iRacing’s GT3 roster finally has all the major cutting-edge manufacturers and current contenders from around the world, thanks to the latest edition of the McLaren 720s GT3 Evo.
With standalone series for GT3s such as the Ferrari GT3 Fixed series, the GT3 Sprint and Endurance series, as well as the weekly multiclass racing in IMSA, its accompanying IMSA Endurance Series, the Global Endurance Tour, and the infrequent Nürburgring Endurance Series and Creventic Endurance Series, there’s never been a better time to get behind a GT3 machine.
In this article, we will look at the current iRacing GT3 lineup as well as some of our favourites here at Coach Dave Academy.
The Current Crop
iRacing currently hosts a series for 9 GT3s on the platform, and they couldn’t be more different from each other if they tried. Aside from the Legacy content of the legendary BMW Z4 GT3, which is no longer in permanent circulation but is still a fan-favourite in league racing outside of the occasional series that changes car week-to-week, the GT3 rostrum is a mixture of up-to-date machines from all the top manufacturers, with an array of engine configurations to boot.
- McLaren 720s GT3 EVO
- Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo
- Chevrolet Corvette Z.06 GT3.R
- BMW M4 GT3
- Ferrari 296 GT3
- Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo
- Porsche 992 GT3R
- Ford Mustang GT3
- Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO 2
If none of these GT3s are your thing, then there are a whole host of other cars available on the iRacing platform and you can check them all out in our iRacing car list, here.
The newest active GT3 on the platform is the McLaren 720s GT3 Evo. It comes just one season after the introduction of the Ford Mustang GT3 and the Chevrolet Corvette Z.06 GT3.R.
The oldest GT3 machine on the main roster is now the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo. The screaming V10 and fantastic car balance are still much-loved today even if the car has fallen out of favour with fans over recent years. Sometimes, what you want is to wrestle control of an Italian bull!
From here, it’s time to look at our top picks for the best iRacing GT3 cars…
Gain seconds in lap time with our incredible iRacing setups developed by professional sim racers and qualified engineers.
The Newest Addition: McLaren 720s GT3 Evo
The McLaren 720s GT3 EVO is the fourth car McLaren has built to GT3 regulations, after the MP4-12c, the 650s GT3, and the 720s GT3. The EVO version isn’t a million miles away from the first 720s variant, with McLaren going through the vehicle with a fine-tooth comb to eradicate any inherent issues reported by customers and professional drivers running it.
A Good Mid-Engine Choice?
The changes made by McLaren for the EVO version mean it enjoys a consistent aero balance in a variety of corners, one that remains constant even with the addition of dirty air.
- It has fantastic downforce making it fast in the corners
- A great TC system
- Fantastic rotation without feeling too scary
The McLaren 720s GT3 Evo features a comprehensive aerodynamic package to produce enough downforce to keep up with any of the GT3 competition. This consists of an adjustable front splitter and rear spoiler, as well as a flat underbody. McLaren redesigned the aero package on the EVO to shift the aero balance forward compared to its forerunner, which was done to create a more neutral balance, making it easier to control on the edge.
A Good All-Rounder: Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO
This 2020 upgrade from the older Mercedes-AMG GT3 was a must-have when it first launched on the platform for 2022 Season 3. It has since found its advantages reduced thanks to BoP, however, it is still a competitive choice and one which is much-loved on the sim.
Where does the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo excel?
- It has a strong front-end
- Can easily ride Kerbs
- Is forgiving both dynamically and to contact due to its well-balanced nature
Something that has to be seen to be believed is the strength of the front end on the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO. Not only does it take kerbs like no other, but it is also often slightly more resistant to knocks and scrapes than other GT3 cars.
The aerodynamic effect of damage isn’t as pronounced as on mid-engine and rear-engine cars such as the Lamborghini or Porsche, and the mechanical effect isn’t as pronounced as on its front-engine rival, the BMW M4 GT3. It’s forgiving nature and well-balanced behaviour make it an excellent choice in the rough-and-tough world of tin-tops.
- You can pick up setups for the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO now for both the GT3 Series and the IMSA Series on the iRacing platform, which are also included in our iRacing setup subscription.
The Strongest: Ferrari 296 GT3
How could we not include the Italian Stallion on our list? The Prancing Horse’s latest GT3 offering, the newest in this class on the platform after the Mustang and Corvette, has always been a favourite on the platform, not least because of the popular single-make series that runs the car. The car is as adaptable as ever, forgiving for the newbie and challenging enough for the seasoned sim racing expert. Put simply, it’s a Ferrari.
Why is the Ferrari so strong?
Because it’s a Ferrari, its greatest asset is the mid-engined layout that invites a good balance of front and rear aerodynamics and confident weight transfer. This is helped by the new engine, a V6 that has been successful in both GT racing and prototype racing in Ferrari’s return to the top step of Le Mans. Whilst it isn’t as pitch-sensitive or easy to spin as the rear-engine Porsche 992 GT3R, the Ferrari 296 GT3 can be as challenging as the likes of the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO and take a good fight to the rest of the GT3 roster.
The Ferrari is also unlike many of its rivals because it features in two one-make series. One is the Ferrari Challenge, an entry-level GT3 series that you can find out more about in our iRacing Series Guide. The other is the Rain Master Series, which pushes drivers and their driving abilities in inclement weather to the very limit. And what would you know? We covered that series as part of our guide to all wet-weather series in iRacing.
The American Muscle: Chevrolet Corvette Z.06 GT3.R
The freshest mid-engined car in Motor City, the newest Corvette is fast becoming a fan-favourite in the GT3 class. And who can blame the fans? The C6 is still a favourite in the GT1 class. The C7 would be if it was still run in an official series. And, since the C8 is still popular as a GTE, it’s hardly surprising that its little brother is the next popular addition to the clan.
The C8 changed up the classic Corvette formula by becoming a mid-engined car. But rest assured, it’s not because the famous Bowtie has decided to become European. It’s still a V8, and a V8 with a 335CI engine (5.5L in kilometre-land). Believe it or not, it’s a change to make it faster. By moving the engine further back, Pratt & Miller could make the car’s weight more evenly distributed. That means better cornering and, crucially, less understeer or oversteer.
By continuing to sit low to the ground, the Corvette glides through the corners elegantly. It’s a perfect juxtaposition with the thoroughbred American Muscle engine sitting right behind the driver. One that produces a hell of a sound. It’s an amazing driving experience and one that you get to try on iRacing before any other sim.
You can pick up individual setup subscriptions for the Chevrolet Corvette Z.06 GT3.R for both the GT3 Series and the IMSA Series on the iRacing platform, which are also included in our overall iRacing setup subscription.
Where To Find A Setup
Extracting the most from your favourite GT3 cars couldn’t be easier with Coach Dave Academy’s iRacing Setup Subscription. Updated every week with new setups for a wide variety of series, special events, tracks and cars, that are all developed by professional iRacing drivers and engineers, our iRacing Setup Subscription allows you to focus purely on your on-track performance. And, with access to our free Coach Dave Delta app, installing them couldn’t be any easier.
- Race setups
- Qualifying setups
- Onboard laps
- Data packs
- All crafted by professionals
Gain seconds in lap time with our incredible iRacing setups developed by professional sim racers and qualified engineers.
One Of The Favourites: BMW M4 GT3
First launching on iRacing as a prototype the year before it first turned a corner in anger at a race event, the M4 GT3 is arguably the most popular GT3 on the platform.
Why is the BMW M4 GT3 so strong?
- It has a large frame that easily takes kerbs
- It boasts a forgiving traction control system
- It can be set up to suit a variety of needs from pointy and on-edge, to more mundane
With a big build that loves kerbs and a relatively forgiving traction control system, the BMW M4 GT3 is a fun car to drive on a fixed setup as well as a formidable foe in open-setup racing.
On top of its presence in series such as the IMSA iRacing Series, VRS GT Sprint Series and the Fanatec GT3 Challenge, the M4 GT3 is also one of two GT3s to feature in iRacing’s popular Nürburgring Endurance Championship. Featuring 9 rounds across the calendar year, this multiclass endurance series sees cars from the Global Mazda MX-5 Cup face off against TCRs, GT4s, Porsche Cup cars and GT3s.
On top of this, the M4 GT3 is also a one-way ticket to competing in the BMW Sim GT Cup in one of its 10 races hosted across the year. Replacing the older and bigger M8 GTE in this series, the BMW Sim GT Cup sees teams of up to four drivers race for two hours on a select track.
- If you want to find some more lap time in the BMW M4 GT3, why don’t you consider booking a coaching session with one of Coach Dave Academy’s professional coaches?
iRacing’s Most Fun GT3: Ford Mustang GT3
Another addition to iRacing’s roster from Michigan, fans have been wanting to get behind the wheel of this particular horse since it was first announced as a GT3! Now that it’s in the sim, as part of the 2024 Season 3 Update that we have quickly fallen in love with, it’s become the most entertaining and exhilarating GT3 to drive in the sim.
Even the premise of it is exciting: a muscle car designed to be as much at home at Daytona as at Sebring, at Le Mans as much as at Imola. The Ford Mustang GT3 has got grunt, it’s got the sound, and it has oversteer too! It turns in so well that you would forget the stereotype that it comes with. It handles kerbs so confidently that you’ll be amazed that it’s not the similarly-sized BMW M4 GT3.
One of the best things about the Mustang is that it’s ready to straight out of the box. Whilst it will be faster with a setup, and thanks to Coach Dave Delta you can try that out without having to commit to one particular car, the Blue Oval’s latest GT3 is competitive from the get-go and doesn’t require any setup tricks or hacks to be able to realise its on-track potential. Which, for Ford fans around the world, is a massive relief after years running the cult favourite, but ultimately much-maligned, Ford GT GT3.
iRacing’s Most Challenging GT3: Porsche 992 GT3R
Stuttgart’s finest were able to deliver the latest evolution of a beloved formula with the 992 GT3 R. The only rear-engine GT3 on the platform, the Porsche handles like no other.
Why is the Porsche 992 GT3 R so popular?
- It has incredibly strong cornering ability and acceleration
- It’s fast when driven on the edge
- Doesn’t falter at high speeds
Whilst the Porsche 992 GT3 R excels in the corners – particularly at slow speed – the means by which iRacing models its GT3 cars means that the Porsche isn’t a slouch in a straight line when compared to its counterpart from Assetto Corsa Competizione. The cornering prowess of the 992 GT3 R certainly does carry across, though.
The best way to push this car to its limit is smooth inputs, being ready to allow the car to slide slightly on turn-in but having it in a controlled state so that it’s not easy to lose control of the car through undulations and compressions.
- If you need some extra help getting to grips with the Porsche 992 GT3 R, why don’t you check out one of our iRacing Track Guides, such as this one at Daytona Road Course with Yuri Kasdorp?
The Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO
A charging bull bolting out of Italy, Lamborghini’s latest GT3 offering is a newer and more improved version of the chassis. Offering improved traction and stability, as well as a beautiful V10 engine, it’s hard not to love this car.
Where is the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO best?
- It sits on the less forgiving side of the GT3 class, but doesn’t require huge experience to handle
- Its naturally aspirated V10 engine delivers good driveability
- It boasts strong cornering ability and acceleration
- Is very stable over kerbs for a mid-engined car
Perhaps the greatest feature that this GT3 has is its cornering. Racing mid-engine GT3s can take a while to get used to, especially if you are used to the different physics engine of Assetto Corsa Competizione, however, the Lamborghini lends itself well to iRacing.
Whilst it isn’t necessarily a missile in a straight line, it more than makes up for it in cornering speed and an unbelievable level of stability over kerbs that wouldn’t be expected of a mid-engine car. A difficult car to handle for sure, but when tamed, the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo is an incredibly fun challenger.
- If you want some help fine-tuning your Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo’s setup, then make sure to check out one of our Live Setup Sessions, such as this one at Jerez.
The Audi R8 GT3 EVO 2
Audi’s latest GT3 offering is a newer and more improved version of the chassis that you see with the Lamborghini GT3 car. Offering improved traction and stability, as well as a beautiful V10 motor to boot, it’s hard not to love this car.
Perhaps the greatest feature that this GT3 has is its cornering. Racing mid-engine GT3s can take a while to get used to, especially if you are used to the different physics engine of Assetto Corsa Competizione, however the Audi lends itself well to the physics engine. Whilst it isn’t the strongest missile in a straight line, it more than makes up for it in cornering speed and an unbelievable level of stability over kerbs that wouldn’t be expected of a mid-engine car.
A difficult car to handle for sure, when tamed, the Audi R8 GT3 EVO 2 is an incredibly fun challenger. If you do need some help getting to grips with it, why don’t you consider some coaching from professional racing drivers as well as Coach Dave Academy’s very own lap guides to help you out?
Coach Dave Academy
Here at Coach Dave Academy, we’re here to help you get the most out of both yourself and your car. Our iRacing Setup Subscription brings you professionally developed setups every single week and the free-to-download Coach Dave Delta app that installs everything in just a few clicks is not all that we offer.
Gain seconds in lap time with our incredible iRacing setups developed by professional sim racers and qualified engineers.
From Track Guides that walk you around a lap of some of iRacing’s most challenging circuits to Hotlaps and Live Setup Sessions, the Coach Dave Academy and Coach Dave Hotlaps YouTube channels will help you find that extra tenth of a second.
