A 90hp power-hike over the 911 GT2 combined with a 70kgs weight-saving makes the new 911 GT2 RS the fastest 'street-legal' Porsche has ever built.
We showed you a sneaky preview of the car yesterday, but today Porsche has released official details and images of its new machine which will be unveiled in the metal at the Moscow motorshow on August 25th. (And not the later Paris show as all the pundits were suggesting.)
The phenomenal power output has been derived from a new charge air intercooler and turbo boost dialled-up from 1.4 to 1.6bar on the 3.6-litre six-cylinder boxer engine with twin turbochargers. There's a six-speed manual gearbox and sports tyres measuring 325/30 ZR 19 developed especially for the 911 GT2 RS, which help convert this massive power into equally massive performance and acceleration on the road. Porsche claims 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds, 0-124mph in 9.8 seconds, and 0-186mph in 28.9 seconds.
Stopping power is assured by the PCCB composite ceramic brakes fitted as standard, while something Porsche calls "appropriate longitudinal and lateral dynamic chassis control" is ensured by the sporting RS set-up of the springs, Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management (PASM), anti-roll bars, as well as the engine mounts and PSM Porsche Stability Management. It's a set-up that has allowed the car to record an impressive 7min18sec Nurburgring lap time, says Porsche.
Lightweight features developed for the car include use of lighter aluminium transverse arms and diagonal struts in the rear suspension, carbon fibre reinforced front lid and rear spoiler, polycarbonate rear window and side windows, lightweight engine cover, lighter single-mass flywheel, and a lighter lithium-ion battery. Other 'dynamic enhancements' are said to include metal support bearings complete with ball joints in the front suspension, lightweight door panels, and a wider front track with wider tyres that are the same dimension as GT3 RS.
As far as styling goes, the new 911 GT2 RS stands out from the 911 GT2 through the use of carbon-fibre-reinforced (CFR) components in distinctive matt-black finish. At the front, the new, wider 911 GT2-style light-alloy wheels with centre locking are shrouded by flared wheel arches. There are 'GT2 RS' badges on the doors and rear engine cover, while the upgraded front spoiler lip and the rear spoiler lip also have a carbon finish. The rear spoiler lip is raised 10 millimetres for extra downforce.
Inside there are lightweight bucket seats made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, and lightweight interior door panels with door opening straps. The basic interior colour is black, contrasting with red alcantara upholstery on the seat centre sections and roof lining, as well as with segments on the steering wheel rim, gearshift and handbrake lever.
The new GT2 RS will be limited to just 500 units worldwide, and will be available in the UK from September when it will cost a hefty £164,107 before you start ticking any option boxes. You would though, wouldn't you..?
911 GT2 RS Technical specifications
Cylinders 6
Displacement 3.600cm3
Max. power (DN) 620hp
at rpm 6,500
Max.torque 700Nm
at rpm 2,500 - 5,500
Compression ratio 9.0 : 1
Boost pressure 1.6 bar
Transmission Six speed manual
Wheels Front: 9 J x 19 ET 47
Rear: 12 J x 19 ET 48
Tyres
Front: 245/35 ZR 19 (sports tyres)
Rear: 325/30 ZR 19 (sports tyres)
Unladen weight (DIN) 1,370kg
Power to weight ratio 2.21kilos per hp / 452hp per tonne
Top Speed 205mph
0-62mph 3.5 secs
0-99mph 6.8 secs
CO2 emissions 284 g/km
Turning circle 10.9m
Drag coefficient 0.34
Combined fuel consumption 23.7mpg
Length 4,469mm
Height 1,285mm
Width (inc wing mirrors) 1,852mm (1,952mm)
Wheelbase 2,350mm
Price £164,107 inc VAT