The new RS version of the Porsche 911 GT3 looks like a purebred racing machine. After a few blisteringly fast test laps on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit, we know that the Porsche 911 GT3 RS drives like that too.
A few years ago, no one dared to dream that the Porsche 911 GT3 RS would come. We can still remember the launch of its predecessor in 2018: there was no better sports car. The car reached such a high level that everyone was then convinced that model 991.2 GT3 RS was never surpassed. Only then no one had yet figured out who was responsible for the GT3 RS. May we introduce: the engineers at Porsche.
It’s all about finesse
The chassis and aerodynamics were the focus of the development of the new Porsche GT3 RS. And the engine? It received different camshafts and an improved intake manifold, with a separate throttle valve for each cylinder. It is almost sobering that the engine only delivers 5 hp more than the block from the previous GT3 RS. The new model is all about finesse: by developing a new exhaust system, no less than 10 kilos were gained. In addition, the RS version received a shorter final drive ratio than the standard GT3.
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Gigantic proportions
What you do with the power is more important than the amount of horsepower. In short: how the horsepower is all transferred to the road surface. Of course, the new GT3 RS delivers downright impressive performance in a straight line. It goes to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 296 km/h. But to win against his competitors, he must rely mainly on his ability in the corner. In case you haven’t noticed yet: on the back is an active carbon wing of gigantic proportions. And it’s not just for show.
Whopper of a radiator
The new 911 GT3 RS is an aerodynamic jewel. Large chunks of sheet metal have been removed from the fenders behind the front wheels for optimum air conduction. As a result, the standard 911 doors no longer fit and had to be replaced with carbon fiber doors. A whopper of a radiator has been placed in the front of the nose, which is supplied with sufficient cooling air through gigantic openings and dissipates its heat through other gigantic openings.
Together with the air ducts in the flat floor, the streamlined wishbones in the front suspension and the gigantic diffuser under the engine, all aerodynamic adjustments of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS result in a downforce of no less than 860 kilos at a speed of 285 km/h ! The previous GT3 RS couldn’t get further than a stumbling 405 kg at the same speed …
Flat hands
The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS also inspires confidence at high track speeds. Despite the wet asphalt at Silverstone, we brake as late and as hard as possible, with the optional carbon-ceramic discs dissipating speed extremely effectively and without loss of stability. Steering movements are razor-sharp and without hesitation converted into a change of direction, with the flow of information to your fingertips interrupted for less than half a second. On the wet track you feel perfectly how much grip the tires have – as if you scraped the asphalt with flat hands.
The best of them all
Knowing Porsche, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS will be replaced in the future by a car that is even better. But until then, this is the best 911 GT3 RS of them all. In the Netherlands it costs 325,200 euros. Compared to the fastest models from Lamborghini and McLaren, it’s a bargain. Provided you manage to get your hands on one of the coveted purchase contracts…
You can read the full test of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS in Auto Review 01/2023.