideplates, giving it a purposeful stance. As for the Touring, it keeps things low-key by ditching the wing, and you can even spec rear seats for the first time, a nod to practicality.

The wheels play a part in the weight-saving effort too. The standard aluminium wheels shed 1.5kg, while the optional magnesium ones drop a further 9kg. Porsche’s even lightened the battery for good measure. Fully kitted, the GT3 tips the scales at a featherlight 1,420kg.

Of course, there’s a menu of options to drool over. Want a race-ready feel? Tick the Weissach pack for goodies like carbon-fibre anti-roll bars, coupling rods, and a rear wing with sideplates. Or go all-in with the Clubsport pack for a roll cage, six-point harness, and fire extinguisher. Touring buyers after a more lightweight vibe can spec the ‘Leichtbau’ pack, adding the Weissach’s carbon bits and lightweight wheels.

And just to make sure your wrist keeps time with your car’s rev-happy engine, Porsche throws in a very special watch with both versions.

What does the legendary Walter Röhrl think of all this? Unsurprisingly, he’s a fan. “On winding country roads, you can feel the steering is even better tuned than its predecessor. It gives you even more confidence, with calm responses from the centre without losing any directness,” he says. And with that shorter gear ratio, “driving pleasure on country roads is significantly enhanced.”