Wednesday 16th March 2011

Is Porsche Working On An Even Harder GT3 RS?

Web rumours suggest ultra-focused GT3 RS 'LE' is on the way as 997's swansong

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Rumours are whistling round the internetweb that Porsche is preparing an ultra-hardcore 911 as the swansong for the 997-generation car, before an all-new series, dubbed '991' appears toward the end of this year..

The new car is likely to be called the 911 GT3 RS Limited Edition and will be based on the current 911 GT3 RS, except with a 4.0-litre version of the famous flat six rather than a 3.8. It will develop 500hp, and a run of 500 cars is expected.

The web rumour mill also suggests that the GT3 RS LE could mark the debut of Porsche's new so-called 'PDK-S' gearbox, a more sports-oriented version of the company's twin-clutch transmission, which is widely expected to be available on the next-generation of 911 GT3 models.

So is it true? Porsche, of course, is keeping shtum on the matter, so we won't know for certain until 7th April when - so word has it - the official details of the car will be revealed.

But it does sound like a believable - and deeply tantalising - prospect. Watch this space.

[F.C.]

Cool, I'll bet the price is limited edition too!!

[richardaucock]

The idea of a 4.0-litre 911 is tantalising indeed. But, yes, I suspect the price will also be mesmerising.

[MetalFoot]

But if it's pure performance you are after I do suppose the figures will be fairly blinding

[McAndy]

I've seen too many stories and little comments in Porsche management interviews for this not to be true. If it's false a rumour, I'll eat a cake shaped like a hat!

[Shane O'Neill]

I have a deposit down on one.No official info but i think it will happen.But not with PDK.I think they always had problems combining it with the Metzger engine which powers the GT3/GT3 RS.

[Beefmeister]

Last swansong for the Metzger engine, as the 991 is dumping it for the next GT3.

Rumours also suggest it'll have a body not unlike the RSR race car.

Roll on 7th April I say...

[chazwozza]

Interesting, I doubt they struggle to shift them no matter what price. The next 911 is going to have to be out of this world good to better this one in my view. Best 911 since the air-cooled and by a long way too.

[Wanta996Gotta]

If you read this months EVO then its clear that they are releasing it. Not sure why anyone is still doubting it.

[legalknievel]

This is an infernal cycle. Every time I convince myself that a early spec GT3 RS of some description is manageable if I cancel all direct debits for three years and wear clothes made of hair, they bring out another one I want more. That green gen 1 press car used to be the only car I would ever want. Now it looks like a slightly dated plastic frog. Egads!

[GFWilliams]

Wanta996Gotta said:

If you read this months EVO then its clear that they are releasing it. Not sure why anyone is still doubting it.

Exactly what I was thinking. Quite a lot of info has been available for a while. Not sure why this is suddenly news...

[Luca Brasi]

Amazing but shouldn't they save this stuff for the next generation?

[threesixty]

Beefmeister said:

Last swansong for the Metzger engine, as the 991 is dumping it for the next GT3.

Anyone else feel it just won't be a proper gt3 without the mezger? That engine makes the car IMHO.

I assume the new gt3s will get the same engine as the rest of the line up?

[nickfrog]

They know how to tease us and make us beg for more, not that I'll ever be in that market unfort... I console myself in the knowledge that it shares 2 or 3 parts with my £15k 987...

Funny to realise that the 997 is being retired soon, it still looks fresh to me, in a way that the 996 never was, even mid-way though its life, or maybe I am getting older...

[KrissJ]

GFWilliams said:

Wanta996Gotta said:

If you read this months EVO then its clear that they are releasing it. Not sure why anyone is still doubting it.

Exactly what I was thinking. Quite a lot of info has been available for a while. Not sure why this is suddenly news...

Ha, that's just what I was going to add too. Along with that in Evo it states that the expected price will be somewhere between the GT3RS and GT2RS. It should be an incredible car, regardless of what the official spec and price end up being.

[Rugbyman]

Shane O'Neill said:

I have a deposit down on one.No official info but i think it will happen.But not with PDK.I think they always had problems combining it with the Metzger engine which powers the GT3/GT3 RS.

I thought Porsche dont take deposits for cars that havent been confirmed ?

[Beefmeister]

Selected people were invited to place deposits by dealers a while ago.

Proof positive that it's coming.

[Rugbyman]

Luca Brasi said:

Amazing but shouldn't they save this stuff for the next generation?

Evolution ....imagine what the next gen GT3s will be like .....even better

[Rugbyman]

Beefmeister said:

Selected people were invited to place deposits by dealers a while ago.

Proof positive that it's coming.

Really !!!! thats a first then ....they didnt even do that with the CGT

[Smike]

MetalFoot said:

But if it's pure performance you are after I do suppose the figures will be fairly blinding

Will it be as fast as the old GT2 RS round the track?

[GFWilliams]

Smike said:

Will it be as fast as the old GT2 RS round the track?

I would think it would depend on the track. GT2RS will be quicker in a straight line, but GT3RSLE will be quicker in the corners and more instant throttle response