New Porsche 911 GT3 RS thunders into Geneva with 513bhp
The updated Porsche 911 GT3 RS makes its Geneva debut with additional power and downforce gains
Porsche has thundered into the 2018 Geneva Motor Show with its updated 911 GT3 RS, injecting extra power, a revised chassis and tweaked aerodynamics into its most track focused 911 offering. Prices will start from £141,346.
The exterior styling hasn’t changed all that much, with similar tweaks to the front and rear light designs as seen on the latest 911s. A redesigned front bumper made from lightweight polyurethane features as well, although the evolution of the car’s look has been informed by aerodynamic optimisation and additional performance, rather than style.
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Further new touches on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS include brake cooling louvres in the front bootlid, while the huge rear spoiler is borrowed from the GT2 RS and sits higher than before. New forged alloy wheels are fitted, shaving 100g from the wheels found on the outgoing GT3 RS. Elsewhere, a tweaked rear diffuser contributes to an eight per cent boost in downforce, but a slightly reduced drag coefficient.
However, the bulk of the GT3 RS’s changes aren’t visible to the naked eye. Due to air intake revisions and a new titanium exhaust, Porsche has squeezed an extra 20bhp and 10Nm of torque out of the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat six, taking it to 513bhp and 470Nm.
That, combined with peak power coming in 200rpm higher up the rev band and faster shifts from the PDK gearbox, means the GT3 RS can cover 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds, one tenth quicker than before. The new car’s top speed has been reduced from 196mph to 194mph due to the aero revisions, though downforce should be increased. Trading off against the slightly lower top speed, Porsche says that a new engine management control unit has improved throttle response.
Combined with aero and power upgrades, the GT3 RS also gains some of the GT2 RS’s suspension changes, including revised spring rates front and rear and new solid ball joints. A new tyre compound aims to improve steering behaviour, while the rear-wheel steering system has been tweaked in a bid to enhance low agility.
In the cabin, Porsche has updated the interior with new carbon-fibre bucket seats and storage nets in place of door bins. Minor weight savings have been made with the removal of some sound deadening, while the glass used for the windows is thinner too.
As before, a Clubsport package is available as an option, adding a roll cage, a manual fire extinguisher and a six-point harness for a track-ready set-up. The optional Weissach package found on the GT2 RS, which brings even further weight reductions, plus unique styling and paint changes, will also be rolled out on the new model.
The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS is available to order now, with the £141,346 starting price commanding around a £10,000 premium over the outgoing model, which was launched in 2015. The first deliveries are expected to take place early this summer.
Check out the cars we’re expecting to see at this year’s Geneva Motor Show…
