Why the Porsche GT3 manual is not in CA
06-15-21, 08:11 PM
#1
Why the Porsche GT3 manual is not in CA
Here's why you can't buy a manual Porsche 911 GT3 in California
So, what gives? "We have to fully accept and respect national and local guidelines in every market -- not just in the US but around the world," Porsche said in a statement. "Unfortunately, this precludes a manual gearbox option on the 911 GT3 in the state of California because of a sound regulation that is in the process of being updated. We had anticipated an updated regulation at the time of launch, but this process is not yet complete."
The issue has to do with an outdated California Code of Regulations testing procedure (SAE J1470) that dates back to 1992, when manual cars had four or five gears. A newer version of this test -- SAE J2805 -- was made available in May 2020, but it has not been adopted by the California Highway Patrol. "We understand that CHP has been planning to update [the test] to incorporate the new SAE procedure," Porsche said. "At this juncture, we are awaiting this regulatory claim."
A six-speed manual transmission will be offered on all 911 GT3 models sold outside of California, but "we are unable to confirm if a manual gearbox for the 911 GT3 will be offered in California in the future," Porsche said. This is something the company surely hopes will change, since California makes up a huge percentage of Porsche's US sales, and the US is one of the company's largest markets. On top of that, some 70% of all GT3s sold in the US have manual transmissions.
The issue has to do with an outdated California Code of Regulations testing procedure (SAE J1470) that dates back to 1992, when manual cars had four or five gears. A newer version of this test -- SAE J2805 -- was made available in May 2020, but it has not been adopted by the California Highway Patrol. "We understand that CHP has been planning to update [the test] to incorporate the new SAE procedure," Porsche said. "At this juncture, we are awaiting this regulatory claim."
A six-speed manual transmission will be offered on all 911 GT3 models sold outside of California, but "we are unable to confirm if a manual gearbox for the 911 GT3 will be offered in California in the future," Porsche said. This is something the company surely hopes will change, since California makes up a huge percentage of Porsche's US sales, and the US is one of the company's largest markets. On top of that, some 70% of all GT3s sold in the US have manual transmissions.
06-16-21, 03:08 AM
#4
It's a very strange thing when a 911 GT3 has no trouble passing that year's California emission standards with either the PDK auto or manual transmission options... but the manual option can't be sold there because it's "too loud".
On a related note, some owners of new 100% stock V8 Dodge Challengers and Chargers have been pulled over for being "too loud" and thus the owners have to take them in to a BAR center to get the exhaust sound measured formally to see if it passes or doesn't. I don't recall which V8 option or package had this issue recently over there but it's become more of a thing recently for whatever reason.
Porsche should have made a fix for the issue with a set of quieter mufflers so that anyone in the market for one of these cars could have had a manual if they wanted it.
On a related note, some owners of new 100% stock V8 Dodge Challengers and Chargers have been pulled over for being "too loud" and thus the owners have to take them in to a BAR center to get the exhaust sound measured formally to see if it passes or doesn't. I don't recall which V8 option or package had this issue recently over there but it's become more of a thing recently for whatever reason.
Porsche should have made a fix for the issue with a set of quieter mufflers so that anyone in the market for one of these cars could have had a manual if they wanted it.
06-16-21, 04:20 AM
#5
While this is disappointing, given the fact that car has been in design for years and this sound change technically isn't even implemented yet I think they made the right choice for now. My guess is it will change at some point once they have all the facts as the article said Cali has historically been one of Porsche's largest markets in the US. The GT cars are special and all of this is no matter for most of us, because if you haven't been on a list for one of these for 2 or 3 or more years you probably cannot order one anyway 
06-16-21, 06:37 AM
#6
Intermediate
Register the car in another state or simply leave California.
Last edited by Lend0; 06-16-21 at 07:04 AM.
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06-16-21, 07:11 AM
#8
Lexus Test Driver
People that can get these cars will have no issues getting them to California. The dealers in CA will be hurt bec technically they would not be able to sell them.
The issue remains it is almost impossible to get a GT3 even if you’re paying $50k + ADM.
This whole chip shortage is making it much worse.
The issue remains it is almost impossible to get a GT3 even if you’re paying $50k + ADM.
This whole chip shortage is making it much worse.
06-16-21, 11:02 AM
#9
I don't think it makes that much of a difference. Most people in CA who have nice cars tend to register them in Montana anyways. I guess CA government will shoot themselves in the foot by not getting the revenue associated with people who will register these cars in state.
06-20-21, 04:41 PM
#11
Lexus Test Driver
06-20-21, 05:20 PM
#12
Lexus Fanatic
No offense, but put yourself in their shoes. Have you ever put out the kind of money for a vehicle that a new GT3 costs? People who have to dig that deep into the wallets, particularly with a Porsche, probably have a right to complain about not having a three-pedal option.
06-20-21, 07:04 PM
#13
Lexus Test Driver
No offense, but put yourself in their shoes. Have you ever put out the kind of money for a vehicle that a new GT3 costs? People who have to dig that deep into the wallets, particularly with a Porsche, probably have a right to complain about not having a three-pedal option.
06-21-21, 08:48 AM
#14
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
that's been replaced by tesla. i have no doubt that tesla has CRUSHED porsche in a place like california. not only is tesla's charging infrastructure the best there, the company was founded there, and tesla has been the 'cool' car for years now.
i have no doubt that tesla has CRUSHED porsche in a place like california. not only is tesla's charging infrastructure the best there, the company was founded there, and tesla has been the 'cool' car for years now.
06-22-21, 02:48 PM
#15
As most of us predicted this issue is now resolved. Also as stated most of us still can't order one
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...-transmission/
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...-transmission/