The most hardcore version of the Porsche 911 (991) is finally here; today we get our first look at the track oriented Porsche 911 GT3 RS, showcased at the Geneva Motor Show.
I personally really liked the 911 GT3, at the time I thought that car had the most attractive styling of any 991 based 911, but that title now belongs to the GT3 RS.
From the outside, the RS takes the bodywork of the regular GT3 and makes everything more pronounced. The most noticeable change is the wider front fenders with air vents above the front wheel arches, giving the car more downforce and a very aggressive look. Other changes include a bigger front lip spoiler and an even larger rear spoiler. The GT3 RS also sits on some very chunky tires, Porsche says it has outfitted the GT3 RS with the widest tires of any production 911 car.
Under the hood is Porsche’s largest displacement naturally aspirated engine; the car is powered by a 4.0 liter flat-6 engine, producing 500 horsepower and 338 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters. By pulling both paddles simultaneously, the transmission acts as if the clutch has been pressed (on a manual car). The car is also equipped with a pit lane speed limiter.
The GT3 RS is also 22 pounds lighter the regular GT3. Weight has been cut by using a magnesium roof and carbon fiber engine and trunk lids.
The performance figures are also very impressive, the 911 GT3 RS does the 0-60 mph sprint in 3.1 seconds and does the quarter mile in 11.2 seconds. The RS laps the Nurburgring in 7 minutes and 20 seconds, 5 seconds faster than the regular GT3.
The interior is finished with heavy use of Alcantara on the dashboard, door panels, and headliner. The seats are made out of carbon fiber and are based on the seats on the 918 Spyder. As this car is track oriented, Porsche has also put in a factory roll cage.
The 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS has a starting price of $175,900 in the United States and will be available in July.