Jeremy Clarkson has declared the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring the finest sports car he has ever driven. The former Top Gear host highlights its balance of everyday usability and uncompromising performance.
Jeremy Clarkson, known for his sharp opinions and decades of automotive criticism, has delivered a rare verdict: the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring is, in his words, “the best sports car I have ever driven.” After years of testing everything from supercars to family hatchbacks, Clarkson’s praise for the GT3 Touring stands out for its clarity and conviction.
Unlike the more extreme versions of the 911 lineup, the GT3 Touring is designed for enthusiasts who want the thrill of a GT3 without the overt track-focused styling. The most obvious difference is the absence of the signature rear wing, replaced by a more understated look that still retains the aggressive wheels, sporty bumpers, and central twin exhausts. Clarkson notes that this subtlety makes the Touring model more approachable for daily use, without sacrificing the essence that defines the GT3.
Driving Perfection
Clarkson’s review, published in The Sunday Times, highlights the car’s ability to deliver a driving experience that feels both timeless and refreshingly direct. “In the last two years, I’ve driven a handful of cars that are enjoyable despite all this anti-car nonsense, but I hadn’t driven one that simply ignores the stupidity and is just brilliant in the old-fashioned way. Until now,” he writes. For him, the GT3 Touring is “a GT3 for people who don’t want a GT3,” capturing the spirit of the original while making it more accessible.
Despite a few modern electronic aids—such as automatic rev-matching between gear changes—Clarkson insists these features are discreet, almost hidden, preserving the car’s purity. He describes the car’s appearance as “fantastic,” especially in the understated Oak Green metallic paint, which he feels adds to its restrained character.
On the Road
The real magic, according to Clarkson, happens behind the wheel. “It drives beautifully. It’s as if Porsche designed a car for a world that no longer exists. Its presence on the market is as striking as a rock band topping the charts. And, my God, I’m grateful to Porsche for that,” he says. The steering, he claims, is flawless, and the manual gearbox is so smooth that he finds himself almost purring with satisfaction on every downshift. The power, he adds, is more than enough—fast, but never intimidating. “It’s not just a sports car. It’s the best sports car I’ve ever driven.”
Even so, Clarkson is not blind to the car’s quirks. He points out that the six-speed manual gearbox, while rewarding on open roads, can be tricky in city traffic. “Unless you give it a good rev when pulling away from a stoplight or maneuvering, it’s ridiculously easy to stall,” he admits. He also mentions the tire noise, which he jokes is loud enough to drown out conversations—adding his trademark humor to the review.
Value and Context
The Porsche 911 GT3 Touring starts at £158,200 in the UK (about €185,400), but the test car Clarkson drove was optioned up to £203,700 (€236,200). Despite the price, he argues it’s not excessive for what the car offers, especially for those who want to experience what driving could have been in a world less constrained by regulations and politics.
Clarkson’s verdict comes at a time when the automotive world is increasingly focused on electrification and regulation. His appreciation for the GT3 Touring’s analog character echoes a broader nostalgia among enthusiasts for cars that prioritize driver engagement over digital intervention. This sentiment is shared by many who see models like the GT3 Touring as the last of a dying breed. For those interested in how other manufacturers are responding to changing standards, a recent report on Tesla’s buyback of Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in the US highlights the growing complexity facing the industry.
The Porsche 911 GT3 Touring stands as a reminder of what makes driving special for those who value connection, feedback, and authenticity. As the market shifts, cars like this may become even more coveted by enthusiasts seeking a pure, undiluted experience.
