Porsche has pulled the covers off the facelifted 911 GT3 RS, which features track-focused technology and even more horsepower than before.
On the face of it, changes are minimal, but while it looks similar on the outside, there have been some all-important upgrades under the skin. Chief among them is a naturally aspirated engine packing some extra horsepower.
The 4.0-litre, six-cylinder engine – also found in the marginally less hard-core GT3 – now makes 20bhp more than before at 513bhp, and revs to a heady 9,000rpm. Performance figures are unsurprisingly ballistic, with the 0-60mph sprint now a fraction faster at three seconds dead, while the top speed is 194mph. The engine’s now mated to a specially calibrated seven-speed PDK automatic transmission.
Porsche claims the new GT3 RS handles better than before thanks to recalibrated rear-axle steering, while front-end grip and response through the steering wheel are improved courtesy of newly developed Michelin tyres.
The new 911 GT3 RS has landed and will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. #Porsche #GIMS #subzero https://t.co/7AGaX9tsNf pic.twitter.com/s0eoi0VjFt
— Porsche GB (@PorscheGB) February 21, 2018
The interior and exterior are largely as they were, with aerodynamically optimised body panels and a prominent rear wing on the outside, plus lightweight door panels, fixed carbon-fibre bucket seats and reduced sound-deadening inside.
As with all GT models, the Clubsport package is available at no extra cost for those who intend to spend most of their time in the car on track. This includes a roll cage, manual fire extinguisher, wiring for a battery disconnect switch and a six-point harness.
Meanwhile, a Weissach package is available at extra cost to bring the car’s weight down further. It includes magnesium wheels and carbon-fibre replacements for a number of chassis, interior and exterior parts. In this specification, the GT3 RS weighs in at 1,430kg.
The updated Porsche 911 GT3 RS costs from £141,346 and is available to order now ahead of its public debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. Deliveries will begin in Germany from mid-April, with UK buyers expected to start receiving their cars shortly after.
