The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS clearly displays its ambitions: to deliver maximum performance. To do this, the road-legal 525 hp (386 kW) sports car exploits the possibilities offered by technologies and concepts proven on the circuit. With its high-revving naturally aspirated engine from competition, its intelligent lightweight design, and above all its cooling system and aerodynamics, it clearly displays its affiliation with the 911 GT3 R, its racing counterpart.
Active aerodynamics based on a competition-derived central radiator cooling system The new model owes its increased performance in particular to its central radiator concept, implemented for the first time on the 911 RSR, victorious in its class at Le Mans, then on the 911 GT3 R. Instead of the cooling system with its three radiators used on previous generations, the new 911 GT3 RS relies on a large central radiator in an inclined position, housed at the front of the car, in the location usually occupied by the boot on other 911 models. also to use the side spaces to integrate active aerodynamic elements. Thanks to their variable tuning at the front and on the two-segment rear wing, as well as various aerodynamic optimization measures, the new 911 GT3 RS generates a total downforce of 409 kg at 200 km/h. Thus, the downforce is twice that of its predecessor of the 991 II generation, and three times that of the last 911 GT3. At 285 km/h, the total downforce reaches 860 kg.
In addition, the 911 GT3 RS features a drag reduction system (DRS), a first for a production Porsche. This system allows the moving part of the rear wing to be positioned horizontally during a certain operating range at the touch of a button, thus reducing drag and increasing straight-line speed. Conversely, the airbrake function is activated in the event of emergency braking at high speed: the aerodynamic elements at the front and rear are then arranged according to their maximum degree of inclination, which results in aerodynamic deceleration that effectively complements wheel braking.
Visually, the new 911 GT3 RS is characterized by its many functional aerodynamic elements. The most striking stylistic signature of the sporty GT is the rear spoiler with its gooseneck attachment and increased dimensions. The rear wing consists of a fixed main part and a movable upper part by means of a hydraulic system. For the first time on a production Porsche model, the high point of the rear spoiler rises above the roofline. Additionally, the previous generation’s front spoiler has been replaced with a splitter that distributes the airflow to direct part of the flow below, and another part of the flow above the car. Sideblades precisely guide outward airflow. Air in the front wheel arches is evacuated through vents in the fenders. Air intakes behind the front wheels, in the style of the iconic Le Mans-winning 911 GT1, reduce dynamic pressure in the wheel arches. The sideblades mounted behind these openings guide the airflows to the flanks. As for the air coming from the central radiator, it is evacuated via the wide nostrils of the front bonnet. On the roof, fins direct the airflow outwards, which has the effect of reducing the temperature of the intake air at the rear of the car. Furthermore, on this new model, the rear side air intakes only serve to improve aerodynamics and play no role in the air intake. The rear wheel arches are also equipped with an air intake and a sideblade which optimize flow. Finally, the rear diffuser borrowed from the 911 GT3 has also been slightly modified.
A competition chassis adjustable from the cockpit On the new 911 GT3 RS, the chassis is also at the service of aerodynamics. The wheel arches being crossed by powerful air flows, the components of the front axle with double wishbones have a profile in the shape of a drop of water. Usually reserved for the elite of motor racing, these aerodynamically optimized suspension arms increase downforce at the front axle by approximately 40 kg at top speed. In addition, due to the wider track at the front (29 mm more than on the 911 GT3), the arms of the double wishbone front axle are also longer.
In order to ensure balanced downforce between the front and rear axles, even when braking at high speed, the brand’s chassis engineers have reduced braking imbalances (“anti-dive” system). On the front axle, the ball joint of the lower trailing arm has been lowered. The settings of the multi-link rear axle have also been modified, particularly in terms of spring firmness. The driver assistance systems and rear-wheel steering are even more dynamically tuned.
The 911 GT3 RS offers three driving modes: Normal, Sport and Track. In Track mode, each basic setting can be adjusted separately. Different settings can be changed, including the compression and rebound of the front and rear shock absorbers, which can be adjusted independently and at different setting levels. The rear differential can also be adjusted using the rotary dials on the steering wheel. These operations are as quick as they are intuitive thanks to a display and control concept also taken from racing: the steering wheel thus includes four individual control selectors and a button dedicated to the drag reduction system (DRS). When the driver uses the selectors, the level of adjustment is clearly displayed on the graphical interface of the instrument cluster. Finally, the 911 GT3 RS is equipped with the Track Screen already implemented on the 911 GT3. At the touch of a button, the rider can reduce the digital display to the main information on the two seven-inch side screens. The gearshift indicator, located on either side of the analog tachometer, is borrowed from the GT3.
High-revving four-litre flat-six engine The 911 GT3 RS is equipped with an optimized version of the high-revving 4.0 l naturally aspirated engine of the 911 GT3. This engine notably offers an increased power of 525 hp (386 kW) thanks to new camshafts, with modified profiles. It also benefits from a competition-derived single throttle body intake system and rigid valve train. As for the 7-speed PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) dual-clutch gearbox, it is distinguished by its shorter total gear ratio compared to the 911 GT3. Underbody air intakes allow the drivetrain to withstand the extremely high stresses of frequent track use. The 911 GT3 RS sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 296 km/h in seventh. The front axle is equipped with monobloc aluminum fixed brake callipers with six 32 mm diameter pistons (compared to 30 mm on the 911 GT3) and 408 mm diameter discs. In addition, the thickness of the discs increases from 34 mm to 36 mm. On the rear axle, the four-piston fixed calipers are always associated with 380 mm discs. Available as an option, the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) braking system comprises 410 mm discs at the front and 390 mm at the rear. The new 911 GT3 RS is fitted as standard with forged aluminum rims in light alloy with central nut and road-legal sports tires (275/35 R20 at the front, 335/30 R21 at the rear), guaranteeing high mechanical adhesion.
Lean design principle Intelligent lightweight design is one of the fundamental principles for all RS models, starting with the legendary 911 Carrera RS 2.7. Thanks to a wide range of lightweight design measures, including the use of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) for many car elements, the 911 GT3 RS weighs just 1,450 kg on the scale (curb weight according to DIN standard) despite the generous dimensioning of many parts. Thus, the doors, front fenders, roof and front bonnet are made of CFRP. Particularly light, this material is also used in the passenger compartment, and in particular for the standard full bucket seats.
Available with Clubsport and Weissach packs The interior of the new sporty GT sports a style typical of RS models. Combining black leather, Race-Tex and exposed carbon finishes, the interior seduces with its sleek and sporty aesthetic. The 911 GT3 RS can be equipped with the Clubsport package at no additional cost. This pack includes a steel roll bar, a portable fire extinguisher and a driver’s side six-point harness. Available as an option at extra cost, the Weissach pack offers a considerably wider range of equipment. With this pack, the front bonnet, the roof, certain parts of the rear spoiler and the upper part of the exterior mirrors, sport an exposed carbon finish. In addition, the front and rear stabilizer bars, the rear links and the rear axle reinforcement plate are made of CFRP, which contributes to the optimization of driving dynamics. The roll bar, offered for the first time in CFRP, saves around 6 kg compared to the steel roll bar. The Weissach pack also stands out with its competition-inspired PDK magnesium composite paddle shifters, which provide a more precise pressure point and clearly perceptible auditory feedback, for even more dynamic gear changes. Finally, the Weissach pack is combined with forged magnesium rims allowing an additional weight reduction of 8 kg. The new 911 GT3 RS is available to order from today. It is available in France from 234,977 EUR¹.
Exclusive Porsche Design Chronograph In motor racing, precision is a requirement at all times. Drawing inspiration from this universe, the Porsche watchmaking workshop, based in Solothurn (Switzerland), has developed the 911 GT3 RS Chronograph, exclusively reserved for vehicle owners. With its surface treated by sandblasting with glass beads, the case of this timepiece in natural titanium or black titanium is fitted with a screw-down crown. Inside, there is the mechanical Porsche Design WERK caliber 01.200, a particularly precise movement which has been certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). It includes a Flyback function which combines start, stop and reset functions. The 911 GT3 RS Chronograph is much more than a simple watch, as evidenced by the pushers adorned with the laser-engraved “Start/Stop” and “Next Lap” inscriptions. In addition to its various innovations, in particular the pulsometer scale on the bezel, this timepiece stands out for its numerous design elements and materials taken from the 911 GT3 RS and is available from 9750 EUR.
¹Recommended retail price, including specific equipment and VAT at the legal rate in force.
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