Thabiso Malimela
Somewhere in the road racer departments of the Porsche (or Volkswagen if you’re an anorak), somebody figured out that the already ballistic 911 GT3 RS has some potential to be faster, lighter and more insane than it already is. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, there is a new 911 GT3 RS and as you’ve a;ready guessed, it’s faster, lighter and more powerful than it’s ever been. I suspect that these improvements were inspired by the Nurburgring Nordschleife throne-sitter that is the 911 GT2 RS, which unlike the GT3 RS, uses turbochargers to sing (or rather hum) the song of speed with absolute brutality. As with other models before it, the new GT3 RS chooses to focus on the sensation of driving rather than pure laptimes. We always had a feeling that Porsche weren’t aiming to make the GT3 and GT3 RS the fastest cars out there, but rather the most rewarding and ones that appeal most to people who love nothing else than to nail apex after apex – I like this car.
More about the GT3 RS. While power is usually not a huge selling point with GT3’s, Porsche was very keen on informing us that due to revisions made to the intake, exhaust and electronic engine management systems, the naturally aspirated 4.0 litre flat-6 will now produce 383kW (373kW before) and 470 N.m of torque before it bangs on its 9000 rpm redline. They’re also keen on slipping in some encouraging information, telling us that this atmospheric engine could reach power outputs of up to 447kW in race trim if air restrictors are removed and reliability is moved down the list of priorities. This potent engine is mated to a 7-speed PDK dual clutch transmission to satisfyingly translate all of that power into speed – 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 312 km/h. Sadly however, there will be no three-pedal manual setup – so much for “the sensation of driving”.
The body and chassis haven’t been ignored in the pursuit of speed – the new GT3 RS is about 91 kg lighter than the outgoing model. The front fenders and bonnet will be constructed in carbon fibre and the titanium exhaust silencer, lightweight rear window, magnesium roof and aluminium racing chassis all add to the aforementioned 91 kg. Spec the Weissach Pack and you add another 29 kg to that weightsaving as the roof becomes carbon fibre and the 20-inch and 21-inch front and rear wheels respectively, become constructed in magnesium.
The springs and dampers have received some revisions too, as Porsche have made the new GT3 RS to have the same spring rates as its much faster GT2 RS sibling. The front and rear dampers as well as the rear wheel steering have been altered to make the GT3 RS more thrilling and more nimble on track, where it belongs. With regards to aerodynamics, a very sensitive subject in the world of fast cars, the new front bumper gains new air ducts which more efficiently channel air onto the radiators and brakes for better cooling and less drag. The rear bumper too has been redesigned to efficietnly channel air away from the car, aiding in producing more downforce. And while we’re on the subject of downforce, would you just take a look at that massive rear wing! I suspect it is identical to the one found in its predecessor, however now it has new supports and redesigned end plates to complete that bad-ass look.
Inside the GT3 RS, you’ll find carbon fibre racing seats and some lightweight door panels. The GT3 RS is so focused on being lightweight that Porsche might have intentionally “accidentally” replaced the door handles with nylon door opening loops – less IS more! The cabin of this car will definitely not be a serene one as the reduced sound absorption material and lightweight engine lid will bring that iconic and heroic Porsche flat-6 soundtrack inside the car.
With that said, this is most likely to be the last iteration of the current 911 (the 991) as the new one (the 992) will be launched later this year in September. But one has to admit – what a way for the 991 to give its last hurrah!
