A clear focus on motorsport: the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS (2024)

FAQs

What is so special about the GT3 RS? ›

The GT3 RS and S/T models get tuned up to 518 horsepower and come with more aero elements to increase downforce to stick them to the road. The GT3 RS comes with an outrageous rear wing that incorporates a drag-reduction system similar to those on Formula 1 race cars.

Its 4.0-litre, high-revving, naturally aspirated 525PS engine can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.2 seconds. A sportscar that Porsche test driver Jörg Bergmeister calls “the best-handling 911 road car ever on a racetrack” – although, being street-legal, the 911 GT3 RS is every bit as happy on the road.

In motor racing, the drag reduction system (DRS) is a form of driver-adjustable bodywork aimed at reducing aerodynamic drag in order to increase top speed and promote overtaking. It is an adjustable rear wing of the car, which moves in response to driver commands.

The 911 GT3 RS is purpose-built for the racetrack and it stands head and shoulders above all other cars that claim to be track-ready vehicles. It sets a new standard in analog driver connection that makes other vehicles that claim to be track-ready feel like their hands are tied behind their back.

With up to 640 horsepower, the Turbo S is a lot more powerful, and significantly faster, than anything in the GT3 lineup. A Turbo S Coupe can run from 0 to 60 in a lightning-fast 2.6 seconds. The GT3 RS can manage the same feet in a still-impressive 3.0 seconds.

The legendary 1970 Porsche 917K holds the public record, as the Gulf Racing livery #22 from Le Mans sold for an astronomical $14,080,000.

It is too loud, too rough, too harsh of a ride to drive daily.

In terms of width, the GT3 RS has a greater dimension, measuring 1880 mm, compared to the 1852 mm of the standard GT3. This difference influences lateral stability and the ability to tackle curves at high speeds, where greater width can contribute to increased grip and control.

What does GT3 stand for? ›

Group GT3, known technically as Cup Grand Touring Cars and commonly referred to as simply GT3, is a set of regulations maintained by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) for grand tourer racing cars designed for use in various auto racing series throughout the world.

As soon as the lights give the starting signal, the new 911 GT3 RS delivers unbelievable performance of up to 342 lb-ft on the racetrack. With up to 518 hp, taking you from 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds, it can reach a top track speed of 184 mph.

Unlike on the current 911 Carrera, the PDK developed in motorsport has seven, instead of eight, forward gears.

Much of the answer lies in materials, with Porsche building much of the GT3 RS out of a material we plebs usually can't afford: Carbon fiber. Rather than sticking a big, showy wing on a base GT3, Porsche remade most of the car's body specifically for the RS model—even going so far as to build the doors from carbon.

You are catapulted by the 4.0-litre, high-revving, naturally aspirated 525PS engine from 0-100km/h in just 3.2 seconds. With up to 465Nm of torque available to you, you'll barely have time to draw breath as you make extraordinarily rapid progress through the gears.

In terms of width, the GT3 RS has a greater dimension, measuring 1880 mm, compared to the 1852 mm of the standard GT3. This difference influences lateral stability and the ability to tackle curves at high speeds, where greater width can contribute to increased grip and control.

So, what makes the Porsche 911 GT3 so special? In short, it's a track-ready machine that's also street legal. It comes with a naturally aspirated engine that produces an impressive 500 horsepower. Plus, it has a lightweight design and rear-wheel drive for ultimate control and handling.

For 20 years now, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS has been the track-focused super sports car to beat. Since 2003 it's been less crazy expensive (at list price) than the Ferrari equivalent, lighter than the BMW M track cars, faster than anything Aston has conjured up… it's little wonder they've become so revered.