Following the great tradition of models from Stuttgart carrying the magical letters "RS", Porsche have announced the fastest version of its GT3, carrying a 3.6 litre flat-six generating 415 bhp.

Maximum revs are reached at 8,400 rpm. The power output per litre of engine capacity is 115.3 bhp. These figures correspond to the present GT3. But the RS puts in an even better performance thanks to a close-ratio six-speed transmission with a single-mass flywheel and its 20 kg lower vehicle weight. The engine revs up even more freely, thus enabling the 911 GT3 to sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds. That's one tenth of a second faster than the GT3. It takes just 13.3 seconds to hit to 200 km/hr. Maximum speed is 310 km per hour.

One characteristic of the new "RS" is the body, which is 44 mm wider at the rear (a legacy from the Carrera 4 models) by comparison with the 911 GT3. The muscular-looking rear end conceals a wider track that not only improves directional stability but also increases the transverse acceleration potential of this two-seater coupe. Despite its specialized body, the "RS" is 20 kg lighter than the GT3, weighing in at just 1375 kg. This weight-saving was achieved by the use, amongst other solutions, of an adjustable carbon fiber wing, the use of a plastic rear lid and a lightweight plastic rear window. The corresponding weight-saving is 4.5 kg/kW.



With a view to entry in important GT championships, the road version of the GT3 RS has resorted to technical solutions that will also feature in the racing version. These include the entire wheel carrier and split wishbones on the rear axle, in addition to the carbon fibre components of the body.

The interior lives up to the vehicle's sporting aspirations: 2 lightweight (carbon fibre) bucket seats come as standard and in the club sports package. There is a bolted roll cage and the pre-wiring for the battery main switch. A six-point seatbelt for the driver and a fire extinguisher are also provided. Internal trim is black, with the roof lining, steering wheel and gear lever finished in high-quality Alcantara leather.

The available finishes are Arctic Silver metallic or black; as an option, the GT3 can also be obtained in orange or green. All vehicle insignia and the wheels themselves are styled in orange or black to contrast with the body paintwork.



The basic price for the 911 GT3 RS is EURO 111,600 (excluding country-specific requirements). In Germany, the coupe costs EURO 129,659 including sales tax. The GT3 RS will also be available for sale on the North American market from March 2007.

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Porsche