Porsche has revealed its most powerful production car to date in the shape of the 911 GT2 RS. The range-topping 911 features more power than the 5.7-litre V10 engined Carrera GT, allowing this harder, faster GT2 reach 62mph in 3.5 seconds and 124mph in just 9.8 seconds - on the way to its top speed of 205mph. Perhaps more telling is Porsche's emphasis on the GT2 RS's 7 minute 18 second Nürburgring lap time, that pummelling the 7 min 29 seconds achieved by
Nissan's GT-R.
Powering the new 911 GT2 RS is a revised version of the
previous GT2's 3.6-litre twin-turbocharged, flat-six engine. It boasts an 89bhp increase in output to 611bhp thanks to a new charge air cooler and an increase in turbo boost from 1.4- to 1.6 bar. Despite the swell in output Porsche has managed to achieve improved economy and emissions, with the 23.7mpg and 284g/km combined figures better than the outgoing GT2 by approximately five percent.
The RS designation is underlined by a further 70kg reduction in the GT2 RS's weight over its GT2 predecessor, the new car weighing in at 1,370kg with all fluids on board in road trim. That gives the GT2 RS a power-to-weight ratio of 2.24kg per bhp. Porsche has removed weight by use of aluminium in the suspension components, a carbon fibre reinforced front bonnet and rear spoiler, carbon fibre seats, lightweight interior door panels, polycarbonate rear and side windows, a lightweight engine cover, a lithium ion battery and a lighter single-mass flywheel.
With all that power going only to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox the GT2 RS needs its massive 325/30 ZR19 sports tyres - fitted to Porsche's single nut lightweight alloy wheels. Helping manage all that performance is RS specification suspension settings on the Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management system, as well as active engine mounts, Porsche Composite Ceramic Brakes (PCCB), Porsche Stability Management and the wider front track of
the GT3 RS.
Visually the GT2 RS is identified by the matte black carbon-fibre finish of its lightweight bonnet and engine lid, a large black air intake puncturing the rear wings and GT2 RS badging at the front of the doors. Inside, there's more black, though it's highlighted by some fairly vivid red Alcantara inserts on the seats, headlining, steering wheel and gear lever.
Undoubtedly a model that appeals to a particularly hardcore audience, Porsche will only build 500 GT2 RS models worldwide. UK customers will need to find £164,107 and get their order in quick. The GT2 RS will be officially unveiled at the
Moscow Auto Show on August 25, before reaching the UK in September.
Kyle Fortune - 12 May 2010
