The iRacing GT3 class is one of the most popular within the service. Additionally, it is one of the classes with the most choices – so what to race? Here are the best GT3 cars in iRacing in 2023.
Which iRacing GT3 Car Is Right For You?
Regardless of which manufacturer you choose to compete with in iRacing’s varying GT3 championships, you will need to know all your options before spending the money on your chosen chariot to championship glory.
From drivability to setups, every aspect of choosing which is the best GT3 car you want to commit to is important.
That is where our list comes in. We have compiled breakdowns of each car for all of the GT3 vehicles in iRacing that are currently in competitive rotation as of season 4 2023.
iRacing GT3 Car List 2023
- Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO
- Ferrari 296 GT3
- Porsche 911 GT3 R (992)
- BMW M4 GT3
- Mercedes-AMG GT3 2020
- Audi R8 LMS GT3
- McLaren MP4-12C GT3
Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO
Right at the start of 2023, leading up to the Daytona 24, the Lamborghini appeared to be the best GT3 car in iRacing. Providing a decent balance on all types of corner and with a relentless naturally-aspirated V10, it was a class favourite from the word go.
Leading into the back end of 2023, the Huracán is still a world-class piece of machinery. With the advantage of being naturally aspirated, the Huracán has fantastic drivability, however, it will turn around and bite you if you push it over the edge.
Whilst long straights might not be its forte, the sheer mechanical and aerodynamical grip this Italian bull has is class leading. In all, the Lambo certainly qualifies as one of the best GT3 cars in iRacing.
It looks like the wider iRacing community has caught on to this car’s dominance, as VRS GT Sprint races are often won by the Huracán, especially on tracks without lots of long straights.
Ever since iRacing improved its ABS system for all GT3 machinery, the Raging Bull’s braking issues have been much improved. This car will keep you safe throughout the race, all while remaining competitive.
Ferrari 296 GT3
iRacing’s newest addition to the category, the 296, replaces the much loved 488 Evo (the steering wheel of which is now available via Thrustmaster), and it does so with a stamp of authority.
A well-balanced, mid-engine prancing horse sounds like a dominant combination, and unsurprisingly, it most certainly is. Benefitting from the most recent innovations that iRacing has to offer, the 296 GT3 is the best car on its stock setup making it a no brainer for beginners and experienced fixed setup drivers alike.
Additionally to the car’s performance, the 296 is currently eligible for nine different championships across all of the iRacing’s licenses, as well as a large majority of the special events.
The much-loved Ferrari Challenge that featured the old 488 GT3 Evo has been updated to feature just the 296. This only adds to the allure of iRacing’s newest jewel in the GT3 crown. Racers get the most bang for their GT3 buck out of the new Ferrari.
Porsche 911 GT3 R (992)
If you want a fast but unforgiving car, look no further than the Porsche 911 GT3 R (992). With class-leading acceleration on corner exit as well rock-solid high speed stability, the Porsche will leave anything else in its dust if driven correctly.
In comparison to its Assetto Corsa Competizione counterpart, the 992 drops its straight-line disadvantage as well as carrying over its superior cornering speeds.
To many players, the Porsche is the best GT3 car in iRacing, but do not be fooled by the stats. This beast is by no means easy to get good time out of.
Whilst the speed and uncapped potential are tempting, the Porsche is also the hardest to master consistently. Expect to have to let the back end slide out slightly on the corner entry alongside smooth, predictable wheel and pedal inputs to crack the full potential of this German beast.
BMW M4 GT3
The allure of the BMW M4 GT3 certainly comes from is malleability within its setup. The M4 does lack the top speed of a car like the Mercedes, but it makes up for it throughout its race-long evolution, however. The car is very kind to its fuel usage and tyre wear numbers.
Whilst not the most popular pick on this list, it is hard to beat for adjustability and the user friendliness of the chassis, making this a perfect pick for someone who is experienced with setups.
An extra plus side to choosing the M4 is the choice of championships to compete in. The Nürburgring Endurance Championship and the BMW Sim GT Cup are the most popular. Alongside these, you can of course run in the regular GT3 iRacing championships.
If setups are not your speciality, or you are running in a fixed setup championship, the baseline setup is still quite lively. Electronically, the M4 has a very forgiving traction control and ABS by default, which can help with accessibility for those with less experience.
Mercedes AMG GT3
For the past few iRacing seasons, the Mercedes AMG GT3 has languished at the back of the pack. The AMG was previously unloved for its almost overly stable balance and lack of raw speed, but it received a long overdue helping hand in January. Now, it appears to fighting right up at the sharp end again.
iRacing GT3 servers are seeing more and more of the Silver Arrow at the front of the pack. What is equally important is that the AMG is not only appearing in regular championships, but also in iRacing‘s special events.
The Mercedes AMG GT3 is one of the hot pick-ups for players just starting out in the series. In the rough and tough world of GT3 racing, the Merc is a top pick.
Audi R8 LMS GT3
One of the older cars in the class, the Audi R8 LMS GT3 has been a much-loved favourite in the class over the years. From 24 hour races to 40 minute sprints, it is a reliable and rugged choice.
The Audi is not an easy car to get to grips with straight away, however. The tyres and brakes take a while to warm up and start to perform. The baseline setup is quite far off what the car is capable of, and precise trail breaking is essential if you do not want to be stuck at the back end of the field.
The Audi has its flaws, but with a strong setup, the car is pointy and grips like nothing else. Similar to the M4 GT3, lots of potential can be unlocked by tinkering in the garage.
The problem of understeer at high speed and oversteer at low speed is counteracted with the adjustment of the front and rear anti-roll bars especially. Just be aware of the potential increase in tyre wear when changing the suspension geometry.
McLaren MP4-12C GT3
Last, but by no means least, is the McLaren MP4-12C GT3. One of the oldest GT3s on the grid having been released in 2013, the MP4-12C matches cars like the AMG and the Porsche in terms of straight-line speed, but lacks in the corners compared to cars like the Lamborghini.
Whilst it does show its age, the fact that its an early 2010s fire-breathing V8 that is still eligible makes the McLaren the most engaging to drive on iRacing.
It may not always be the quickest or most efficient car on track, but the smile that will not leave your face for the entire length of race will be worth the extra two tenths per lap.
Which GT3 car is your favourite? Tell us on Twitter at @OverTake_gg or in the comments down below!
