Feb 6, 2018 11:05:08 AM
Porsche 911 GT3 RS public debut at Geneva motor show
ZUFFENHAUSEN, Germany – Porsche’s Motorsport division has raised performance potential of the 911 GT3 RS in a mid-life facelift for the existing 991-series model, which underpins the German automaker’s extensive GT-based motorsport activities.
Available to order now prior to a public debut at next month’s Geneva motor show, the ’18 model receives an added 20 hp from a lightly modified version of Porsche Motorsport’s race-bred 4.0L 6-cyl. engine, increasing its reserves to 513 hp at 8,250 rpm.
This is the highest power figure yet for a naturally aspirated road-going Porsche model and serves to distance the new 911 GT3 RS from the standard 911 GT3, which adopted the same 493 hp evolution of the horizontally opposed engine as the previous 911 GT3 RS when it was updated last year.
Porsche Motorsport isn’t revealing the engineering changes made to the 911 GT3 RS’s engine but confirms the rear-mounted unit continues to rev to a maximum 9,000 rpm and comes mated to a standard 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Despite the increase in power, torque is expected to remain at the same level as before, with 339 lb.-ft. (460 Nm) produced at 6,250 rpm.
The increase in power is claimed to shave 0.1 second off the new model’s 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time, which is put at 3.2 seconds, while adding 1 mph (1.6 km/h) to its potential maximum top speed at 194 mph (312 km/h) in combination with various aerodynamic tweaks.
Among the chassis changes Porsche Motorsport has announced for the 911 GT3 RS ahead of U.S. deliveries later this year is a recalibrated rear-wheel steering system. As with the old model launched in 2015, the suspension of the new model uses solid ball joints on each arm for added steering precision. Wheels and tires measure 20 ins. and 265/35 in profile up front and 21 ins. with 325/30 profile at the rear.
Visually, the new Porsche road racer is differentiated from its predecessor by a series of subtle aerodynamic and styling upgrades. They include new LED indicator lamps set within a re-profiled front bumper featuring new vertical air flow guides within the outer air ducts to more efficiently channel air to the front-mounted radiators and brakes.
Further back, the new 911 GT3 RS receives two new NACA style ducts within the hood and additional air flow guides for the ducts within the rear fenders. At the rear, there are more heavily structured taillamps, a new bumper with larger air extraction ducts and modified supports for the rear wing, which feature newly shaped end plates.
Inside, there are carbon-backed racing seats, lightweight door panels with storage nets and nylon opening loops. Weight optimization measures include a reduction in sound absorption material and a new lightweight engine lid.
As with all of Porsche’s existing GT models, the 911 GT3 RS is sold with an optional Clubsport package. It consists of an aluminum roll cage, fire extinguishers and 6-point seat belts.
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Feb 6, 2018 12:00:07 PM
Feb 6, 2018 12:00:51 PM
bluelines:That must be one of the most lame model upgrades Porsche have ever done. Same, same. Thumbs up for the color.
The car is amazing, much faster than 991.1 GT3 RS on the track.
Also, it looks like a small GT2 RS...I love it.
RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 991.2 Carrera GTS Cabriolet (2018), Porsche Cayenne S Diesel (2017), Audi R8 V10 Plus (2016), Mini JCW (2015)
Feb 6, 2018 12:07:05 PM
Yes, mabye your right RC. But why take a small when I already have the big.... Was really hoping for a 550 -ish monster NA that would have been great to have beside the turbo beast GT2, but this...... Naaas, think I’ll pass
But pretty cool color, much better than the “salmon”
Feb 6, 2018 12:21:50 PM
The farmer:Sorry, But expected more. No craving for this a all. This is..... Meeeh....
Engine is indeed a minor upgrade over 991.2 GT3 engine. Most of the improved lap time is coming from latest generation of tires and further developed suspension.
BTW, German base price will be in area between 195.000-200.000 €.
Feb 6, 2018 12:30:07 PM
GT3 is already equipped with ball joint suspension on the front so would be curious to get the full details to see the difference. obviously the aero is reworked and improved with better tyres.
GT Lover, Porsche fan
991.2 GT3 arriving, 991 GT3 2014(sold)
Cayenne GTS 2014
Feb 6, 2018 12:39:56 PM
the-missile:GT3 is already equipped with ball joint suspension on the front so would be curious to get the full details to see the difference. obviously the aero is reworked and improved with better tyres.
Is it all the joints in the front or just the steering arm (sorry, don't know the proper name) ?
Feb 6, 2018 1:08:55 PM
Feb 6, 2018 1:31:58 PM
yes, this is how they called them: rose-joints.
the GT3.2 is equipped with it for the front axle but Porsche never advertised it.
Nick posted some picture of this also.
interested to see if they go further for the RS and installed them as well on the rear axle...
GT Lover, Porsche fan
991.2 GT3 arriving, 991 GT3 2014(sold)
Cayenne GTS 2014
Feb 6, 2018 1:32:29 PM
Absolutely loving the exterior looks, the interior is a bit over the top. I think if the chairs were left black with just green deviated stitching, it would look much better.
Performance upgrades... are there any? Except for the 20 extra hp?
Porsche, separates Le Mans from Le Boys
Feb 6, 2018 1:38:57 PM
Joost:Absolutely loving the exterior looks, the interior is a bit over the top. I think if the chairs were left black with just green deviated stitching, it would look much better.
There'll probably be an option to stick to the normal GT3 seat facings - there was in the .1RS where the orange microfibre was the featured material at launch time.
2015 911 GT3, 1964 Type 1
Joost:Absolutely loving the exterior looks, the interior is a bit over the top. I think if the chairs were left black with just green deviated stitching, it would look much better.
Performance upgrades... are there any? Except for the 20 extra hp?
The upgrade is all about the chassis...the engine isn't that bad either though.
RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 991.2 Carrera GTS Cabriolet (2018), Porsche Cayenne S Diesel (2017), Audi R8 V10 Plus (2016), Mini JCW (2015)
Feb 6, 2018 3:01:27 PM
DaveGordon:Joost:Absolutely loving the exterior looks, the interior is a bit over the top. I think if the chairs were left black with just green deviated stitching, it would look much better.
There'll probably be an option to stick to the normal GT3 seat facings - there was in the .1RS where the orange microfibre was the featured material at launch time.
Yeah, probably. Didn't know this option also existed for the .1... Thanks!
Porsche, separates Le Mans from Le Boys
RC:Joost:Absolutely loving the exterior looks, the interior is a bit over the top. I think if the chairs were left black with just green deviated stitching, it would look much better.
Performance upgrades... are there any? Except for the 20 extra hp?
The upgrade is all about the chassis...the engine isn't that bad either though.
Yeah, the press release may look a bit subdued... probably because "chassis" doesn't sell as easily as raw horsepower, speed and acceleration numbers.
Porsche, separates Le Mans from Le Boys
Feb 6, 2018 3:36:13 PM
The farmer:Yes, mabye your right RC. But why take a small when I already have the big.... Was really hoping for a 550 -ish monster NA that would have been great to have beside the turbo beast GT2, but this...... Naaas, think I’ll pass
But pretty cool color, much better than the “salmon”
Oh right you do have the 700HP big brother.
gonna change your colour to Lizard Green?