Porsche 991 911 GT3RS

PORSCHE 991 GT3RS

If you want proof that Porsche listens to its customers, and learns from its prior models, then look no farther than the just introduced Porsche 991 911 GT3RS. Porsche firmly BLURS the line between race car and street car. With prior generations of the RS, they were often a little too hard edged, yet, at the same time, not hard enough. Now, with the 991 911 GT3RS, Porsche breaks down the barrier between road-going sports cars and race cars. It is the most highly equipped model with motorsports technology, and the fastest normal Porsche road car ever (excluding the 918 spyder/hybrid).

The new 911 GT3RS is powered by a four liter flat six cylinder engine developing 500 HP and 338 ft-lbs of torque, combined w a specially developed 7-speed PDK transmission. This car gets up and goes…it does 0 to 60 in just 3.1 seconds, and the quarter mile in 11.2 seconds.

The 911 GT3RS is a masterpiece of light weight design, to further help overall performance, handling, and agility. The roof is made of magnesium, the front and rear trunk lids are made of carbon fiber. Even though the RS has a larger engine, larger wheels and tires, the overall weight of the RS is 22 pounds lighter than the GT3.

Styling wise, there are a couple of features that differentiate the new RS from the GT3. The whole car starts with the Turbo wide body. A recess (30mm deep) starts in the center of the CFRP front hood, and extends over the magnesium roof, aiding flow to the new, large, adjustable rear wing and is a testament to the old air cool Porsche’s. In addition to the rear wing (which now sits high enough to not interfere w view out the rear mirror), there is a change to the rear decklid, as it incorporates a duckbill element to add additional downforce. One of the features that is new, and just leaps out at you, are the unique front wheel arch vents that extend into the upper section of the fenders, just like on pure race cars. These are part of the wider front fenders, allowing for a wider track, and the widest front tires found on a 911. But, they also provide value, increasing downforce on the front of the car. You would think the front bumper would be carried over from the GT3, but no, the front bumper is all new. Thinner LED lights, bigger air ducts, larger front splitter…again, every piece has been optimized for the cars use.

No piece has not been reviewed and altered to improve the overall performance and experience of the car. The interior features the amazing carbon fiber sport seats (derived from the seats in the 918). The Sport Chrono option also includes a new Track Precision app, which can be used to collect GPS track data, as well as many other data elements (like brake pedal pressure, cornering speeds, steering angle, etc). The data can be downloaded to a smart phone for post session review and analysis. Almost every surface is covered in Alcantara, door handles are the light weight version, CF trim covers where the Alcantara is not. But, look closely at the center console, and the Porsche engineers have decided to add a little fun to the car as well. There is now a button for PIT SPEED. Just like on the Porsche Cup Cars, this car has a button that automatically limits the speed (you just floor the throttle, but the speed limiter will maintain a steady speed until you release the button again). And, should you care to launch instead from a standing start, there is full launch control as well.

Look at the details now in the seat. An area of padding has been removed to allow for the incorporation of the standard inner seat belt buckle, the bolster are larger, there is the cut-out for the submarine belt, and the shoulder eye lets for the shoulder harnesses. But most of all, they are incredibly supportive and comfortable.

IF you ever wanted to know what its like to drive a Porsche Cup Car…this is as close as it gets. The performance at the top is starting to get crowded…here are the times for Porsche at the Nurburging:

– Porsche 991 GT3RS = 7:20

– Porsche 991 GT3 = 7:26

– Porsche 981 GT4 = 7:40

The sound, the transmission, the engine, the handling….this is driving at the best. Looking forward to playing w one soon.

BRracing – where dreams come true.