New Porsche 911 GT3 RS has got its stickers back
No manual gearbox. Boo. But don’t worry – it’ll still make you a driving hero
As you can see, it’s very much a soft facelift to see the RS out until the brand-brand new 911 comes along later this year. Considering the old car was staring down the barrel of perfection, it’s not like much needed to be done anyway.
Still, Porsche’s motorsport arm has squeezed the engine just that little bit more. Power from the sensational 4.0-litre, nat-asp fat-six engine is now up from 492bhp to 520bhp, and is only available with a seven-speed PDK. A tenth has been shaved of the 0–62mph time – now 3.2secs – though the top speed stays at 193mph.
There’s a new bumper and a few aero tweaks to aid grip, which – considering the old one had 80 per cent of the downforce of a GT3 Cup racing car – means it should be mighty through the corners. You also get GT2 RS solid ball joints on each suspension arm, plus new lightweight wheels: 20s at the front, 21s at the back.
There’s plenty of pricey lightweight goodies such as carbon body panels, plastic windows and a magnesium roof. Inside, you still have the full carbon bucket seats from the 918, fabric handles and a liberal attitude to sound insulation.
For the committed apex enthusiast, we’d recommend selecting the Clubsport package box for no extra cost. This equips your RS with some scafolding in the back just in case you put it on its roof, a fre extinguisher, and prep for a battery disconnect switch and a six-point harness. Serious stuf. Serious price too: £141k.