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Porsche

991 Porsche 911 GT3 RS spied

2015 Porsche 911 GT3 RS prototype

We thank Instagrammer johan9ff for bringing the world an early glimpse of what appears to be a production-ready Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

We know the RS will feature a PDK transmission but engine specs are still unclear. Those air intakes on the rear wheel arches would indicate the engine is turbocharged. However, previous video evidence tends to suggest otherwise.

You can also see the dip in the bonnet and roof, as previewed in patent drawings back in August last year. Those drawings give you an idea of what to expect to see at the rear of the car, too.

Just hurry up Porsche, and release details of your latest RS weapon!

[Pics: Instagram | Thanks to John for the tip]

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Porsche

991 Porsche 911 GT3 RS patent drawings

2015 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

We’ve been given one of the best looks yet at the 2015 Porsche 911 GT3 RS thanks to a series of patent drawings published by Car magazine.

It appears as though almost every body panel will be unique to the GT3 RS. Starting with the dip in the bonnet and the vented front guards—remember we first got wind of those on a scale model, of all things.

The roof also has a double bulge, presumably to offer increased headroom inside the car. The obligatory massive rear wing is also in place along with a wide body akin to the 911 Turbo, which caters for the widened track on the most competition-focused production model in the 911 range.

Despite the Turbo-style air intakes on the rear flanks and rear decklid it’s now expected the RS will feature a high-rev normally aspirated engine, likely to remain at the same 3.8 litre capacity found in the revised 911 GT3. Power should slot in between the 350kW (475hp) from the GT3 and the 412kW (552hp) found in the Turbo S, currently the most powerful 991 911 money can buy.

This is likely to be the most extreme GT3 RS yet with Andreas Preuninger, Porsche GT road cars boss, indicating the gap between the GT3 and the RS will be as big as its ever been when the 991 RS is finally revealed.

[Source: Car | Thanks to John for the tip]

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Porsche

2015 Porsche 911 GT3 RS: No turbo for you?!

2015 Porsche 911 GT3 RS spied at the Nurburgring

A prototype 911 GT3 RS has been spied at the Nürburgring in recent days and judging by the fearsome sound of the car it is not turbocharged. There’s been speculation that Porsche would boost the 991-based RS in order to achieve the 500hp+ target pencilled in for the 3.8 litre flat six.

Porsche has also stated that the gap between the regular 911 GT3 and the RS model will be larger than it has been in the past. You can see signs of that already with the big side air intakes and other body work modifications. Just look at the size of that rear wing for starters!

Those side intakes would normally indicate a turbo, as in the 911 Turbo, but there’s no mistaking the rawness of the note coming from that test car. It sounds superb.

While this test car does sound like it has a PDK fitted there is talk, or hope at least, that the RS will be available with a traditional manual gearbox. Let’s hope Porsche comes good on that front, even if the longer term future of the manual ‘box is inevitably going to be a lost cause.

Of course, Porsche has had a minor hiccup with the engine in the GT3 and that has pushed back the launch of the GT3 RS. As far as we know there’s still no official launch date in mind for the RS. If the Frankfurt Motor Show in September is too soon, then Detroit in January will probably mark the car’s debut. It’s not too far away.

[Source: Bridge to Gantry]

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Porsche

A sneaky preview of the 911 GT3 RS?

Porsche 911 GT3 RS scale model

This image of a scale model might just have given the game away as far as the looks for the all-new Porsche 911 GT3 RS are concerned. Certainly the massive rear wing follows expectations. Those front wheel arches, though, are a new thing.

What do you think, is this going to be legit?

We still have a lot of unanswered questions for the next RS. Will it be turbocharged? Will it crack 500hp? Will Porsche offer it with a proper manual gearbox? And most importantly, when will we see it?

[Source: The Supercar Kids | Thanks to John for the tip]

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Porsche

Good and bad news for next Porsche 911 GT3 RS

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

There’s good and bad news for the 991-based Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. The rollout of the RS will most likely be delayed thanks to the engine replacement scheme for the flame-happy 911 GT3. Originally due for unveiling in the next few months it’s now uncertain when the RS will be launched.

Now for the good news. After initial reports suggesting the GT3 RS would be a PDK-only affair—as the regular GT3 proved to be—there is now talk that a manual ‘box may be offered after all. At least that’s the word from Car & Driver who claim sources have told them Porsche is “strongly considering” a manual transmission for the RS.

[Source: World Car Fans & Car & Driver | Thanks to Tiaan for the tip]

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Porsche

PDK-only for 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

991 Porsche 911 GT3

UK publication Car magazine brings the scoop that the 991-based 911 GT3 RS will carry over the PDK transmission and electronic power steering from the just released 911 GT3 (pictured). Their source is very reliable, too, none other than Andreas Preuninger, Head of GT Cars at Porsche.

There can be no mistaking Preuninger’s comments, either. “There’s no chance of a manual,” he said. “We don’t want to offer too many options on our GT cars. And if you’ve got a manual and a PDK you’ve got to have different set-ups for the suspension, the aero, the tyres, everything. We are a small team and can only concentrate on one car.”

We expect many will bemoan that no new GT3-badged 911 will be available with a traditional H-pattern manual gearbox, but perhaps the promise of a wilder GT3 RS might go some of the way to soften the blow.

“We’ve opened up a wider field of usability with the new GT3, so maybe that gives us more reason to push the RS towards a more extreme side. The differentiations between the two models has always been increasing, and it’s going to be like that in the future,” Preuninger told Car.

Some of the ingredients to help sharpen the RS could be a further improved shift time on the 7-speed PDK-box, which can already shift in just 100ms in the new GT3, and an even larger rear wing may also feature. Of the car’s exterior, Preuninger said, “It’s pretty spectacular. It’s beautiful.”

The other carrot dangled by the Porsche man is a peak power figure of around 500hp for the new RS.

Preuninger confirmed the 991 GT3 RS would debut early next year, following the unveiling of the new 911 Turbo in the next few months and the 918 Spyder at Frankfurt in September.

[Source: Car]

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Porsche

OFFICIAL: Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

First filed 28 April.

Porsche has today released official info on the 911 GT3 RS 4.0—it’s been the worst kept secret around—and it will be limited to only 600 cars worldwide. With a 4.0 litre flat six engine sporting a crankshaft from the RSR racecar the GT3 RS 4.0 has 368kW (500PS).

Available only in white or black, performance from the sub 1400kg supercar is brisk, as you’d expect. Indeed, Porsche reckon the RS 4.0 can lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7 minutes 27 seconds.

Plastic windows, carbon fibre reinforced body panels and a lack of interior equipment help keep the weight down. A few suspension components from the GT2 RS have been re-used, as well, with an aim to sharpen this GT3 RS even further than the now old 3.8 litre RS.

Porsche claim this is the ultimate RS model, but the lack of carbon ceramic brakes as standard equipment means there is still room for improvement insofar as the ultimate track components go. With an asking price of €50K more than the RS 3.8 you’d reckon Porsche could have coughed up for the ultimate brakes.

We’d still say yes, of course, but perhaps this RS 4.0 can be described as being a bit of a parts bin run-out model, rather than a pure disciple of RS ideals.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0—basic specs

  • Engine: 4.0 litre flat six
  • Power: 368kW (500hp) @ 8250rpm
  • Torque: 450Nm @ 5750rpm
  • Weight: 1360kg (inc tank of fuel)
  • 0-100km/h: 3.9s
  • 0-200km/h: under 12s

The official press release from Porsche AG and all the pics released to date are available below.

UPDATE 1 May: Porsche Cars Australia tell us that less than 10 911 GT3 RS 4.0 models will be finding their way down under. Those lucky enough to be on the exclusive list will be asked to part with $409,100 plus on road costs.

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Porsche

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 speculation increases

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 leaked image

First filed 15 April.

The 997 Porsche 911 is nearing the end of its very successful model cycle. For a while now there’s been rumours Stuttgart would see off the 997 with a limited edition 4.0 litre GT3 RS. Thanks to a price list posted to the Teamspeed forums, that speculation has increased.

There are some minor grammar discrepancies on the price list which cloud the authenticity of the information, however, it states the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 will have 368kW (500hp) and will be priced from €149,900 (approx €180,000 with taxes). That represents a €27.5K price premium and 31kW increase over the existing 3.8 litre 911 GT3 RS.

We expect that Porsche will release a GT3 RS 4.0, likely to be limited to 500-600 units. But, we’ll just have to wait and see how accurate this “price list” info really is.

[Source: Teamspeed]

UPDATE 19 April: You’re now looking at a leaked image of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0, according to Teamspeed. We’re not so sure it is an official pic; Porsche press images usually feature “S GO” number plates. That aside, we reckon this image is likely to be pretty close to the mark.

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Porsche

From road to racing

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is essentially a racecar for the road. At least, that’s what the marketing men from Zuffenhausen would have you believe. So, how close is the GT3 RS to the 911 GT3 Cup in reality?

Autocar had a crack at explaining it to us late last year. Now Porsche UK has had a turn, as well. The clip above was released earlier in the month as part of Porsche’s display at Autosport International.

[Thanks to Richard for the tip]

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Porsche

How close is a Porsche GT3 Cup to a 911 GT3 RS?

Porsche GT3 Cup

Autocar brings us another interesting video via their YouTube channel. Ever wondered just how close the track only Porsche GT3 Cup is to the road going 911 GT3 RS? Well, so have they. And what better place to compare the two than at Silvertsone. Copse, Maggotts and Becketts before a mini-relax along Hangar Straight. There wouldn’t be too many better experiences to be had in a car.

It’s actually not really a pleasant sound, but the noise made by the sequential gearbox is pure delight. We know that’s a bit of a contradiction, but we also expect many will know exactly what we mean.

It’s fair to say they could have upped the excitement levels in this video, but it’s worth watching all the same.

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Motorsports Porsche

Behind the scenes with the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid

Porsche GT3 R Hybrid

Here is a real treat for you, Autocar have just posted a video of Steve Sutcliffe driving the Porsche GT3 R Hybrid. This is the same car that very nearly won the demanding Nürburgring 24 hour race at its first attempt.

In his written review Sutcliffe says driving the GT3 R Hybrid is, “Quite spooky, incredibly efficient but also just very, very exciting to use. When you press the magic button for the first time it actually feels a bit like a cheat, the rush of extra acceleration comes at you that fast. But when you get used to the way it works – the way it can alter not just your speed along a straight but also the handling balance mid corner even – the hybrid GT3 R is quite clearly a highly significant piece of kit; the beginning of a brand new era.”

Piers Ward from TopGear.com has also had a drive in the GT3 R Hybrid. Here’s a bit of what he had to say, “This thing is utterly brilliant. It’s not about chasing fuel figures or CO2, it’s about trying to maximise performance.

“By the end of three braking zones, the flywheel is fully re-charged. The weirdest part of the whole thing is the noise is makes as it’s getting charged up – like a hoover on speed, whirring away frantically.”

In closing his review Sutcliffe says, “hybrid power is not the future for companies like Porsche and cars like the 911, it is the present. Not so much the end of the road for high performance cars, but the beginning of a brand new chapter.

Take the jump to watch the Autocar clip.

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Motorsports Porsche

The ultimate “run what you brung” weapon?

Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Driving your own car to a track day and home again after a couple of hours track time is one thing. But imagine driving from Stuttgart to Nürburg where upon arrival you spend 24 hours thrashing the car around the Green Hell in a race with around 200 other cars. At the end of that you pack up your things and head back to Stuttgart as if this was all in a day’s work.

That scenario is pretty much what happened with the #11 Porsche 911 GT3 RS at the Nürburgring 24 hour race this year. Driven by Roland Asch, Patrick Simon, Horst von Saurma and Chris Harris the GT3 RS started the race from 42nd position and finished in 13th place outright. The team completed 145 laps, nine behind the eventual race winner.

Asch says the car ran like a dream, “As planned, we replaced the front brakes during the race. But other than that, the mechanics concentrated on refuelling, tyre changes and cleaning the windows during the pit stops. The car ran like clockwork.”

More from Porsche after the break. Extra pictures from the race can be seen HERE.