Porsche has added the evocative RS letters to the already hardcore GT3 to create its most focussed, intense 911 ever. The RS exists for motorsport homologation, and Porsche's never-ending quest for dominance on the track creates some of the company's most amazing road cars. The new GT3 RS promises to be no exception. Taking the GT3 as its base Porsche has stripped weight, added power and altered gear ratios, suspension settings and aerodynamics to help it win trophies at the weekend.

Forget the rather naff chequered flag decal down its flanks and GT3 RS script on the rear wings, because as ever it's the details that make the GT3 RS such an enticing proposition. The already impressive output of the GT3's naturally aspirated 3.8-litre flat-six has risen by 15bhp to 450bhp - which equates to 118bhp per litre. Porsche is not saying exactly how that's been achieved, but the addition of a lightweight, freer-breathing titanium exhaust is sure to have contributed to the increase.

It's likely the RS will feature a lighter flywheel to improve throttle response too, while the engine is mated to a short-shifting six-speed manual transmission with revised ratios. The new gearing should see the RS reach 62mph in less than four seconds, the shorter ratios increasing the RS's accelerative ability through the gears but impacting on its outright top speed in comparison to its GT3 relative.

The large rear wing won't help with top speed either, the aluminium strutted, carbon fibre appendage producing more downforce and increasing the GT3 RS's cornering speeds, but sure to add some drag at high speed. A wider track (necessitating flared front and rear wheelarches), lower ride height and the standard fitment of active engine mounts - which actively hold the engine in position to prevent unwanted lateral movement - also contribute to the GT3 RS's increased cornering ability. Porsche's Active Suspension Management system (PASM) comes as standard, though the settings are tuned specifically for the RS.

Weight loss comes courtesy of the RS's lightweight exhaust, as well as a lithium ion battery - which alone removes 10kg. As with the GT3 the RS comes with no rear seats and Porsche is likely to have removed some more sound deadening, added a plastic rear window and some carbon fibre panels in its quest for weight reduction. We'll know for sure when Porsche reveals the RS's full technical details nearer its February on-sale date - possibly at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show. One thing Porsche has released is the price - £100,760. While that's a difficult to justify £18,000 more than a standard GT3 it doesn't leave us wanting one any less.

Kyle Fortune - 19 Aug 2009