New Porsche 911 GT3 RS: A Race Car in the Garage

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Porsche has unveiled the new 911 GT3 RS, a high-performance, 525-hp road-approved version featuring multiple technologies, parts and components drawn from the German brand’s motorsport expertise, most notably the race-based, lightweight, atmospheric engine development, cooling system and aerodynamics, the main organs linking it to its GT3 R ‘racing brother’.

The basis for a significant increase in performance is the central radiator concept, an idea first used in the 911 RSR, winner of its class at Le Mans, and subsequently in the 911 GT3 R. Instead of the three-radiator layout used in previous vehicles, the new 911 GT3 RS uses a large central radiator at the front of the vehicle, positioned where the trunk is in other 911 models.

This solution made it possible to use the free space on the sides to integrate active aerodynamic elements. Continuously adjustable elements in the front and rear wing which, in combination with a number of other aerodynamic solutions, provide 409 kg of downforce at a speed of 200 km/h that enables the new 911 GT3 RS to generate twice as much downforce as the 991.2 generation predecessor, and three times as much as a current 911 GT3. At 285 km/h, it reaches 860 kg of downforce.

Making its debut in a production Porsche is a “drag reduction system” (DRS), a movable rear wing like in Formula 1, which when opened creates less air resistance and higher speeds on circuit straights. The DRS is activated at the push of a button within a specific operating window.

In contrast, the car’s active aerodynamics feature an “airbrake” function that is activated during emergency braking at high speeds. The aerodynamic elements at the front and rear are tuned to the maximum, which creates a deceleration effect that supports braking.

Another aerodynamic element and the most prominent feature of this sports car is the huge rear wing, which is now even larger in all dimensions. This consists of a fixed main wing and a hydraulically adjustable upper wing. For the first time on a Porsche production car, the upper edge of the rear wing is higher than the roof.

The front of the 911 GT3 RS no longer has a wing, but a splitter that splits the flow above and below itself. Side sideblades precisely direct the air toward the outside. The airflow in the front fenders is through vents that start at the front splitter. Air vents behind the front wheels reduce the dynamic pressure on the fenders. The air that passes through the central radiator flows through the pronounced openings in the hood. Roof fins direct the air towards the outside, ensuring a reduction in the temperature of the air reaching the rear.

In the new 911 GT3 RS, the openings in the rear side panels only improve aerodynamics and are not used for air intake. The rear fenders feature an air intake and sideblades to improve airflow. The rear diffuser comes from the 911 GT3, but with some changes.

Suspension for adjustable circuit while driving

Even the suspension pays special attention to aerodynamic issues. Aerodynamically efficient linkages increase the downforce on the front axle by about 40 kg at top speed. Due to the wider tracks (29 mm wider than the 911 GT3), the twin-triangle front-axle links are consequently longer. To ensure that the downforce balance between the front and rear axles is maintained, even under high-speed braking, the engineers have significantly reduced the “sinking” of the front end during braking. The multi-arm rear axle has been tuned with modified spring compression rates. The driver assistance systems and the steered rear axle also feature a more dynamic setup.

The new 911 GT3 RS offers three driving modes: “Normal,” “Sport,” and “Track. In the latter, the basic settings can be individually adjusted. Among other settings, the shock absorber rebound and compression of the front and rear axles can be adjusted separately and in several stages. The rear differential can also be adjusted via a rotary control on the steering wheel.

The settings of these systems are based on racing-inspired operating and display concepts: four individual rotary controls and a button for the DRS on the steering wheel, and all with display via graphics on the instrument panel during adjustments. The 911 GT3 RS also includes the circuit-oriented display familiar from the 911 GT3.

4.0 six-cylinder boxer engine

The 4-liter atmospheric engine has been improved compared to that of the 911 GT3, and the same for the seven-speed PDK gearbox with shorter ratios. The power increase to 525 hp is achieved through new camshafts with modified profiles. With this, the new 911 GT3 RS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 296 km/h.

On the front axle, 408 mm diameter brake discs and 6-piston aluminum monoblock calipers are used. Compared to the 911 GT3, the diameter of the pistons has been increased from 34 to 36 mm. The rear axle is fitted with 380 mm brake discs and 4-piston fixed calipers. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) braking system, available as an option, features 410 mm discs on the front axle and 390 mm on the rear axle. The new 911 GT3 RS is equipped as standard with forged and center-tightened rims. Road-approved sports tires – 275/35 R20 at the front and 335/30 R21 at the rear – ensure high levels of grip.

Due to a series of lightweight construction elements with extensive use of CFRP, such as the doors, front aerodynamic elements, roof and hood, the 911 GT3 RS weighs 1450 kg (unladen weight according to DIN). That material is also used in the interior, in the integral undercarriage.

Clubsport and Weissach Packages

The 911 GT3 RS is available with the Clubsport package at no extra charge, which includes a steel safety cell, fire extinguisher, and six-point safety belt for the driver.

The Weissach package, available as an option, includes a carbon finish on the hood, roof, parts of the rear wing, and the upper outside mirror frames. The stabilizer bars, suspension rods, and panel on the rear axle are made of CFRP and contribute to a further improvement of driving dynamics. The safety cell, built for the first time in CFRP, helps save 6 kg compared to the steel version.

Another highlight of the Weissach package are the PDK transmission paddles behind the steering wheel with technology derived from motorsport. This makes gear changes even more dynamic due to a precise pressure point and a more perceptible click. Optionally available only with the Weissach package are forged magnesium wheels, which save an extra 8 kg.

Porsche Chronograph Exclusive Design

Inspired by motorsport – where maximum precision is paramount – the Porsche watch factory in Solothurn, Switzerland, has developed the 911 GT3 RS Chronograph. This mechanical watch is reserved for owners of the vehicle. Based on a glass case, made of natural titanium or in Black, and with a screw-down crown. Inside is the mechanical chronograph caliber WERK 01.200 with COSC certification.

The new 911 GT3 RS is available by order, priced from 291,833 Euros.