Porsche 911 GT3 RS: First Look

Motoring Channel Staff - 30/May/2006

Porsche 911 GT3 RS In with RS, Out with GT This is not the first time that Porsche has slapped the RS sticker on a rear-engined road going car: the Carrera RS 2.7 (1972) and the type 964-Type 911 RS (1991), have been shining lights for the German marque, standing out on account of their reportedly brilliant handling characteristics and at-the-limit maneuverability.  That tradition is continued with the new 911 GT3 RS and in common with its predecessors, this model can be had as both a basic and pre-approval model for use in a range of racing series. The timing of the emergence of the current RS coincides with the recently ended production of the V10-powered super car, the Carrera GT, and some argue that the new RS simply fills the void left by the 10-cylinder GT. The RS smokes 'em as it counter-steers on a skid pan in Germany, as it's 3.6-litre naturally aspirated motor revs towards its 8400rpm redline The roll cage is a standard feature of the GT3 RS

It may look like a brightly coloured 911 on the outside, but under the skin the latest go-fast model from Porsche is pure race car.

Dubbed the 911 GT3 RS, the latest super sports car to emerge from Stuttgart is for all intents and purposes a race car. Features such as the roll cage, huge rear wing, racing harness and even a fire extinguisher highlight that this is more than just a factory special built for the road. There's even a little yellow strip on the steering wheel so you know where dead centre is.

Featuring a tuned version of the German automaker's free-spinning 3.6-litre 6-cylinder boxer engine, the new Porker takes just 4.2 seconds to shift 1375kg from a standstill to 100km/h. The RS has a kerb weight some 20kg lighter than the GT3, and together with the GT3's 305kW engine and shorter gearing of the 6-speed speed manual transmission, the 911 GT3 RS is a quicker car, and is capable of surpassing 300km/h.

The important but seemingly meagre weight reduction was managed via the use of lightweight materials. For instance, a plastic rear lid and a lightweight plastic rear window were added, and an adjustable carbon fibre wing.

As well as the revised gearing and improved power-to-weight ratio, Porsche's new hero car - available is heroic colours like orange, green, black and silver - is a visually more muscular car. As Porsche explains, the 997-type RS's body is 44mm wider at the rear (a legacy from the Carrera 4 models) by comparison with the 911 GT3. 

In turn, the pumped rear wheel arches conceal a wider track and this is yet another seemingly minor adjustment that, in combination with a number of other small tweaks, helps to provide the RS with its phenomenal cornering ability. Furthermore, the increased rear track not only improves directional stability, but also increases the transverse acceleration potential of this two-seater coupe.

Porsche has made it clear that it's new RS model was created with a view to the registration regulations for the important Gran Tourismo championships, and the road version of the GT3 RS has resorted to technical solutions that will also feature in the racing version.

With it's super rigid bodyshell, grippy Michelin tyres, massive brake callipers and race-track tuned suspension (complete with new split wishbones on the rear axle), it's a wonder that Porsche's new RS can even be driven on the street. 

A racing car with indicators, and a sports machine that's been given the green light for road use, the 911 GT3 RS model is a thoroughbred vehicle, with the major areas of its driveline and chassis having been engineered to ensure exacting performance. The engine is one of these areas that's been fettled, and as the gasoline ignites within the 911 GT3 RS's 6-cylinders, each displacing about 600cc, the exceptionally meaty engine quickly builds up momentum, evenutally generating 305kW (415bhp) @ 7600rpm.

With a rev limit of 8400rpm, the power output per litre of engine capacity is 115bhp, or about 85kW per litre. These figures correspond to the present GT3, yet in combination with the close-ratio 6-speed transmission (complete with a single-mass flywheel), the rear-mounted engine revs up even more freely thus enabling the 911 GT3 to sprint from zero to 100km/h one tenth of a second quicker than the GT3. The race-bred RS model is not far off the pace of the Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari F430 in a straight line, and takes just 13.3 seconds to hit to 200km/h, with a top speed is 310 kilometres per hour.

Porsche calls the RS model the 'purist' variant of the GT3, and with the roll cage dominating the rear of the cabin, it's obvious from the moment you look inside the car. As well as giving the body extra stiffness, the roll cage adds motorsport flair to the vehicle, though the interior is far from a stripped out touring car. The standard centre console and switchgear from the 997-series 911 model remains, so you can still listen to the stereo and turn on the heater, and the steering wheel, handbrake and gear shifter are all finished in sweat-absorbent Alcantara leather. There's also deep bucket racing seats made from carbon fibre composites that can be had and with six-point racing harnesses if desired.

It's not surprising that the latest 911 variant, dubbed the RS, is particularly suited for use on the track; Porsche describes the  911 GT3 RS as distinguished by its performance capability and the unadulterated driving experience enjoyed with a racing car, but one that also meets all requirements for road-legal sports cars.

At the time of publication, the RS model was slated for a European release in October, at the basic price of €111,600 (excluding taxes). In Germany, the coupe costs €129,659 including sales tax, and the GT3 RS will also be available for sale on the North American market from March 2007, though no price has been specified for that market yet. The available finishes are silver, black, orange or green and all vehicle insignia and the wheels themselves are styled in orange or black to contrast with the body paintwork.