The Porsche 991-series 911 GT3 that debuted in 2013 is a great car, but the most hardcore of enthusiasts were left wanting more. Or in the case of the GT3 RS, less.
So far, we’ve only seen patent images (pictured) and a possible scale model of the upcoming stripped-out, track-ready GT3 RS, but nothing official. Now, ahead of the RS’ highly anticipated debut, Porsche has released a video recounting the breakthroughs of the RS’ starting point, the 911 GT3.
With the newest GT3, there’s a 10-15% increase downforce over the old car. This is due to a revamped wing and aerodynamic body kit. The 3.8-liter engine is new as well, as is the accompanying PDK gearbox. Because this is a GT3, Porsche says, ambitions of smooth gear changes have been left behind in the pursuit of performance.
“We have not so much concentrated on comfort of shifting, but rather on raw speed [and] acceleration,” says Andreas Preuninger, Manager of High Performance Cars at Porsche. “[There’s a] racecar-like sensation when you drive it.”
The 911 also features an active rear-wheel steering system that improves response and agility. Through slaloms, hairpin turns, and slow-speed corners, Preuninger says the car “feels like a go kart.”
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Despite the additions, the new GT3 weighs just 3086 pounds (give or take a fire extinguisher), 66 lbs less than its 997-series predecessor.
Power is up too, as brand-new, 9000-rpm 3.8-liter flat six produces 475 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. That’s good for a 0 to 60 mph sprint of 3.3 seconds, with a top speed of 195 mph. Including the flat six’s metallic roar, this is all a part of what Preuninger calls, “a feast for the senses.”
For those who go all-out for the bare bones approach, the RS version is expected to debut at the Paris Motor Show on October 2nd.
(Patent images by Car Magazine)
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