The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS makes no secret of its concept: it is resolutely designed for maximum performance.
This 386 kW (525 hp) road-legal high-performance sports car consistently uses motorsport technologies and principles. In addition to the high-revving naturally aspirated engine with racing DNA, the result of intelligent lightweight construction, the proof of its direct kinship with the 911 GT3 R , its motorsport sister, lies above all in its cooling and aerodynamic concept.
Active aerodynamics based on a central cooler concept from motorsport
The central cooling concept, first used in the Le Mans-winning 911 RSR and later in the 911 GT3 R , is the basis for this significant performance improvement. Instead of the three radiators used previously, the new 911 GT3 RS features a large, sloping central cooling unit, at the front of the vehicle. It is located where the trunk is on other 911 models. The freed-up side space could thus be used to integrate active aerodynamic elements.
Continuously adjustable wing elements at the front and on the two-part rear wing, combined with numerous other aerodynamic measures, ensure a total downforce of 409 kg at 200 km/h. The new 911 GT3 RS thus generates twice as much lift as its predecessor (Type 991 II), and three times as much as a current 911 GT3 . At 285 km/h, the total downforce amounts to 860 kg.
This is the first time that a Drag Reduction System ( DRS ) has been fitted to a production Porsche . At the touch of a button, DRS flattens the spoilers within a defined working range to minimize air resistance and increase speed on straight sections. Emergency braking at high speed activates the Airbrake function: the front and rear spoilers are raised to their maximum, generating aerodynamic deceleration that significantly aids wheel braking.
The body design of the new 911 GT3 RS is characterized by its numerous aerodynamic elements. The most striking feature of this GT sports car is its swan-neck rear wing, the dimensions of which have significantly increased. It consists of a fixed main wing and a hydraulically adjustable upper element.
For the first time on a production Porsche car, the upper edge of the rear wing is higher than the roof. In addition, on the front bumper of the 911 GT3 RS , the spoiler is replaced by a "splitter" that distributes the airflow above and below the vehicle. Side deflectors direct the air outwards. Ventilation of the front wings is provided by holes in the wheel arches (louvers).
Air inlets behind the front wheels, in the style of the iconic Le Mans-winning 911 GT1 , reduce the dynamic pressure in the wheel arch. Side deflectors behind the air inlet allow the air to be directed specifically toward the side of the vehicle. The air from the central cooler escapes through large nostrils on the front hood. On the roof, fins direct the air outward, thus ensuring cooler intake temperatures at the rear.
On the new 911 GT3 RS , the openings in the rear side section are used exclusively to improve aerodynamics and not to suck in process air. The rear wing also features an air intake and a side deflector to optimize air direction. The rear diffuser, which comes from the 911 GT3 , has been slightly adapted.
A circuit chassis adaptable from the cockpit
Even the chassis aerodynamics have been meticulously worked on. Since the wing of the new 911 GT3 RS is traversed by a powerful airflow, the components of the double wishbone front axle are shaped like water drops. These aerodynamic arms increase the downforce on the front axle by around 40 kg at top speed and are normally only used in top-level motorsport. Because the wheel spacing is wider (29 mm more than on the 911 GT3 ), the arms of the double wishbone front axle are longer.
To maintain balanced downforce between the front and rear axles, even when braking at high speeds, the chassis engineers have significantly reduced pitch (anti-dive). On the front axle of the 911 GT3 RS , the front ball joint of the lower trailing arm has therefore been moved downwards. The multi-link rear axle has also been adapted, with modified spring rates. The driver assistance systems and the rear axle steering have also been tuned even more dynamically.
The 911 GT3 RS offers three driving modes: Normal, Sport and Track . Track mode allows you to personalize the basic settings. For example, the pressure and rebound of the front and rear shock absorbers can be adjusted separately and in several stages. The rear axle transverse lock can also be adjusted using rotary knobs on the steering wheel. This operation is quick and intuitive thanks to the operating and display concept, which is also borrowed from motorsport.
The steering wheel is equipped with four independent rotary knobs and a button for the drag reduction system ( DRS ). When adjusting, the graphic representation of the rotary knobs is clearly visible on the dashboard. The 911 GT3 RS is also equipped with the " Track Screen " display already known from the 911 GT3 . At the touch of a button, the driver can limit the digital displays on the two seven-inch side screens to essential information. The gearshift indicator to the left and right of the analogue rev counter has also been adopted from the GT3 .
A four-litre six-cylinder boxer engine with a high-revving concept
The high-revving, naturally aspirated four-litre engine has been further optimised compared to the 911 GT3 . Its output has been increased to 386 kW (525 hp), initially thanks to new camshafts with modified cam profiles. The single-throttle intake system and the rigid valve train are derived from motorsport. The seven-speed Porsche Dual Clutch Transmission ( PDK ) ensures a shorter overall ratio than that of the 911 GT3 . Air intakes on the underbody enable the transmission to withstand extreme stresses when the vehicle is often used on the racetrack. The 911 GT3 RS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 296 km/h (184 mph) in seventh gear.
The front axle is equipped with six-piston aluminum monobloc fixed-caliper brakes each and 408 mm diameter discs. Compared to the 911 GT3 , the piston diameter has been enlarged from 30 to 32 mm and the disc thickness has been increased from 34 to 36 mm. The rear axle continues to be equipped with 380 mm brake discs and four-piston fixed calipers.
The optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake ( PCCB ) has 410 mm discs on the front axle and 390 mm discs on the rear axle. The new 911 GT3 RS is fitted as standard with centrally mounted forged light-alloy wheels. The road-legal sports tires, sized 275/35 R 20 at the front and 335/30 R21 at the rear, ensure a high degree of mechanical grip.
Lightweight construction as a principle
Since the introduction of the legendary 911 Carrera RS 2.7 , intelligent lightweight construction has been one of the basic principles of all RS models. Thanks to numerous weight-saving measures, such as the extensive use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), the 911 GT3 RS weighs just 1,450 kg (unladen weight according to DIN), despite many larger components. For example, the doors, front wings, roof, and bonnet are made of CFRP. Lightweight CFRP is also used in the interior, for example in the standard full bucket seats.
Available with Clubsport and Weissach packages
Inside, the new GT sports car features the typical RS style: black leather, race-tex and exposed carbon fiber create a purist, sporty ambience. The 911 GT3 RS is available with the Clubsport package at no extra cost. This includes a steel roll bar, a portable fire extinguisher and a six-point seat belt for the driver's side.
With the significantly more extensive Weissach package, available at an additional cost, the front hood, roof, parts of the rear spoiler and the upper housing of the exterior mirrors are made of exposed carbon fiber. The front and rear stabilizers, the rear coupling rods and the rear axle thrust panel are made of CFRP and contribute to further improving driving dynamics. The roll bar, made of CFRP for the first time, saves around six kilograms compared to the steel variant.
The Weissach package has another highlight: it includes PDK gearshift paddles with magnetic technology, which are directly derived from motorsport. They enable even sportier gear changes thanks to a more precise pressure point and a clearly perceptible click. Forged magnesium wheels are optionally available with the Weissach package. They enable a weight reduction of eight kilograms.
The new 911 GT3 RS can be ordered now and has a starting price of CHF 278,500. Deliveries in Switzerland will begin in February 2023. Swiss customers benefit from a warranty extension (2 + 2) as well as the Porsche Swiss Package , which includes the following options at no extra cost*: darkened LED main headlights including the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus ( PDLS Plus ), automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors with integrated rain sensor, 90-litre fuel tank, front and rear parking assistance with reversing camera, BOSE® Surround Sound System .
Exclusive Porsche Design Chronograph
Inspired by the spirit of motorsport, where maximum precision is paramount, the Porsche watch manufacturer in Solothurn, Switzerland, has developed the 911 GT3 RS chronograph. This mechanical watch is reserved for owners of the vehicle. The basis is a microblasted case in natural or black titanium, equipped with a screw-down crown. Inside the watch is the Porsche Design WERK 01.200 mechanical movement, COSC- certified for its high precision.
The flyback function combines start, stop, and reset in a single operation. The laser-engraved "Start/Stop" and "Next Lap" pushers clearly indicate that this chronograph is not limited to displaying the time. In addition to new features such as the pulsometer scale on the bezel, many of the design and material features of the GT3 RS are also present.
Text Porsche.com - Newsroom
