Gt3 rs 4.0

The last 997. Released in 2011, the remarkable GT3 RS 4.0 became an instant classic. In every sense this is a collector’s car – with a manual gearbox and passive rear axle, many say there may never be another 911 Rennsport like it. Arguably the ultimate analogue 911, at the time of release the GT3 RS 4.0 was the highestperforming road-legal 911 with a naturally aspirated engine.

Developed by Porsche Motorsport engineers, the special 4.0 is comprised of parts from the GT3 R, RSR and GT2 RS, making it extremely lightweight. The most significant change from the earlier GT3 RS 3.8 is the increase in power and torque. The 4.0-litre engine achieves maximum power of 500hp at 8,250rpm, and its maximum torque of 460Nm is reached at 5,750rpm, with a redline of 8,500rpm. The last of the Mezger engines, its 500hp equates to an astonishing 125hp per litre.

This 997 can accelerate from 0-62 in 3.9 seconds – 0.1 seconds faster than the 3.8 – with a top speed of 193mph (the 4.0 was designed for outstanding track performance, not for maximum speed).

The crankshaft, conrods, intake manifold, air filter, airbox and exhaust headers are the most significant hardware changes over the 997.2 GT3 RS 3.8. The

4.0 has extremely short gear lever throws and gear changes are fast and precise, too.

The GT3 RS 4.0 shed substantial weight compared to its 3.8 sibling. The bonnet and fenders are made of carbon fibre, as is the fixed rear wing spoiler, air filter and housing, along with the standard carbon fibre bucket seats. Perspex is used in the rear window and the rear side windows, which brought the car to a weight under 1,400kg.

Aerodynamics on the 4.0 reached an ingenious new level too. Where the GT3 RS 3.8 wing has an angle of attack of six degrees, the 4.0 wing is angled at nine degrees, providing even more downforce. To further increase downforce on the front axle the 4.0 has dive planes ahead of the front wheels on each side, a first on a road-legal Porsche GT model. Adding dive planes increased downforce by 15 per cent.

The GT3 RS 4.0 is a masterpiece, unequalled in its era in the minds of enthusiasts. It remains an apt send off to possibly the greatest generation of the 911.