Porsche has pulled together its track knowledge and put as much technology as they legally can into the new, road-going Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
Compared to previous models, the car has had a lot of modifications made to its drive system, aerodynamics and lightweight design enhance performance.
It has proven its prowess by setting a lap time of seven minutes 20 seconds around the legendary 14 mile Nurburgring Nordschleife. That’s better than the historic record set by the Carrera GT super sports car, which was slightly under seven minutes 29 seconds. Therefore, from its launch, the 911 GT3 RS will be a benchmark in its class.
Powering the 911 GT3 RS is a four-litre six-cylinder engine with 500 hp and 460 Nm of torque, which is combined with a PDK transmission that has been specially developed. The engine has the largest displacement and most power out of any of those used in the 911 range that are naturally-aspirated power units with a direct fuel injection.
This car can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.3 seconds and up to 124 mph in just 10.9 seconds. Its fuel consumption measures at 22.2 mpg.
There are a number of functions included in this car, such as de-clutching by the paddle neutral facility and using the Pit Speed centre console button to limit the car’s speed. These have been customised for use in motorsport. They give drivers more freedom when it comes to exploiting the driving dynamics and they can also give assistance when driving around a race circuit.
Certain parts of the car have been changed to ensure that it is lightweight. For example, the roof panel is made of magnesium and the engine and luggage compartment lids contain carbon fibre. There is also a range of other lightweight components that utilise alternative materials. Because of these modifications, the car is roughly ten kg lighter than the 911 GT3.
Dynamic response is aided by the lightweight roof as it lowers the car’s centre of gravity. The car’s wide-arched bodyshell is inspired by the 911 Turbo but has gained a number of aerodynamic add-on components. It gets a front spoiler lip that almost reaches the road and a large rear wing.
Just like a car purely for racing, the front wheel arch air vents on the 911 GT3 RS extend into the upper section of the wings. This increases downforce on the front axle of the car.
The chassis of the 911 GT3 RS has been tuned so that it can gain maximum dynamics and precision. To improve agility and dynamics, the car has rear-axle steering and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus with completely variable rear limited slip differential.
As standard, the 911 GT3 RS is fitted with the widest tyres seen on any 911 model. These allow for more agile turn-in characteristics and higher cornering speeds.
The first 911 GT3 RS cars will be arriving in showrooms this May but are available to order already from Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland. They are priced from £131,296.
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