Jalopnik's top cars of the decade

• Source: Global Times
• [13:40 December 16 2009]
• Comments

Porsche 911 GT3 (996)

Years Produced: 2004 - 2005
Base Price When New: $99,900 (2005)
Engine: 3.6-liter H-6, 375 hp
Curb Weight: 3050 lb
Power-To-Weight Ratio: 8.1 lb/hp

The 996-chassis GT3 was the first GT3 produced, and while it came before the heretical Cayenne and Panamera (Europe first got the model in 1999), it would have been a one-time experiment without their financial support.

This is the purist's Porsche, the 911 for apex hounds with brake dust on the brain. Weissach named the GT3 after the FIA GT racing class that it was intended for, and with good reason – it was little more than a race car for the street. An 8200-rpm, 375-hp, naturally aspirated flat six lived in its tail and spit out a spine-chilling wail. Weight was down, options were minimal, and the suspension was track-oriented.

The 996-chassis GT3 was the first of its kind, and while it is no longer the fastest or newest GT3, it's for sure the coolest.