So after the first images of the new Porsche 911 GT3 leaked, the Company dropped the official materials. Take a deep breath now and read on: the GT3 no longer comes with a manual, and it has an electric steering system. Ouch!

Do not despair, though. The PDK ‘box in the new GT3 is specifically developed for this car with bespoke paddle shifters, which as chief engineer Andreas Preuninger explains fits the character of the GT3, and if anything enhances the driving experience. They needed to use it to meet the performance targets. The GT3’s 3.8 liter flat-six engine makes 475 horsepower, which is enough for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds and top speed of 315 km/h.

Evo reveals the GT3’s secrets:

The car is rear-wheel-drive, naturally, and features an electronically controlled, fully variable rear differential lock. That is not groundbreaking, but the use of active rear-wheel steering for the first time is. Depending on the speed, the system steers in the opposite or the same direction as the front wheels, thereby improving agility and stability. Not sure how it’s going to work in the real world, but Porsche is adamant it is brilliant.

What’s more, they promise the electric steering is so good that it delivers the same tactile feel of the hydraulic. There is no less in terms of feel and emotion, but it makes the whole thing more efficient. Again, that remains to be seen.

So there you go, here’s the new 911 GT3. It comes with big changes over the previous version, but Porsche is not a company that compromises on its most cherished sports car. It’s still the king.