Porsche: 2014 GT3 RS might arrive packing 500hp

By Nick Jaynes March 19, 2013

911 GT3 RS — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Porsche has some big things coming in the next few months. The new 911 Turbo is set to debut in several weeks and the 918 Spyder supercar is set for a Frankfurt reveal. That’s not all, however. Apparently, Porsche has a third trick up its sleeve: the 2014 GT3 RS.

The brand-new GT3 was unveiled but a few weeks ago and according to Car Magazine, the even more tricked out version of the GT3 is slated for next year.

Speaking with Car, Andreas Preuninger, Porsche’s head of GT series production, confirmed the RS production, saying, ‘The RS is always three-quarters of a year behind the GT3, so we’ve already begun.”

Let’s start off with some information that’ll upset the motoring purists. Just like the GT3, the RS will feature electric power steering and a dual-clutch PDK transmission. Why has Porsche done away with the manual gearbox? The reason is twofold. First, the PDK shifts in less than 100 milliseconds. Secondly, the GT team has a limited budget and scope.

Should they offer two transmissions, they’d spread themselves too thin as a different transmission changes weight distribution, which changes aerodynamic, which would affect the body design, etc. So Preuninger have decided to stick with the PDK. We should mention, though, the PDK is an absolute dream – so all in all, it’s not such terrible news.

Bolted to that PDK will be a re-tuned version of the GT3’s all-new 3.8-liter flat six-cylinder. The GT3 makes an official 469 horsepower and Preuninger has confirmed the RS’ power will be on par with the outgoing RS, which made 493 horses. This to us means, the new RS could easily break the 500 horsepower mark. Exciting stuff.

As for additional RS weight savings; Preuninger wasn’t all too clear in his conversation with Car. From the sounds of it, the RS might not feature many weight savings over the standard GT3. The doors, roof, and, well, most of the car is already constructed from lightweight aluminum. A carbon fiber roof is possible, Preuninger says, but the weight savings might be overshadowed by the increased cost.

As for price tag, prospective buyers will most likely be looking in the $200,000 range. Check back here for more specifics on the GT3 RS and the other soon-to-come Porsche offerings.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

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