New Porsche GT3 RS breaks cover with a new swan-neck rear wing

KUALA LUMPUR: Porsche has pulled the wraps off the hardcore, track-focussed variant of the 911, which goes by the name GT3 RS. This road-legal high-performance sports car is slightly more powerful than the standard GT3 but far more aggressive in terms of aerodynamics. 

Let’s discuss this new track toy in detail.

Packed with aerodynamic fins and flicks inspired by the GT3 R, the new Porsche is outfitted with a 997-inspired red livery. The front splitter, bonnet vents, vertical fins, and side skirts, all help in providing the possible downforce to the sports car but the new swan-neck wing at the rear is the star of the show. It’s the largest wing ever fitted to a street-legal 911. Overall, the car produces 409 kg of downforce at 200 kmph, double that of its predecessor.

The new Porsche GT3 RS is also equipped with an F1-style drag-reduction system, which flattens the wings at the tap of a button, for reducing the drag and boosting the speed. During high-speed emergency braking, the rear wing works air brakes; it rotates to the maximum possible vertical angle while creating a deceleration effect.

The new Porsche tips the scales at 1,450 kg, thanks to thinner glasses and carbon-fibre components, including doors, ducktail spoiler, roof, rear wing, front fenders and bonnet. 

The GT3 RS comes equipped with a similar 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine, which powers the standard GT3. But, here the new camshafts provide a power bump from 510 hp to 525 hp. The peak torque is rated at 465 Nm.

In terms of performance, the RS model runs from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.2 seconds  (0.2 secs quicker than the GT3) and attains a top speed of  296 kmph.

As for the suspension, the GT3 RS gets a double-wishbone front axle designed with teardrop-shaped profiles. It is fitted with 20-inch forged light alloy wheels paired with 275/35 profile tyres on the front and a 21-inch set shod with 335/30 profile tyres on the rear. 

The braking duties are handled by Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, comprising 410 mm front discs and 390 mm rear discs. Also part of the braking system is six-pot fixed calliper brakes in front and four-pot units at back.

Inside, the new street-legal GT3 RS benefits from a new steering wheel with rotary dials, which allows the driver to manage suspension settings. It also houses a dedicated DRS button. 

The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS is now available for order in the European market at a starting price of £178,500 (approximately equal to RM 958,290).

Also read: Porsche Asia Pacific gets its new CEO, Hannes Ruoff