What's this then?
Only possibly the greatest sports car ever - this is the hard-core RS version of the already-pretty-well-hard-core 911 GT3, and it's packing a 500hp naturally aspirated wallop from its 4.0-litre flat-six engine. That makes it the most powerful non-turbo Porsche of all time.
The engine, which has the largest displacement and most power of any naturally-aspirated power unit with direct fuel injection in the 911 family, accelerates the high-performance sports car from 0 to 62mph in 3.3 seconds and on to 124mph in 10.9 seconds. Combined fuel consumption is quoted as 22.2mpg.
There are all sorts of clever stuff going on here. The standard-fit DSG paddle shift gearbox has a 'paddle neutral' system that mimics the effect of dipping the clutch on a conventional gearbox - perfect for kicking the tail out for full on power slides. There's also an electronic pitlane speed limiter that will be as useful for track-days as it is for keeping your speed in check on Acton high street.
The RS is also, of course, all about lightweight. The roof is magnesium; while the engine bay and boot are made of carbon fibre. It cuts a mere 10kg from the weight of the standard 911 GT3 but the extra power more than compensates and anyway, the GT3 is already pretty light.
There's also a massive rear wing for proper on-track downforce and a cute little dip that runs along the bonnet and up into the roof that references hard-core 911s of days past.
The chassis of the 911 GT3 RS has been tuned for maximum driving dynamics and precision. Rear-axle steering and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus with a fully variable rear limited slip differential increase agility and dynamics, while the wider front and rear track widths enable even higher roll stability than in the 911 GT3.
In addition, the 911 GT3 RS features the widest tyres of any 911 model as standard. The result: even more agile turn-in characteristics and even higher cornering speeds.
The new 911 GT3 RS is available to order now from Porsche Centres in the UK priced from £131,296. First cars arrive in showrooms during May.
Standard equipment includes bi-Xenon headlights, sports exhaust, dynamic engine mounts, Alcantara interior trim, sports bucket seats, 20-inch diameter front and 21-inch diameter rear centre-lock forged alloy wheels, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV) with rear limited slip differential, CDR audio system with seven-inch colour touchscreen, universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity, climate control, Porsche Stability Management (PSM), Porsche Vehicle Tracking anti-theft system, three-year warranty and three-year roadside assistance package.
Customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.
Neil Briscoe - 3 Mar 2015
