The new generation Porsche 911 GT3, the 991 series, made its debut alongside its racing Cup version at the Geneva Motor Show. This GT3 is one of the most controversial cars Porsche has launched in recent years, mainly because it lacks two very important things that are vital to a proper 911: manual gearbox, and hydraulic steering.

Porsche argues that they have made up for the lack of manual gearbox with a tailor-made PDK transmission that delivers the same sort of feel, and as for the steering, well, they are happy with the result of the electric system on the standard 991s, so there is no reason it should let the GT3 down. In the GT3 it is complemented by a rear wheel steering system.

Here’s a video from the new GT3’s debut at the Geneva Motor Show including comments from chief engineer and designer, and racing legend Jacky Ickx:

The powertrain of the new 911 GT3 is composed of a 3.8-litre flat engine that yields 475 hp (350 kW) at 8.250 rpm, a Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), and the high-traction rear-wheel drive. The six-cylinder engine is based on the 911 Carrera S engine, but shares only few common parts. All other components, particularly the crankshaft and valve train, were specially adapted or developed for the GT3.

The dual-clutch gearbox is another feature specially developed for the GT3, with characteristics inspired by the sequential gearboxes used in motor racing, thus granting the driver further benefits when it comes to performance and dynamics.