Porsche has released full details of its most focused 997-generation 911 yet, the GT3 RS. Resplendent in orange and black, the new RS harks back to the 911 2.7 Carrera RS from the seventies. Paint scheme aside, the new GT3 RS is bang up to date.
The GT3 RS has been designed to be the basis of future GT racecars, yet is fully road legal. Taking its foundation from the awesome 911 GT3, the RS adds the 44mm wider body from the Carrera 4 and a new rear spoiler that looks like it belongs at Le Mans. Despite the extra body bits, the RS weighs in at 20kg less than the GT3 at 1375kg. Weight saving measures include the adjustable carbon fibre rear wing and the use of plastic in the engine cover and rear window.
Thanks to the lower weight, the RS hits 62mph from standstill in just 4.2 seconds, a tenth ahead of the regular GT3. Top speed is not far off 190mph. Straight line speed is all well and good, but it's clear that the 911 GT3 RS is made to go around corners just as impressively and shares items such as the entire wheel carrier and split wishbones on the rear with the forthcoming race version.
Though the RS features a half cage, painted in body colour, and hip-hugging bucket seats made from carbon fibre, the interior is not exactly barren, with a stereo and electric windows next to the Alcantara-lined steering wheel, gear stick and handbrake.
Vivid orange paintwork (as shown) is an option, as is green, with silver and black being the standard colours. UK prices have yet to be announced, though the 911 GT3 RS will cost 129,659 Euros in Germany (approximately £89,000). The RS will be launched in Europe this October, with US sales beginning in March 2007.
Shane O' Donoghue - 29 May 2006