Porsche 911 GT3 RS Review
As if the GT3 was not impressive enough, the 2018 Porsche GT3 RS specs manage to exceed those of its predecessor. A purely performance-focused model, this mighty Porsche seems to defy the laws of physics. Designed specifically for track-use, an epic Nuringburg track finish time of 6:56.4 still manages to shock race car enthusiasts around the world. To achieve this feat, Porsche designers maintained all of the best aspects of the former GT3, but modified areas such as the engine and homed in on reducing drag with aerodynamic components. It is the ultimate example of the Porsche 991.2 chassis, with more downforce than any previous GT3.
Driving a new Porsche 911 GT3 RS is not for the faint of heart. The uninitiated will call the suspension stiff, and they will be in search of flat pavement. The 2-stage coil springs and ball-joint connections offer no compliance or apologies. The steering wheel responds with the precision of a scalpel, one that is stronger than your arms can support. Still, these are features and aspects that drivers look for in a performance sports car, supercar, or even race car. Simply put, the 911 GT3 is a perfect vehicle for those looking to test their limits as a driver and experience the true power of Porsche.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS Design
The design of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS remained true to the overall look, feel, and performance of the GT3 line. An increased focus on aerodynamics and a decreased curb weight contribute to a slightly sportier and sleeker outward appearance. A low sloping hood, large rear spoiler, and muscular back end all ensure that the GT3 RS certainly represents the trends and styling made popular by the Porsche brand throughout its iconic history. Still, this track-focused vehicle maintains many of the most renowned traits possessed by top race cars. Carbon fiber fenders, aluminum doors, and a magnesium hood all work to lower the center of gravity. What’s so great about the 911 GT3 RS is that it’s a true evolution of the standard 911. While looking at it, you can clearly see that it’s inspired by the 911, but there’s so much more. Its aggressive styling and elongated appearance give the 911 GT3 RS a one-of-a-kind appearance that allows it to truly stand out in Porsche’s lineup. If you’re a fan of Porsche but want something that stands out amongst any crowd, the 911 GT3 RS is for you.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS Engine
Unlike the GT2 and GT2 RS models that rely heavily upon their turbocharged engines, the Porsche GT3 RS hp is drawn from a naturally aspirated, 4.0-liter flat-six engine. Enhancements made to this already impressive engine allow the 911 GT3 RS to put forth a total production of 520 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of raw torque power. These modifications paired with other performance-boosting changes allow the Porsche GT3 RS 0 to 60 acceleration speed to come in at 3 seconds flat, a 0.2-second decrease from that of the base GT3 vehicle. Meanwhile the Porsche 911 GT3 RS top speed comes in at 193 MPH. The sound of a flat-six at 9,000 rpm will melt the hearts of man and beast alike. Forged titanium internals and a solid valve train are straight from the racetrack.
Perhaps the most rewarding feature of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS engine is the way it delivers power. The linear powerband is that of an engine that is ready for fun. Solid tappets sing an age-old song, with precise control of every valve event. You don’t jump in and drive, the oil and transmission need to be warmed up with ease. Once the car is ready, it will allow you to lap the Nurburgring in 6:56.4 with a top speed of 194 mph.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS Transmission
In previous examples, Porsche vehicles afford you the choice between a manual or an automatic transmission. Known as TipTronic, the Porsche automatic transmission was inefficient and heavy. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS PDK 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is a somewhat unexpected inclusion as many track-focused vehicle designers opt for sequential gearboxes.
In recent years, however, many top sports car manufacturers have begun to opt for dual and semi-automatic transmissions over the conventional manual renditions to provide smoother acceleration. A dual-clutch transmission, like the PDK, is also better equipped to handle the screaming RPMs found in these high-performance vehicles. PDK literally stands for Porsche Double Coupling or dual-clutch. Even and odd-numbered gears have their own clutch, so shifting is faster than any human. And that’s what allows the Porsche GT3 RS 0-60 time be so low.
Those that long for three pedals will realize the convenience of shifting with the paddles. Before each gear shift, the next gear is already engaged on the free-wheeling input shaft. So in less than 10 milliseconds one clutch releases, the throttle drops to the new rpm, and the other clutch engages. In a twinkling of an eye, your journey continues.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS Brakes
With the capacity to hit maximum speeds of up to 193 MPH, being able to stop quickly is crucial for both safety and performance. To ensure that you can reduce the level of speed in the GT3 RS, Porsche equipped their latest model with 6-piston aluminum calipers on the front axle and 4-piston aluminum calipers in the rear.
The standard brake system for the GT3 RS is already a powerful one, but an included brake booster and 380 mm cross-drilled composite discs ensure that braking is rapid and effective in any weather scenario. These robust and lightweight brakes allow the car to go from top speed, back to zero, in just 6.5 seconds. Cast iron rotors are available for competition cars, but at 15″, the balance and handling of the car is altered by the addition of more unsprung weight.
991 and 991.2 GT3 RS Differences
While these two generations include “991,” they are quite different. The exterior of both are similar, but the 991.2 has a redesigned front-end, hood rear wing and rear. Porsche also updated the interior to give the 991.2 a more updated look across its entirety, technology included. As for the drive itself, the 991.2 offers a stiffer drive and the engine was given an update. There’s definitely enough differences between the two that allow them to stand apart, with visuals being the most apparent.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS Specs:
Engine: 4.0-liter Flat Six
Horsepower: 520 hp
Torque: 346 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 3.0 seconds
Top Speed: 193 mph
Price: $187,500
Transmission: 7-Speed Dual Clutch
Porsche 911 GT3 RS Interior
Sophisticated and minimalistic are the best terms to describe the inside of this luxurious vehicle. Unlike typical luxury Porsche vehicles, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS interior does not include over-the-top and unnecessary features. Instead, the low-slung sports seats take the center stage. A classic center console provides all of the functionality warranted by a top-of-the-line race car without high-tech additions such as TFT systems or weighty materials which all contribute to much higher curb weight.
This does not mean luxury is non-existent, however, dressed in leather with contrasting stitching, the cockpit is as fierce as the Porsche 911 GT3 RS’s performance. The only standard equipment is power windows. It would cost Porsche more to develop window cranks and new regulators. Air Conditioning, radio, and entertainment are all optional. Without them, you will save 250 lbs, which could make or break your lap times. Without sound and heat insulation, it is literally a blast from the past. Such visceral sounds and feelings are not unlike the experience of a 964 or 930. Forgive us for being cliche in this circumstance, but perhaps modern cars are too soft.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS Price
The 2019 Porsche GT3 RS price is around $188,550 MSRP (including delivery and processing charges) if you opt for the bare bones base model. There are several upgrades offered by Porsche for this model. From special colors like the Lizard Green noted in the launch photos to black wheels, carbon fiber trim all the way down to the lightweight Weissach package to decrease curb weight, each option raises the price. Someone who enjoys GT3 racing and homologated street-beasts. Much like an orchid that only blooms every few years, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS specs are only seen for brief periods. They understand their buyers, and that the market for race cars is tiny and crowded. Many of them are destined for hot laps around the world, so we’ll see the next version in 2 or 3 years.
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS retail price is determined by “Special Wishes” and the Weissach Package. While the first involves paint and customization options from the Exclusive department. The latter is designed for all-out track performance. For only $18,000 the aforementioned Weissach Package. Their goal was to shed the Porsche 911 GT3 RS weight by 40 lbs, and thanks to exposed carbon fiber they were able to drop 38 lbs. Another 25 lbs can be shed by opting for the magnesium wheels. These are specific to the GT3 RS, and they add an additional $5,000 to the price.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS Standout Features
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a one-of-a-kind Porsche. With its epic lap finish times the Porsche GT3 RS horsepower, this car is ready to steal the show on any race track. While its top speed nears the 200 MPH mark, this race car is more than your ordinary fast car. Decreased drag, a low curb weight, and impeccable suspension are at your command.
Perhaps the most outrageous option on any car, the Weissach Package is $18,000. The forged magnesium wheels make up $13,000 to save 25 lbs. Another 38 lbs is saved inside and out by extensive use of carbon fiber. As such, the Weissach cars will be more collectible. The best feature is the seats borrowed from the 918 Spider, light and comfy. Always staying ahead of the curve, literally, the sway bars are carbon fiber and rear-wheel steering keeps the car planted in hard turns. And, the most standout feature of the 911 GT3 RS, visually, has to be the massive rear wing. This unmistakable component gives the GT3 RS a much more pronounced appearance than its wingless brethren.
Porsche 911 GT3 or 911 GT3 RS: Why To Buy
You can handle every winding curve and straight stretch of a track without hesitation. Likewise, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a track-focused race car without turbos or even interior door handles. All of these traits conjoined make the Porsche 911 GT3 RS an innovative track-only race car. The most obvious features are aerodynamics. From the fender vents, spoilers and intakes, the Porsche GT3 RS specs are not shared with any other model.
Image Source: Porsche
