2008 Porsche 997 GT3 RS
Discussion
A bit last minute, we decided yesterday to join a trackday at Spa-Francorchamps with both RS's. It was my first time out on track with the RS, after having covered barely 1.500km in it. Last time I was at Spa was at least 3 years ago so I wanted to take it slow to reacquaint myself with the track and get to learn the RS's character and reactions. With that in mind, I left my timing gear at home, and headed to Spa.
After a 30 minute delay after being stopped on the Belgian highways in true commando style by no less than 10 Belgian highway police officers, apparently because some civilian had called 911 to warn the police that two 911's were racing (we weren't), we were on our way again.
Upon arrival at Spa, the anticipation grew of taking the car I'd dreamed of for years, on one of the world's most spectacular tracks. 'Suited' up, ready to go. Luckily, I decided to check my tyre pressure before heading out on track, my fresh rear Trofeo R's were set at 3.5bar, whoever decided that would be a good idea remains a question yet to be answered. Once set at 2.1bar, I was ready to go.
I took it slowly the first few laps, to reacquaint myself with everything again. Braking points, lines, ... Gradually increasing the speed to learn the car's reactions and behaviour at speed. It was by driving that bit harder, that I completely fell -if I hadn't so already- for the GT3 RS. What a machine. The level of communication that was so gobsmacking to me during fast road driving was that much more apparent during track driving. Whilst pushing the front axle to its levels of adhesion, you feel tiny wriggles through your steering wheel indicating the front is about to let go.
No other car I've driven shows and communicates its weight balance as obviously as this one does either. Since it's such a peculiar balance, you're always aware you need to measure your inputs, make sure you drive it smoothly to keep that rear in check, or to make sure you have to front-end commited to its line. The moment you accelerate out of a corner, feel the balance shifting rearwards, have that rear hook-up is something to behold. When you start pushing that bit more, and gradually try - I say try as I'm far from familiarized with the technique- to trail brake into corners, you notice the RS gets into its own completely, as if it started to dance. What follows is pure and utter automotive brilliance: Nose hooked up on the brakes into the corner, the rear lightens, early on the throttle, balance shifting rearwards, and with a few degrees of slip you accelerate out of the corners. La source was excellent to practice this technique. It has me literally grinning with pleasure whilst driving and hours later.
The great thing is, I've got to experience these handling traits, without even pushing it near its limits. I left a considerable safety margin, and yet it was brilliant fun exploring its handling. I can't imagine many cars keeping you that entertained, being that involving, whilst driving at seven or eight tenths. Oh and it drifts, the one thing I feared it wouldn't do, it does, with great progression and control. Excellent.
After a 30 minute delay after being stopped on the Belgian highways in true commando style by no less than 10 Belgian highway police officers, apparently because some civilian had called 911 to warn the police that two 911's were racing (we weren't), we were on our way again.
Upon arrival at Spa, the anticipation grew of taking the car I'd dreamed of for years, on one of the world's most spectacular tracks. 'Suited' up, ready to go. Luckily, I decided to check my tyre pressure before heading out on track, my fresh rear Trofeo R's were set at 3.5bar, whoever decided that would be a good idea remains a question yet to be answered. Once set at 2.1bar, I was ready to go.
I took it slowly the first few laps, to reacquaint myself with everything again. Braking points, lines, ... Gradually increasing the speed to learn the car's reactions and behaviour at speed. It was by driving that bit harder, that I completely fell -if I hadn't so already- for the GT3 RS. What a machine. The level of communication that was so gobsmacking to me during fast road driving was that much more apparent during track driving. Whilst pushing the front axle to its levels of adhesion, you feel tiny wriggles through your steering wheel indicating the front is about to let go.
No other car I've driven shows and communicates its weight balance as obviously as this one does either. Since it's such a peculiar balance, you're always aware you need to measure your inputs, make sure you drive it smoothly to keep that rear in check, or to make sure you have to front-end commited to its line. The moment you accelerate out of a corner, feel the balance shifting rearwards, have that rear hook-up is something to behold. When you start pushing that bit more, and gradually try - I say try as I'm far from familiarized with the technique- to trail brake into corners, you notice the RS gets into its own completely, as if it started to dance. What follows is pure and utter automotive brilliance: Nose hooked up on the brakes into the corner, the rear lightens, early on the throttle, balance shifting rearwards, and with a few degrees of slip you accelerate out of the corners. La source was excellent to practice this technique. It has me literally grinning with pleasure whilst driving and hours later.
The great thing is, I've got to experience these handling traits, without even pushing it near its limits. I left a considerable safety margin, and yet it was brilliant fun exploring its handling. I can't imagine many cars keeping you that entertained, being that involving, whilst driving at seven or eight tenths. Oh and it drifts, the one thing I feared it wouldn't do, it does, with great progression and control. Excellent.
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