The 10 coolest GT3 cars of all time

Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3

The Nissan GT-R arguably suffered more than most when complying with GT3 regulations because its trick four-wheel drive system, which could send power to the car's four corners like a pinball, wouldn't fit the rules of the series, meaning the race car had to be rear-wheel drive. 

However, the road car's twin-turbocharged V6 remained, producing 530PS (390kW) at 6,400rpm. Naturally, the bodywork was far more extreme than you'd find on a roadgoing GT-R with a bumper that barely cleared the tarmac and a rear wing that looked like a bookcase shelf. The Nissan would be improved and refined with more power, better brakes, and a better aero package. It remains a massive advert for a car that shows Japan at its best, doing things its own way.   

McLaren MP4-12C GT3

McLaren's inaugural every-man supercar – the MP4 12C – launched to great fanfare in 2011, boasting a carbon-fibre tub that made a Ferrari look primitive and a turbocharged V8 that could blow the socks off its Maranello rivals. 

In fact, the roadgoing model was so brutal that its twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V8 had to be wound back to 500PS (368kW) for GT3 use. The race car also did without McLaren's clever no-anti-roll-bar hydraulic suspension, but its six-speed sequential gearbox was 80kg lighter than the dual-clutch in the standard car. The GT3's steering wheel was also very trick – it was taken from the McLaren MP4-24 Formula 1 car. 

Audi R8 LMS

The Audi R8 took the performance car market by storm, proving it was possible to build a credible alternative to the Porsche 911, only with two seats, V8 or V10 power and a rear-biased four-wheel drive system that was as fun as it was forgiving. 

Audi bolstered the R8's credibility with the R8 LMS GT3 racer's launch in 2009. It kept the road car's screaming V10, producing 500PS (368kW), but regulations meant it was rear rather than four-wheel drive, with power delivered via a six-speed sequential gearbox. The car would evolve throughout its life with changes, including a modified cooling system, new suspension, and a gearbox service panel, which meant repairs could be made without dismantling the entire unit. 

BMW Z4 GT3

Sadly, BMW never did make a roadgoing version of its Z4 GT3, which is a shame because the race car featured the screaming V8 from the E90 M3 – with significantly more power and noise than the E46 M3 straight six that was available in the Z4 M.  The V8 was rated at 522PS (384kW), plenty to shift along the GT3's 1,190kg frame. 

The Z4 is one of the craziest looking of all the GT3 cars. Its long nose and short rear give it a cartoon-like appearance, looking like the driver's seat sits on the rear axle. With its tarmac-brushing front splitter, winglets, side exit exhaust and plank-like rear spoiler, the race car looks even more pumped up than the already muscular road car. 

Lamborghini Gallardo GT3

The GT3 version of the Lamborghini Gallardo is even more striking than the roadgoing car thanks to a massive front splitter and a rear wing that looks like it could be a jumbo jet's stabiliser. OZ wheels hiding Brembo brakes complete the changes on the outside.

Under the skin, the GT3 Gallardo – unlike most of the roadgoing models – was rear-wheel drive, with two contact patches tasked with delivering the V10's 520PS (382kW) and 510Nm (376lb ft) of torque to the tarmac. The Gallardo was later improved with uprated '24-hour' brakes, uprated engine cooling, improved efficiency and a 25kg weight saving. 

Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

The 997 generation of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is one of the most captivating and the last to feature a Porsche Mezger flat-six – an engine famed for its toughness and pure motorsport bloodline. Producing up to 465PS (342kW), the Porsche was down on power compared to the V8 and V12 competition, but it was also a lot lighter, with Cup cars weighing in at 1,150kg. Porsche also put a lot of work on the car's sequential gearbox to reduce internal friction and weight. 

The Porsche's iconic shape makes it one of the most recognisable cars on the circuit, and it helps that the 911 was also sold as a GT3 road car, which could claim the scalp of many a more illustrious machine. 

Aston Martin DBRS9

Aston Martin's DBRS9 is certain to be a homegrown favourite. Little brother to the epic GT1 DBR8, the DBRS9 opened the door to GT3 competition. As such, it was much closer to the V12 Vantage road car in makeup, but with some key differences: all the car's body (bar the roof) was made from carbon fibre, and the side and rear windows were binned in favour of lightweight polycarbonate.  The result was a weight of 1,230kg – a 480kg saving over the standard car.

The Aston's V12 was good for 558PS (410kW) and 620Nm (457lb ft), translating to 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds and a 195mph top speed. You could choose from a manual or sequential gearbox and naturally the car came on lowered, stiffened springs. All of which would have set you back at least £175,000 back in 2005. 

Mercedes SLS GT3

With its supertanker-long nose and gullwing doors, the Mercedes SLS GT3 is surely one of the most evocative GT3 machines you could see taking to the Goodwood track. It's also a popular choice, with teams competing everywhere, from the UK and Germany, to the UAE and Australia. 

Its styling is not the only thing that will stir your senses; under the bonnet, you'll find Merc's naturally aspirated, dry-sumped and all-aluminium 6.2-litre V8, producing 548PS (409kW) to a rear transaxle sequential gearbox and a limited-slip differential. In 2012 alone, the SLS GT3 competed in 28 racing series on four continents with 43 class victories to its name. 

Ferrari 458 GT3

The 458 Italia showed Ferrari at its best. In a pin sharp suit that looked ultra modern next to the old F430 but was still very definitely a mid-engine Ferrari. As usual, the engine was very much central to the experience, thanks to a flat-plane crank that helped it reach 9,000rpm.

The GT3 version looks all the more arresting thanks to its significant aero package, with a massive rear wing and aggressive front splitter. The race car's V8 produced 562PS (419kW) and 540Nm (398lb ft) of torque. The 458 GT3 holds the record for the number of titles won in international championships, with victories everywhere from Bathurst to Le Mans. Sadly, a price well over £300,000 made the Ferrari 458 GT3 one of the most expensive options for the racer looking to cut their teeth in GT3. 

Ferrari F430 GT3

The Ferrari F430 road car bridged the gap between the old and new, with looks very similar to the 360 it replaced. Still, it added an up-to-date electronics package with Ferrari's E-Diff differential allowing its driver to change the characteristics of the car (its throttle map, suspension, stability control and differential) via the Manettino steering wheel knob.

The GT3 race car was actually based on the F430 Challenge car (Ferrari's one-make race series), only with better aero and more power. The GT3's 4.3-litre V8 produced 558PS (410kW) and the car weighed 1,219kg. 

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Images courtesy of Motorsport Images.