- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He
Porsche 911 GT3 RS. New racing Porsche
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS, a track version of the Porsche 911 GT3 coupe released in August 2022, is already available in Israel. The letter ‘RS’ stand for ‘Rennsportwagen’ or ‘racing car’. The car designed for tracks and club racing, but allowed on public roads, comes with a more powerful engine, a modified chassis, and improved aerodynamics. However, it is clearly more expensive than the regular version. In addition, the RS version is heavier but faster than the current GT3 (which, by the way, is also available in Israel). The new Porsche race car showed an outstanding result at the Nürburgring: the coupe was just about the best car in the overall ranking. Moreover, an absolutely standard car participated in the race! As an excuse, it is worth noting that the conditions on the track were not ideal, in particular a strong gusty wind was blowing, destabilizing the car. However, the driver emphasized that the new 911 GT3 RS ‘set new standards in braking’.
Factory pilot Jörg Bergmeister, driving a track Porsche 911 GT3 RS, completed a 20.8 km lap in 6:49'328. As for the old 20.6 km course, the time was 6:44'848. Compared to the “regular” 911 GT3, the result is 10.6 seconds better. Moreover, the Porsche managed to surpass the more expensive Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren supercars! And it was only behind the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series (06:48'05) and the Porsche 911 GT2 RS with the Manthey-Racing package (06:43'30).
It only remains to add that the entry-level Porsche 911 GT3 RS in Germany costs from 230,000 euros, but the record was set by the top-end version sold at a price of about 300,000 euros. In Israel, the cost of the RS version starts at 1,889,787 shekels.
Visible improvements
The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS is heavier than the GT3, weighing a whopping 1,450 kg, despite the extensive use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (doors, roof, front fenders, trunk lid and even seats) in the body structure. The car has acquired additional aerodynamic solutions, the most noticeable of which is a large double spoiler. Its upper ‘blade’ has a variable angle of attack. A more aerodynamic body shape is ensured by a DRS (Drag Reduction System) system, activated by a button on the steering wheel, after which the car ‘lays back its ears “: the aerodynamic elements are switched to the minimum air resistance mode. When braking, more resistance is automatically created. The body kit is effective: downforce is equivalent to 409 kg at 200 km/h or 860 kg at a speed of 285 km/h. That”s exactly what you need for the track!
You can also recognize the RS version by two huge slots on the element that replaces the hood for this model, hiding a large radiator instead of a trunk. A sports steering wheel carries 4 mode switches: DRIVE MODE and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) and Traction Control (TC-ESC). Everything is done for a closer connection between the driver and the car, because ‘winning is a matter of attitude’, according to Porsche.
The coupe can be ordered free of charge with the Clubsport package, which includes a steel roll cage in the passenger compartment, a manual fire extinguisher and a six-point driver’s seat belt. The Weissach package is offered for an extra charge. It includes anti-roll bars, as well as a rear stiffening panel and a CFRP roll bar. The latter is 6 kg lighter than steel one.
Powertrains and dynamics
The manufacturer calls the engine of the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS optimized for the ring track. The 4.0-liter 6-cylinder boxer engine with a dry sump produces 525 hp and 465 Nm. The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic PDK gearbox has close gear ratios to better realize the potential of the engine. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and to 200 km/h in 10.6 seconds. The maximum speed is 296 km/h.
The chassis of the original GT3 was thoroughly reconfigured to create the RS version. The distance between the front wheels has become wider by almost 3 cm. Plus, there are new suspension arms and anti-roll bars. Now right from the passenger compartment you can change the adjustment of the stiffness of the shock absorbers. The brakes themselves have become more powerful: regular ones with steel discs with a diameter of 408 mm in front and 380 in the rear, while the carbon-ceramic ones are listed as options.
