The North American debut of the 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C

©2026 Porsche

Air|Water 2026 marked Southern California’s premier Porsche gathering, drawing thousands of car enthusiasts to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa at the end of April. With hundreds of air- and water-cooled Porsche models on display, it was an opportune time for Porsche to present the North American debut of the new 2027 911 GT3 S/C, a drop-top variant of its popular track-ready 911 sports car.

Expanding beyond the Luftgekühlt car shows (embracing vintage air-cooled Porsches), Air|Water 2026 is a one-day event founded by Patrick Long—a former Porsche factory racer and two-time Le Mans class winner—and creative director Jeff Zwart. Teaming with Howie Idelson, they evolved Luftgekühlt into Air|Water post-2023, embracing all eras and powertrains in a vibrant showcase of cars, vendors, an exhibitor hall, and a Broad Arrow auction.

This year’s show hosted more than 800 Porsche vehicles—a mix of rare classics, race cars, and a substantial assortment of consumer-owned vehicles (driven to the show) in nearly every shade. No two were alike, which mesmerized the crowd of nearly 10,000 attendees.

To many, the highlight of the show was the debut of the 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C. It’s a “new model variant focused squarely on people who prize visceral, open-air driving,” says Porsche. Not to be confused with the original “SC,” which stood for "Super Carrera" in the classic Porsche 911 that was produced from 1978 to 1983, the new “S/C” stands for “Sport Cabriolet,” referencing a GT3 offered with a fully automatic convertible roof for the first time.

The 2027 911 GT3 S/C provides a pure driving experience. It combines the lightweight components of the prized 911 S/T with the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter boxer engine of the 911 GT3, delivering 502 hp (375 kW) and 331 lb.-ft. torque. of torque. The S/C features the S/T’s carbon fiber fenders and doors, keeping mass to a minimum. "The new 911 GT3 S/C responds to our customers' desire for sports cars that are particularly fun to drive. The exciting powertrain of the 911 GT3 comes into its own even more when driving without a roof, especially on winding country roads. Above all, because we have managed to keep the weight of the 911 GT3 S/C particularly low at 3,322 lbs. despite the fully automatic top," said Frank Moser, Vice President 911 and 718 model line.

As a driver’s car, it is offered with only one transmission—a lightweight, short-ratio 6-speed manual that drives the rear wheels. It is also offered only in a 2-seat configuration (most 911 models are 2+2), reminiscent of the rare 911 Speedster from 2019. "We have already learned with the 911 Speedster and the 718 Spyder RS how well our high-revving naturally aspirated engine—particularly dynamic handling characteristics and consistent lightweight construction—fit a driver's car without a roof," says Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Cars. "The arrival of the 911 GT3 S/C marks the first time an open-top 911 uses a double wishbone front axle. In combination with the particularly high-grip sports tires and the low weight, the car offers driving pleasure on winding roads that has hardly been experienced with an open-top car before."

Complementing the track-ready components, including the unique front axle and 255/35 ZR 20 front and 315/30 ZR 21 rear tires, is an optional Street Style Package from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. Buyers may choose from various cosmetic enhancements, from decorative graphics on the front fenders to stylish “PORSCHE” lettering on the sides. Even the wheels may be painted to match the exterior color in some configurations.

The new 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C is available to order now and carries an MSRP of $273,000 (excluding delivery, processing, and handling fees). Arrival in U.S. Porsche Centers is expected by fall, 2026. The good news is that it is not a limited-edition model, so there is still time to visit your local retailer and place an order.