The Porsche 911 GT3 RS stands as a testament to the seamless integration of motorsport technology into a road-legal, high-performance sports car. This vehicle isn’t merely an evolution; it’s a revolution, taking cues directly from its racing sibling, the 911 GT3 R, particularly in its cooling and aerodynamic systems. Beyond the raw power of its naturally aspirated, high-revving engine and intelligent lightweight design, the GT3 RS pushes boundaries, offering an unparalleled driving experience.
Central Radiator Concept: The Heart of Active Aerodynamics
A cornerstone of the Porsche GT3 RS’s performance enhancement is its adoption of a central radiator concept. This innovative approach, first validated in the Le Mans-winning 911 RSR and subsequently refined in the 911 GT3 R, marks a significant departure from conventional sports car cooling systems. Instead of the traditional three-radiator setup, the GT3 RS features a single, large, angled central radiator. Positioned in the nose of the car, where the luggage compartment typically resides in other 911 models, this strategic placement unlocks valuable side space. This liberated area is then ingeniously utilized to house and integrate active aerodynamic elements, a key factor in the car’s exceptional performance.
This shift to a central radiator is not just about efficient cooling; it’s about laying the foundation for a sophisticated active aerodynamics system. By freeing up space at the sides, Porsche engineers could implement advanced aerodynamic components that dynamically adjust to driving conditions, optimizing downforce and reducing drag as needed. This is a prime example of how motorsport-derived engineering directly translates to improved road car performance in the Gt3 Porsche.
Active Aerodynamics: Generating Massive Downforce
The active aerodynamics system in the GT3 Porsche is truly remarkable. Continuously adjustable wing elements, both at the front and on the two-part rear wing, work in concert with other aerodynamic refinements to generate substantial downforce. At 200 km/h (124 mph), the car produces 409 kg (902 lbs) of downforce. This is double the downforce of its 991.2-generation predecessor and a staggering three times more than the current 911 GT3. As speed increases, so does downforce, reaching an impressive 860 kg (1,896 lbs) at 285 km/h (177 mph).
Adding to its track-focused capabilities, the 911 GT3 RS incorporates a drag reduction system (DRS) – a first for a production Porsche. Activated by a button, the DRS flattens the wings within a specific operating range to minimize drag and maximize speed on straightaways. Furthermore, an airbrake function engages during hard braking from high speeds. The wing elements at the front and rear deploy to their maximum extent, creating aerodynamic deceleration that significantly assists the wheel brakes, ensuring rapid and stable deceleration.
The visual identity of the new 911 GT3 RS is heavily influenced by its functional aerodynamic components. The swan-neck-supported rear wing immediately catches the eye, being significantly larger than previous iterations. It’s composed of a fixed main wing and an upper, hydraulically adjustable element. In another first for a production Porsche, the upper edge of this rear wing surpasses the car’s roofline, further emphasizing its aerodynamic prowess. The front end also departs from tradition, forgoing a front spoiler in favor of a front splitter that precisely manages airflow over and under the vehicle. Sideblades are strategically positioned to direct air outwards, while louvred openings in the front wings provide essential front wheel arch ventilation.
Inspired by the iconic Le Mans-winning 911 GT1, inlets located behind the front wheels reduce dynamic pressure within the wheel arches. Sideblades behind these intakes ensure that the airflow is channeled effectively to the vehicle’s sides. Air exiting the central radiator is expelled through prominent nostrils on the front lid. Roof fins further contribute to thermal management by directing air outwards, ensuring cooler intake temperatures for the rear-mounted engine. The rear side panel openings are dedicated solely to aerodynamic enhancement, unlike traditional designs where they might draw in process air. The rear wheel arch also features an intake and sideblade to optimize airflow in this critical area. Finally, the rear diffuser, derived from the 911 GT3 and subtly refined, completes the comprehensive aerodynamic package.
Track-Ready Suspension Adjustable from the Cockpit
The focus on aerodynamics extends even to the suspension of the GT3 Porsche. Recognizing the powerful airflows acting upon the wheel arches, engineers designed the components of the double-wishbone front axle with teardrop-shaped profiles. These aerodynamically efficient links contribute approximately 40 kg (88 lbs) of additional downforce on the front axle at top speed. This is a technology typically reserved for top-tier motorsport applications, highlighting the GT3 RS’s racing pedigree. To accommodate the wider track (29 millimeters wider than the 911 GT3), the double-wishbone front axle links are also correspondingly lengthened, further enhancing stability and handling.
To maintain balanced downforce during hard braking, suspension engineers have significantly reduced pitching. This is achieved by lowering the front ball joint of the lower trailing arm on the front axle. The multi-link rear axle also benefits from adjustments, including modified spring rates. Furthermore, the driver assistance systems and rear-axle steering are calibrated for even more dynamic performance.
The 911 GT3 RS offers a customizable driving experience with Normal, Sport, and Track modes. Track mode unlocks individual adjustability of basic settings, including separate, multi-stage adjustments for rebound and compression damping on both front and rear axles. The rear differential can also be fine-tuned via rotary controls on the steering wheel. This intuitive control concept, inspired by motorsport, allows for quick and precise adjustments. Four individual rotary controls and a DRS button are integrated into the steering wheel, with clear graphic displays in the instrument cluster providing visual feedback during adjustments. The GT3 RS also features the track screen familiar from the 911 GT3, reducing digital displays to essential information at the touch of a button. Gearshift indicators flanking the analog tachometer are another motorsport-derived feature inherited from the GT3.
High-Revving Four-Liter Six-Cylinder Boxer Engine
The heart of the GT3 Porsche is its optimized 4.0-liter high-revving naturally aspirated engine. Building upon the already potent engine of the 911 GT3, the RS variant boasts further enhancements, primarily through new camshafts with modified cam profiles. This results in a power increase to 386 kW (525 PS). Motorsport-derived components like the single-throttle intake system and rigid valve drive contribute to the engine’s responsiveness and high-performance character. The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission features a shorter overall gear ratio compared to the 911 GT3, further enhancing acceleration. Underbody air intakes ensure the transmission can withstand the extreme demands of frequent track use. The 911 GT3 RS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 3.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 296 km/h (184 mph) in seventh gear.
For stopping power, the front axle features aluminum monobloc fixed-caliper brakes with six pistons each and 408-mm diameter brake discs. Compared to the 911 GT3, piston diameters are increased from 30 to 32 mm, and disc thickness is increased from 34 to 36 mm. The rear axle retains 380-mm brake discs and four-piston fixed-caliper brakes. Optionally available Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) further enhance braking performance with 410-mm front and 390-mm rear discs. The 911 GT3 RS comes standard with forged light-alloy center-lock wheels and road-legal sports tires measuring 275/35 R 20 at the front and 335/30 R21 at the rear, ensuring exceptional mechanical grip.
Lightweight Construction: A Core RS Principle
Lightweight construction is deeply ingrained in the DNA of RS models, tracing back to the legendary 911 Carrera RS 2.7. The 911 GT3 RS embodies this principle through extensive use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Despite its larger components and enhanced features, the car weighs only 1,450 kg (3,197 lbs) (kerb weight according to DIN). CFRP is utilized for the doors, front wings, roof, and front lid, as well as in the interior, notably in the standard full bucket seats.
Clubsport and Weissach Packages: Further Customization
The interior of the GT3 Porsche reflects its RS designation with a purist, sporty ambiance characterized by black leather, Racetex, and carbon-weave finishes. The 911 GT3 RS is available with the no-cost Clubsport package, which includes a steel rollover bar, a hand-held fire extinguisher, and six-point seat belts for the driver – essential for track enthusiasts.
The Weissach package, available at an additional cost, elevates the GT3 RS even further. It includes carbon-weave finishes on the front lid, roof, parts of the rear wing, and upper mirror shells. CFRP anti-roll bars, rear coupling rods, and a shear panel on the rear axle contribute to enhanced driving dynamics. The rollover bar, constructed from CFRP for the first time, saves approximately six kilograms compared to the steel version. Another highlight of the Weissach package is the PDK shift paddles featuring motorsport-derived magnet technology, offering more dynamic gear changes with a precise pressure point and tactile click. Optional magnesium forged wheels, available with the Weissach package, reduce weight by another eight kilograms.
Exclusive Porsche Design Chronograph
Reflecting the motorsport precision ethos, Porsche Design in Switzerland has created the 911 GT3 RS chronograph. This mechanical timepiece is exclusively available to car owners and features a glass-bead blasted titanium case (natural or black titanium options) with a screw-down crown. It houses the COSC-certified Porsche Design chronograph calibre WERK 01.200. The flyback function allows for single-action start, stop, and reset of the second hand. Laser engravings on the chronograph pushers (‘Start/Stop’ and ‘Next Lap’) and design elements inspired by the GT3 RS, such as a pulsometer scale on the bezel, further connect the watch to the car.
Info
The new 911 GT3 RS is available for order now, starting at €229,517 in Germany (recommended retail price including country-specific equipment and 19 per cent VAT).
