If you’ve been to Grid Lounge, chances are you’ve driven something called a GT3 car. You might be asking yourself, “What exactly is a GT3 car?” Let’s break it down so you know what you’re strapping into.
History of GT3 Cars
The concept of GT3 cars was first introduced in 2005 by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The goal was simple: make it more affordable for manufacturers to create a race car based on production models. At the time, manufacturers were building cars for both the GT1 and GT2 classes, each with unique rules and requirements. GT3 was designed as a middle ground, consolidating efforts into one series with standardized regulations.
GT3 Car Rules and Specifications
To qualify as a GT3 car, a model has to start as a current two-door production vehicle. The frame and engine position must remain unchanged from the road car, and manufacturers are required to produce at least 300 units per year to keep things “production-based.”
From there, the FIA sets performance guidelines:
- Weight: between 2,645 and 2,866 pounds
- Horsepower: between 500 and 600
- Transmission: must be converted to a sequential gearbox
- Engine: placement must stay the same, but the engine itself can be swapped or modified
Once those requirements are met, performance is fine-tuned through Balance of Performance (BoP) — adjustments to power and weight that keep racing competitive across different makes and models.
Who Builds GT3 Cars?
GT3 cars can either be built directly by the manufacturer or constructed by racing teams with support from the brand. No matter who builds them, each car must include FIA-required safety features such as:
- Roll cage
- Racing seats and harnesses
- Fuel cell
- Race-spec brakes
As of 2024, 58 different cars have gone through the FIA’s homologation process. Each certification lasts seven years but can be extended if the manufacturer or team chooses to keep that model active in competition.
GT3 vs GT4 Cars
So how does a GT3 car compare to a GT4 car? The difference mainly comes down to accessibility and performance. GT4 cars are closer to stock production models, built to be cheaper to produce and better suited for amateur or semi-pro drivers.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- GT4 Weight: around 3,300 pounds
- GT4 Horsepower: about 450
- GT4 Upgrades: roll cage, stronger brakes, six-point harness
- Transmission: like GT3, GT4 cars must also use a sequential gearbox
Think of GT4 as the entry point into GT racing, while GT3 is the sweet spot — faster, more technical, but still accessible compared to the ultra-expensive GT1 cars of the past.
The Thrill of GT3 Racing
In short, GT3 cars strike a balance between speed, technology, and cost, which is why they’ve become the foundation of modern sports car racing. You’ll find them competing in legendary endurance events like the 24 Hours of Spa, and they’re also some of the most popular cars in sim racing today.
And here’s the best part: you don’t just have to read about them. At Grid Lounge, you can take the wheel of GT3 race cars like the Porsche 911 GT3 R and BMW M4 GT3 and experience firsthand what makes this class so exciting.
👉 Ready to see what GT3 racing feels like? Book your session at Grid Lounge and find out for yourself.