Still raging you didn't get a 911 R or GT3? Here's another rare-groove Porsche you've probably also missed out on before it's even been officially launched. Move along, nothing to see here and all that...
Of course there's something to see here though. Because after sightings of a sinister looking,
GT3 RS-based test mule
with an even bigger wing and NACA-ducted front deck at the 'ring we now have as close to official confirmation as we'll get that it was the new 911 GT2 RS. And it's come via unusual channels, the car making an appearance at the E3 games show in Los Angeles to celebrate its appearance in Forza Motorsport 7. And not just a virtual one - the actual car was there on stage, in the metal to celebrate the fact it's the poster-child for the game and appears as the 'cover art' for the box and all promotional material.
This is a big deal, both for Porsche and the gaming world. Sure, we've had icons forged in pixel form and a whole generation of real world drivers (most of the PH office included) would readily admit Gran Turismo was as much part of our car education as were magazines, TV shows and, yes, websites. The Japanese brands have benefitted hugely from this and were quick to recognise the brand-building potential of having their cars presented to such an impressionable audience. The European brands, more protective of their image and with a more traditionalist view of the world? A little slower, to the benefit of tuner-manufacturers like Ruf, their status permitting gamers to drive 'Porsches' on screen even if the brand itself wasn't willing to join in.
For Porsche to use an arena like E3 and a games launch to unveil a car like the GT2 RS? A big moment, no doubt. Of course, 'unveil' is a literal description for what's happened, given no official details about the car have been released. Speculation continues on that score but sensible bets would be something in the 650hp range from an uprated version of the 911 Turbo S engine and driving the rear wheels only. Not that there's much sensible about that, if a recent run in the
previous 997 GT2 RS at Knockhill
Now the car is out there expect the more formal debut with confirmation of exactly how ludicrous those stats will prove to be in due course.
911 GT2 RS in Forza 7 gameplay footage