RE: Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997.2) | Rise
Sunday 11th August 2019
Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997.2) | Rise & Drive
The GT3 dynasty is 20 years old. PH celebrates in the best way possible...
Communicative, emotive, engaging, exhilarating - there are many qualities claimed for the Porsche's 997.2 GT3 RS. From its minimalist cabin and relentless pursuit of weight saving to its perfect proportions and feelsome steering, Porsche enthusiasts have multiple reasons to consider the model to be the pinnacle of the RS lineage.
To find out exactly what all the fuss is about - and because the concept of a GT3 variant turns 20 this summer - we made Dan P set his alarm for some ungodly hour and sent him to Brecon Beacons aboard Porsche's heritage car. With perfect weather laid on, what better backdrop is there for discussing how exactly the 997 GT3's track prowess translates into a superlative roadgoing experience?
You can check out the full Rise & Drive video below and, if you like what you see, subscribe to the PH Youtube channel for more. Don't forget to let us know what you'd like to see Dan drive next in the comments...
Discussion
Great video of an epic machine. Nicely sums up the essence of the car imho.
Still, I don’t really think aircon and pcm delete makes that much difference in the weights stakes, it’s more about the principle than the actual impact of taking that bit of weight out.
Awesome cars and as good as it gets in the GT range, including the latest and greatest.
Still, I don’t really think aircon and pcm delete makes that much difference in the weights stakes, it’s more about the principle than the actual impact of taking that bit of weight out.
Awesome cars and as good as it gets in the GT range, including the latest and greatest.
DT398 said:
Great video of an epic machine. Nicely sums up the essence of the car imho.
Still, I don’t really think aircon and pcm delete makes that much difference in the weights stakes, it’s more about the principle than the actual impact of taking that bit of weight out.
Awesome cars and as good as it gets in the GT range, including the latest and greatest.
+1Still, I don’t really think aircon and pcm delete makes that much difference in the weights stakes, it’s more about the principle than the actual impact of taking that bit of weight out.
Awesome cars and as good as it gets in the GT range, including the latest and greatest.
The modern 911 GT car peaked here, for me. Thanks for the video, inspires me to get up early tomorrow.
When I did the GT day at PEC the 997.2 GT3RS was the last car I drove and it was the best of the bunch. When Dan says the clutch has weight he isn't joking. Getting into my 997.2 immediately afterwards I thought someone had disconnected the clutch as the pedal went straight to the floor.
Good summary of the 997.2 GT3RS. When asked what it’s like to drive, I used to summarise it by saying you had to ‘sing for your supper’ driving this car. It’s pretty raw (not as raw as 996GT3RS) and could literally give you a headache when driving down to the Alps. The 991GT3RS is much more refined and GT’esque in nature, but you loose some of the rawness and interaction of the 997.2. Always felt that the 997.2 could do with an extra 50hp and you do need to work the close ratio box to get the most out of the mezger engine, which is mega and probably one of the best engines of any car. Get the car on circuit and it’s nature changed, perfectly balanced and tons of grip and hunkers down and trail braking helped to pin down the front end. In that respect, you had to get in the groove to drive this car well, otherwise it could frustrate you.
Edited by JPCGT on Saturday 10th August 09:09
Nicely done video. Makes a nice change not to have constant tyre squealing around a track. Liked the piece about this particular cars history too.
The 997.2 GT3RS is perhaps the only GT car I would replace my 991.2 with. However, where I might gain in a few areas like feelsome steering and firmer control weights I might lose in others eg. torquier and even more epic engine and subjectively nicer cabin. All the RS's are more focused for the track too so if you're not going to track it a lot the cooking GT3 is the better compromise.
The 997.2 GT3RS is perhaps the only GT car I would replace my 991.2 with. However, where I might gain in a few areas like feelsome steering and firmer control weights I might lose in others eg. torquier and even more epic engine and subjectively nicer cabin. All the RS's are more focused for the track too so if you're not going to track it a lot the cooking GT3 is the better compromise.
another enjoyable video, even for someone like myself who having owned a very similar spec example from new for a few years to that press car probably knows all there is to know about these cars. personally i prefer the 996 RS, but the 997.2 RS is of course the superior car and i do miss mine. can't have both though.
Thoroughly enjoyed that. Great video. I keep getting that I really want one feeling. Do you get the 3.8 or go for the much more expensive 4 litre. If you buy the 4 litre would I then be worried about using it and hurting its value. One question for those that know. Can you get a big guy in the passenger bucket seat. 6'4" 25 stone. Not fat just a big guy. His dream is a lap of Spa and at some point I want to make that happen for him.
Great review and what a machine, I've had a passenger ride in one at the PEC with an instructor and it's a stunning car even from the passenger seat.
The noise from that engine is just perfect, love the slight pause as the next gear is selected as well, none of your seamless farty upshifts.
The noise from that engine is just perfect, love the slight pause as the next gear is selected as well, none of your seamless farty upshifts.
SRT Hellcat said:
Thoroughly enjoyed that. Great video. I keep getting that I really want one feeling. Do you get the 3.8 or go for the much more expensive 4 litre. If you buy the 4 litre would I then be worried about using it and hurting its value. One question for those that know. Can you get a big guy in the passenger bucket seat. 6'4" 25 stone. Not fat just a big guy. His dream is a lap of Spa and at some point I want to make that happen for him.
I’d hazard a guess that if you can afford it you go for the 4.0 as the ultimate version. I 8 a 4RE said:
Hate to say this. But the host’s voice is just too annoying to listen to in a long video.
Voice, presentation, appearance matters unfortunately.
Funny how preferences are. Voice, presentation, appearance matters unfortunately.
To me, sat over here on the other side of the Atlantic, Dan P. is an exceptional extemporaneous speaker on the subject of cars.
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