Porsche is finally giving 911 fans the sports car they've been waiting for

Porsche 911 GT3 with Touring Package (2)

In 2016, Porsche introduced the limited edition 911R with a naturally aspirated engine sending power to the rear wheels through a manual transmission.

For 911 fanatics, it was an oasis of purity in an age of turbo engines, twin-clutch gear boxes, and all-wheel-drive.

The 991 911R production cars soon became harder to come by than Porsche's multi-million dollar 918 hypercar, leaving many of the brand's fans high and dry.

(911Rs have been showing up on auction sites more than double its original $184,900 starting price.)

Now, Porsche going back and doing its fans a solid.

On Monday, the company unveiled the new 911 GT3 with Touring Package ahead of the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. In many ways, the Touring Package turns the GT3 into a 911R, but without the exorbitant price tag.

Porsche 911 GT3 with Touring Package (1) Like the 911R, the GT3 Touring Package is naturally aspirated with an old school six-speed stick shift and rear wheel drive.

The GT3's 4.0-liter flat-six-cylinder engine, lifted directly from the 911RSR and 911 GT3 Cup race cars, is good for 500 horsepower, the same as the 911R.

Porsche 911 GT3 with Touring Package (3) According to Porsche, the GT3 with Touring Package can do 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 196 mph.

Aesthetically, the most significant change that comes with the Touring Package is the replacement of the GT3's large fixed spoiler with a retractable unit.

Porsche 911 GT3 with Touring Package (6) Inside, the Touring Package is less bare bones than the 911R, which was devoid of a radio and air conditioning. The GT3 features Porsche's new PCM infotainment system as well as Alcantara and leather upholstery.

The Porsche 911 GT3 with Touring Package is available for order now with delivery expected to commence in early 2018. The Touring Package equipped GT3 starts at $143,600.

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