The beast is finally out of its cage.
The GT3 RS series of the 911 range has been Porsche’s ultimate track weapon for 50 years, which began with the 911 Carrera RS unveiled in 1973. Since then, the GT3 name returned with the 996 generation and the 996 GT3 RS was the first track-focused 911 that started the market for track day cars alongside the Ferrari 360 CS. Since then, the series evolved further with better engines and more power, and finally, it is back for the latest, 992 generation, and it looks wilder than ever. Let’s dig right into this new rapid Beetle and see if it’s the new ultimate 911.
The secret code: Maximum Downforce.
Unveiled just a few days ago, the GT3 RS, like any other Porsche, promises big numbers right out of the oven. But before learning its performance figures, one can immediately spot that this is a GT3 RS thanks to its massive air vents on the bonnet, the air gills on the front fenders and of course, the iconic red GT3 RS stripe that we first saw in the 996 generation. The air vents on the bonnet reflect the air towards the fins on the roof, so like Zephyrus, the GT3 RS controls the wind for maximum performance. There’s no other word for the new enchantments of the bodywork, the best comparison I could come up with would be that it’s made to be as aerodynamic as a sailfish as the downforce is tripled compared to the 992 GT3. Porsche spent more than 250 hours and 1,500 simulations to find the golden ratio for their new behemoth, and the pursuit for the weight reduction completes their good old recipe for the ultimate track day car. So let’s now take a further look on the new powertrain.
The new GT3 RS is powered by a 4.0L flat-6 engine which produces 518 HP, 16 HP more than the GT3. The torque figures aren’t announced yet but it should be around the GT3’s torque band, which is 469 NM. The engine is connected to a 7-speed PDK transmission which allows it to accelerate from 0 to 60 in just 3.0 seconds to a top speed of 296 km/h (184), which makes it the fastest GT3 RS to date. Porsche knows that performance figures alone doesn’t complete their track day trim, so it features more carbon fiber than any Porsche to date, which significantly reduces the weight, but the kerb weight figures aren’t released yet. Of course, as much as the power and the speed, the braking system is just as critical in a track car, so Porsche fitted the new GT3 RS with Ceramic Composite Brakes, 16-inch in the front and 15-inch in the rear. These brakes, combined with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, makes the new 911 ready for all tracks in all conditions. Besides its massive power, the GT3 RS stands out with its new huge wing that comes with DRS (Drag Reduction System) found in today’s F1 cars for more downforce, which is the first time Porsche has used the technology for the 911. The combination of the new tech allows the GT3 RS to have a massive total of 40kg downforce, 20kg for both front and rear tires.
The definition of ”Less is more.”
Porsche doesn’t hold back in interior department either. The new GT3 RS features a lightweight yet modern and comfortable interior that strips the car out of its infotainment system and adds a massive roll cage to the back to provide more rigidity. The infamous and silly ”replacing the door handle with a strap” idea continues with the new GT3 RS to reduce weight of an object that probably doesn’t weigh much in the first place, but let’s leave Porsche at it, they know the best. The bucket seats also perfectly blend comfort with grip as they should do, and the digital speedometer records your lap times for the best track experience possible. It also comes with a fire extinguisher, just in case you roll your car through a cliff, a lesson Rimac learned a little late. The new GT3 RS spits on the face of the word practical as it eliminates the front cargo space for the sake of the air vents directing the fresh air to the roof. I guess two comfortable seats are more than enough for a track day car though.
So, what do we have here? The GT3 RS is the most focused 911 to date with its relentless aerodynamics and brutal power. It also brings a whiff of nostalgia with its two-tone paint scheme. So what’s the price for all this recipe for a track car? You can say it’s… a lot, in the most Porsche way possible. The GT3 RS will cost you $223,800, which is a whopping 60 grand more than the GT3 variant. This price excludes the Weissach package that offers more weight reduction than the standard version, but Porsche justifies the price difference with the new technology and the aerodynamic bodywork on the new GT3 RS, and the price isn’t too far off of an equally manic rival track day car, the GT-R Nismo, which is around $210k. Still, the salty price won’t stop the wealthy 911 enthusiasts from owning a fresh, 992 generation GT3 RS and to be honest, I also would buy one for my Sunday track thrills. Wouldn’t start talking about its tech in a meet with friends, though, that’s really not recommended. Sales of the new GT3 RS will start next year, and Porsche fans hopefully would be able to drive it in the upcoming updates of racing games as well.
