Old World Heritage Stirs Up Otherworldly Performance
No sooner has Porsche introduced its phenomenal 911 GT3 than an even hotter GT3 RS version has been announced.
Set to launch in October, the new model is a Porsche purists dream. Taking cues from the glorious 1972 Carrera RS 2.7, one of the most sought after collector Porsches available, and the 1984 911 SC RS, the GT3 RS will sport enhanced performance upgrades along with its aggressive paintwork.
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| The new GT3 RS takes styling cues from the glorious 1972 Carrera RS 2.7, one of the most sought after and collectible Porsches. (Photo: Porsche) |
While it looks as if not street legal the GT3 RS can be driven to and from the track on weekends, just like the original RS. In actual fact it is a homologation model intended especially for motorsport in accordance with the recently modified international GT rules. At least 200 new RS coupes will be built and sold to select customers.
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| The GT3 RS's engine has been optmized for high revs, producing 381-hp at 7,300 rpm and reaching 8,200 rpm at its top end. (Photo: Porsche) |
The RS philosophy is hardly new, reduce weight and add power. A car's power-to-weight ratio has always been one of the most important factors in all out performance, and in the case of the GT3 RS 50 kg (110 lbs) has been removed from the already light GT3 Club Sport resulting in 4.86 kg per kW. The new car weighs in at a slight 1,360 kg (2,998 lbs), including a full 90-liter tank of fuel.
An essential part of the power-to-weight scenario is the engine. Porsche's horizontally opposed 3.6-L 6-cylinder has been optimized for high revs, achieving 8,200 rpm at its top end. Just prior to hitting redline, at 7,300 rpm, 381 peak horsepower (280 kW), equaling a specific output of 105.8 hp/L, will no doubt shoot the RS forward with overwhelming inertia. While RS output is 6-hp more than the North American spec GT3, it is equal to European spec machines. Torque is also impressive at 284 lb-ft at 5000 rpm.