News, Supercars

Porsche to replace all 911 GT3 engines as solution to potential fire risk

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Previously it was reported that Porsche had halted all sales of the 911 GT3 after a few cases of the car catching fire that till now has claimed 5 units. Porsche has came out with a solution – they are going to replace the engine of all 785 units delivered. Now that’s what we call grabbing the bull by the horns!

Porsche has confirmed the cause of this problem is due to a loose bolt in a piston connecting rod. “Obviously customer safety is our priority,” said a Porsche spokesman, “We’ve investigated the two situations and identified that there is a potential for a fixing to become loose and therefore we’re rolling out an engine with a modified component. It’s much more straightforward to replace an engine than to strip down existing units.” he added.

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The replacement of all these engines will cost quite a bit, but yet again it is acceptable as customer safety or vehicle integrity is paramount to Porsche. Not forgetting, parent company Volkswagen, rakes in $23,000 profit for every Porsche sold.

In previous cases there were reports of engine damage in the GT3 resulting in a fire thought to be caused by oil spilling onto hot components. Despite no reported injuries, Porsche asked all 911 GT3 customers (which includes Top Gear presenter, Richard Hammond) to stop driving their cars until a solution is identified.

[Source: Autocar UK]