Don't tell me, a new Porsche 911?

How astute of you. Yes, but it's not just any 911; this is the new GT2 RS model, the range-topper and, according to Porsche, the 'fastest and most powerful road-approved 911' yet. Porsche's GT department takes the twin-turbo 3.8-litre flat-six from the Turbo S (rated at 580hp, remember) and turns the wick up to 700hp thanks in part to charge-air cooling with water. Torque output remains pegged at 750Nm, which the seven-speed PDK transmission somehow manages to deal with, sending it to the rear axle only via an electronically controlled differential. Top speed is 211mph and 0-62mph is a faintly ridiculous 2.8 seconds.

Ah, hence the 'widow maker' tag?

Indeed, though our recent passenger ride in the GT2 RS alongside GT boss, Andreas Preuninger, revealed that the car appears to be easier to drive than before, meaning you don't need the reactions of a cat to enjoy all that performance. What's more, Porsche has already developed an upgrade for those that really care about their lap times on track. It's called the Weissach package and it saves 30kg more, despite the fact the standard car features copious amounts of carbon in the bodywork as standard. The reductions come from the addition of a carbon roof (in place of the 1mm thick magnesium item), a few new carbon components in the chassis and a set of magnesium wheels, still measuring the same 20-inch diameter up front and 21 inches at the rear, we assume.

So, the interior is stripped out, I take it?

Nothing of the sort. Sure, there's a half cage in the back and the driver and passenger sit in carbon fibre backed buckets seats, but they're upholstered in soft leather and there's plenty of equipment, including the usual PCM touchscreen infotainment system.

Is that a watch I see in the photographs?

Yes, yes it is. Don't concern yourself with that, as it's a special creation by Porsche Design that's only available to buyers of the car. And while it will cost over £8,000, that's a pittance next to the purchase price of the 911 GT2 RS - some £207,506, plus another £21,042 for the Weissach pack, which you'd be a fool to do without.

Shane O' Donoghue - 30 Jun 2017