Wednesday 19th August 2009

Porsche 911 GT3 RS Storms In

Porsche unveils an all-new version of the most hardcore 911

---

Livery and wings are as outlandish as ever

These are the first official images of the all-new Porsche 911 GT3 RS - the most exciting and hardcore 911 of them all.

There are few car models that can ratchet up excitement in stages like a 911. First there's the base model, which understandably generates a certain amount of excitement. Then the boys and girls from Weissach announce a new GT3 version, which keeps the track day fans dribbling. Next Porsche reveals a new version of the Turbo. But the real weak-at-the-knees moment comes in the form of the new RS.

Ever since the classic 'ducktail' Carrera RS 2.7 was released back in 1973, the RS badge has only ever been applied to the most hardcore roadgoing 911s, and has created some of the most iconic Porsches ever.

So with a lineage that runs from the 2.7, via the 964, 993, 996 and first 997 RS, the new GT3 RS has a lot to live up to.

The technical specifications certainly seem promising, though. The classic flat-six engine, like the motor in the latest GT3, has gone up from 3.6 to 3.8 litres. It now produces 444bhp, up 35bhp on the previous GT3 RS, and 15bhp up on the 429bhp GT3.

The most impressive figure associated with the new 911 GT3 RS, however, is a specific output of 118bhp per litre - a stunning figure for a naturally aspirated road car. That power is transmitted to the road via a six-speed manual gearbox - no fussy PDK twin-clutch tech here - with shorter ratios than in the GT3. Porsche hasn't revealed any performance figures for the new GT3 RS, but it's a safe bet to say that it'll be quicker than the GT3, although with a lower top speed.

On any other car, this would look ridiculous

On any other car, this would look ridiculousThe new GT3 RS also gets Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), but this has been tweaked specifically for the new car to, in Porsche's words "further improve the sporting behaviour of the chassis". Another piece of electronic cleverness fitted to the new GT3 RS is Porsche's Active Drivetrain Mounts (PADM). Depending on driving conditions, the engine mounts change in their stiffness and damping effect to resist the movement of the drivetrain in the bodyshell.

More significant to the RS's 'sporting behaviour' are wider tracks front and rear, necessitating blistered front arches and wider rear bodywork. Beneath those chunky arches sit beefy 245/35 ZR 19 tyres at the front, and 325/30 ZR 19 tyres at the rear. The front tyres measure 9 inches across, while the rears are a whopping 12 inches wide.

The requisite racing seats and roll cage

The requisite racing seats and roll cage are also present. Light weight is also a key element of any good RS Porsche and, although Porsche hasn't yet released any details about the car's overall weight saving, the latest 911 GT3 RS duly delivers, with an optional lithium-ion that saves more than 10kg over a conventional lead-acid battery.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS hits UK showrooms in February 2010 priced from £100,760 (a healthy £19k more than a GT3).

[munch997]

I do like that! not sure about the coloured front bumper...
and the wing design from lamborghini? but i like it, looks good in grey

[daveco]

Shirley they can't get any more horsepower out of that engine??

[pistolp]

such a shame baout that spoiler, it loos very halfords. i reckon the gen 1 997 gt3rs is a better bet


have ferrari topped that output per litre with the 458?

[jon-]

want

[noone986s]

Awesome performance, Stevie Wonder school of styling.

[Welshbeef]

Stunning a masterpiece does it beat the 430 scud!??

[zakelwe]

Sorry, that wing is too much. It reminds me of those ridiculous ones people pop on the back of a Rover 600 that are supposed to make you think of Porsche etc. So it has gone full circle.

The rest of the car looks as mouth watering as always though.

Regards
Andy

Edited by zakelwe on Wednesday 19th August 11:37

[mat205125]

daveco said:

Shirley they can't get any more horsepower out of that engine??

118bhp per litre is a great acheivement. Most modern hot hatches can't even manage that from their 2 litres engines WITH forced induction!!!

[Dan-Gold]

On the porsche website (where you can watch the 911 GT3 RS take a lap [with a driver claiming to be you]) they claim 0-62 in 4 seconds flat and a top speed of 310 kph (192 mph).

[A911DOM]

Ooooh yeah!

[WMP]

Absolutely ridiculous graphics. No doubt a fantastic car!

Front looks like a Rover 200 BRM

[Garlick]

Yes.
Please.

[Jackal2k9]

looks ridiculous sounds ridiculous and that spoiler is ridiculous......ill take mine in black with orange wheels n graphics please

For the people whinging about the spoiler...all i can say is well if you dont like it dont buy it!! I think it builds into the outrageous nature of this car

[TheYeti]

I am sure its all very impressive, but likely to be another £19,000 over the standard GT3, an already impressive car? And reading and listening to reviews of the previous GT3 and RS, the price just doesn't justify the changes really. Personally, when you are at this end of the marketing, they are taking the punter for a very long ride.....

[sleep envy]

just paint the alloys and cage for me please and any chance the grey can bet matt finish?

[Roop]

TheYeti said:

I am sure its all very impressive, but likely to be another £19,000 over the standard GT3, an already impressive car? And reading and listening to reviews of the previous GT3 and RS, the price just doesn't justify the changes really. Personally, when you are at this end of the marketing, they are taking the punter for a very long ride.....

Look at the way the RS hangs onto it's cash vs. a GT3 though...

[madrob6]

Just been on the Porsche site and seen it in white with the red graphics. Looks absolutely stunning.

[arrishort555]

great car but those stickers are god-awful that with the stickers off the old one please

[sleep envy]

Roop said:

TheYeti said:

I am sure its all very impressive, but likely to be another £19,000 over the standard GT3, an already impressive car? And reading and listening to reviews of the previous GT3 and RS, the price just doesn't justify the changes really. Personally, when you are at this end of the marketing, they are taking the punter for a very long ride.....

Look at the way the RS hangs onto it's cash vs. a GT3 though...

it just holds the majority of the premium over the GT3

[E21_Ross]

that is such an un-cool car, could never pick a gf up in it.

who cares about that! i want one!