Hammond Returns to the Top Gear Track in the Vehicle He Can't Stop Raving About | Carscoops

      Richard Hammond reminisces about his Top Gear days while driving a 911 GT3.

      It's been more than a decade since he last filmed for the iconic show.

      The 992.2-generation Porsche 911 GT3 made its debut last year, sharper than ever before.

      In terms of updates, the changes to the 992.2-generation 911 GT3 are relatively subtle by Porsche's standards. One would need to be quite the Porsche enthusiast to notice the visual alterations. However, there’s no doubt that the new 911 GT3 is an exceptional vehicle, as Richard Hammond recently found out.

      Although it's been over ten years since Hammond last hosted an episode of Top Gear, he was recently invited back to the test track and immediately recognized that the refreshed GT3 was the ideal car for the occasion.

      The British journalist savored a nostalgic journey while circling the well-known circuit, reminiscing about some of his greatest moments on the track from his Top Gear tenure.

      For Top Gear fans, watching him hit the track brings back memories from when the show's team used to perform their tests there.

      During the peak era of Top Gear, Hammond openly expressed his affection for the Porsche 911, much to the chagrin of Jeremy Clarkson and James May.

      Over the years, the exceptional nature of the 911, especially the track-oriented GT model, has persisted, maintaining its status as the finest sports car available for everyday driving. Given the increasing stringency of emissions regulations, the 992.2 GT3 is especially commendable.

      Unlike the new 911 Turbo S, which has adopted forced induction and hybrid technology, the GT3 sticks with its renowned 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine.

      The power output remains unchanged from the 992.1, at 502 hp, though Porsche had to lower the peak torque from 346 lb-ft (469 Nm) to 331 lb-ft (449 Nm) due to emissions regulations. It still revs up to 9,000 rpm, and as Hammond experienced, it produces an absolutely incredible sound.