In the annuls of automotive history few names stand out more than the legendary Porsche 911. Through evolution to evolution the 911 range has slowly expanded, offering more variants until, finally, we arrive at the pinnacle: The 911 GT3 RS. With Porsche, driving enthusiasts know what to expect and expect to get it. With this car you truly do get it all. It’s a public road-legal vehicle that is entirely at home on the race track.
On The Outside
The look of the new 911 GT3 RS (which is abundantly clear in our images) is characterised by the large number of functional aerodynamic elements, so that’s what we will concentrate on. Buyers of this car buy it to drive and at this level of performance, aero matters. The most prominent feature being the swan-neck-supported rear wing, which is significantly larger in all dimensions than previously. The rear wing consists of a fixed main wing and an upper, hydraulically adjustable wing element. The 911 GT3 RS offers three driving modes: Normal, Sport and Track. In Track mode, the basic settings can be individually adjusted.
For the first time on a Porsche production vehicle, the upper edge of the rear wing is higher than the car’s roof. In addition, the front end of the 911 GT3 RS no longer has a front spoiler, but instead features a front splitter that divides the air flowing over and underneath. ‘Sideblades’ accurately direct air outwards. Front wheel arch ventilation is provided via louvred openings in the front wings.
Inlets behind the front wheels reduce the dynamic pressure in the wheel arches. ‘Sideblades’ behind the intake ensure that the air is directed to the side of the vehicle. Air from the centrally positioned radiator flows out via large nostrils on the front lid. Fins on the roof direct the air outwards, ensuring cooler intake temperatures in the rear. At the back, the openings in the rear side panel are used exclusively to improve aerodynamics. The rear wheel arch also features an intake and a further ‘sideblade’ for optimised airflow. The rear diffuser comes from the 911 GT3 and has been slightly adapted. As remarked upon; aero matters.
On The Inside
When it comes to its interior, this fabulous new GT sports car is finished in typical Porsche RS style: black leather, Racetex and carbon-weave finish characterise the purist, sporting ambience, right down to the fabric pull door handles to add extra lightness.
The 911 GT3 RS is available with the Clubsport package at no extra cost. This includes a steel rollover bar, a hand-held fire extinguisher and six-point seat belts for the driver. The Weissach package, an option available at extra cost, involves considerably more. The front lid, roof, parts of the rear wing and the upper shell of the exterior mirrors feature a carbon-weave finish to add even more lightness.
The front and rear anti-roll bars, the rear coupling rods and the shear panel on the rear axle are made of CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced polymers) and contribute to a further enhancement of the driving dynamics. The rollover bar, constructed for the first time from CFRP, saves around six kilograms compared with the steel version.
Another highlight of the Weissach package is the PDK shift paddles with motorsport-derived magnet technology. This makes gear changes even more dynamic thanks to a more precise pressure point and a clearly perceptible click. Optionally available with the Weissach package are magnesium forged wheels, which save another eight kilograms.
On The Road
The previous model GT3 RS which we drove extensively was a pure joy offering ‘riding-on-rails’ style handling, low and flat corning with no drama and more power than is decent. There is no reason to assume that this new model will be any different.
Power is derived from a 4.0 litre, high-revving, naturally aspirated engine which has been further optimised over previous versions. The increase in power to 517bhp (525PS) is achieved primarily via new camshafts with modified cam profiles, we learn. The single-throttle intake system and the rigid valve drive are derived from motorsport, hence the track ability.
Drive is through a seven-speed Porsche ‘Doppelkupplung’ (PDK) gearbox. Air intakes on the underbody ensure that the transmission can withstand even extreme loads during frequent use on track. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS accelerates from zero to 62mph (100kph) in 3.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 184 mph (296kph) in seventh gear which is certainly adequately quick. This wonderful track-inspired sports car is available to order now. Get in touch to find out how you can import a Porsche from the UK.
