FIRST LOOK - New Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992) - 518bhp, £195k and DRS! _ Top Gear
# The New Porsche 911 GT3 RS: A Deep Dive into Power, Precision, and Aerodynamics
The automotive world has been buzzing with anticipation for the arrival of the new **Porsche 911 GT3 RS**, and now it’s finally here. This latest iteration of the iconic 911 is not just an evolution; it’s a revolution. With its aggressive design, cutting-edge aerodynamics, and unmatched performance, the **992-generation 911 GT3 RS** sets a new standard for what a road-legal sports car can achieve. Let’s take a detailed look at everything that makes this car special.
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## A Beast of Power: The Heart of the GT3 RS
The **911 GT3 RS** packs a punch with its naturally aspirated 4-liter flat-six engine, producing an impressive **518 brake horsepower**. This figure represents a modest 15-horsepower increase over its predecessor, but it’s all about how that power is utilized. The engine benefits from new hotter camshafts and a shorter overall gear ratio for the PDK gearbox, resulting in a **0-62 mph time of just 3.2 seconds**—a full 0.2 seconds faster than the previous model.
While the power increase might seem modest, it’s clear that Porsche has prioritized precision over raw horsepower. The GT3 RS is not about going crazy with power; instead, it’s about delivering the perfect balance of performance and control. After all, as Paul mentioned, **500 horsepower** is just right for this application.
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## A History of Excellence: The RS Lineage
The GT3 RS lineage dates back to the 1972 **2.7 RS**, a car so desirable that some examples now fetch over £1 million. Over the decades, Porsche has refined and evolved the RS formula, with each generation building on the last.
- The first GT3 RS was the **2003 996**, originally intended as a homologation special but eventually producing 680 units.
- The **2006 997.1 GT3 RS** was a revelation, offering over 400 horsepower from its 3.6-liter engine.
- The **2009 997.2 GT3 RS** is often considered the peak of the series, with its legendary damping and aggressive nature.
- The **2015 991.1 GT3 RS** introduced serious aerodynamics and the PDK gearbox, marking a shift toward more refined performance.
Each generation has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible for a road-legal sports car, and the new **992-generation GT3 RS** continues this legacy with its advanced aerodynamic package and track-focused design.
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## Aerodynamics: The Name of the Game
Aerodynamics is where the GT3 RS truly shines. Porsche has taken inspiration from its racing heritage, incorporating features seen on the **911 RSR** and **GT3R** race cars. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
- **Single Radiator System**: Unlike the standard GT3, which has three radiators in the front, the GT3 RS features one large angled radiator under the hood. This design frees up space for active aero elements but sacrifices the frunk (front trunk) storage.
- **Active Aero Elements**: The car’s front splitter and rear wing work together to generate **70 kg of downforce at the rear** and **30 kg at the front**. This ensures stability and confidence, especially during high-speed cornering.
- **Rear Wing with DRS (Drag Reduction System)**: A first for a production Porsche, the GT3 RS features a two-part rear wing that can be adjusted via hydraulics. The upper section of the wing is taller than the roofline when fully extended, creating an impressive visual statement.
- **Aero Innovations**: The car’s suspension also contributes to downforce, with longer double-wishbone arms adding **40 kg of downforce at top speed**. The spring rates are 50% stiffer than those in the GT3.
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## Wheels, Brakes, and Weight Savings
The GT3 RS comes standard with:
- **20-inch forged aluminum wheels** up front and **21-inch wheels** at the rear.
- A choice of three wheel options: lightweight forged aluminum, standard forged aluminum, or magnesium rims (available only with the optional Vice Sac Pack).
- Carbon-ceramic brakes as standard, though steel brakes are also available.
Weight savings have been a priority, with features like **carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP)** used for the doors, wings, and bonnet. The car weighs 1450 kilograms with fluids, just **45 kg more than the lightest specification Lotus Emira**.
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## Club Sport Pack and Vice Sac Pack
Porsche offers two optional packages to enhance the GT3 RS:
- **Club Sport Pack**: Includes a steel roll cage, fire extinguisher, and six-point harnesses. This package is available at no extra cost.
- **Vice Sac Pack**: Adds more exposed carbon-fiber elements, magnesium wheels, and magnetic PDK paddles for crisp gear shifts. The pack also reduces the car’s weight by **19.47 kg**.
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## Driver-Focused Technology
The GT3 RS is designed to be driver-centric, with adjustments that can be made on-the-fly via four dials on the steering wheel:
- **Drive Modes**: Choose between Normal, Sport, and Track modes.
- **PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management)**: Adjust compression and rebound settings for both front and rear suspension individually.
- **PTV Plus ( Porsche Torque Vectoring )**: Fine-tune the car’s behavior on corner entry and exit.
- **ESC and Traction Control**: Seven stages of traction control, with the option to turn it off entirely in ESC mode.
The inclusion of a DRS system is another first for a production car, allowing drivers to adjust the rear wing’s angle for maximum speed or braking efficiency. This level of adjustability makes the GT3 RS a true driver’s car, capable of being tuned to suit any track condition.
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## Sound and Design: A Symphony of Speed
The GT3 RS doesn’t just look radical; it sounds like one too. The intake and exhaust system delivers a throaty growl that’s reminiscent of the **911 GT4** but with its own unique character. The car’s design, with its aggressive stance and aerodynamic elements, is as functional as it is beautiful.
Andreas Pöschl, Porsche’s lead engineer for the project, emphasizes that this car is built for the track, not just for show. Its design decisions—like the single radiator and active aero—are all about maximizing performance, even if that means sacrificing practicality in some areas (like frunk space).
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## The Future of Combustion Engines
With electric vehicles on the rise, the GT3 RS represents the pinnacle of internal combustion engine technology. Andreas Pöschl admits that the combustion engine’s shelf life is limited, but for now, Porsche is focused on squeezing every last drop of performance from this powertrain.
The new GT3 RS proves that there’s still room for innovation in the age of electric vehicles. Its combination of raw horsepower, advanced aerodynamics, and track-focused design sets a new benchmark for what a sports car can be.
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## Conclusion: A New Era for Porsche
The **911 GT3 RS** is more than just an evolution; it’s a statement. It represents the pinnacle of what Porsche can achieve with its iconic 911 platform, blending cutting-edge technology with timeless design. Whether you’re tackling the Nürburgring or enjoying a Sunday drive on your favorite backroad, this car delivers an experience like no other.
As Andreas Pöschl said, “This is as close to a race car as you can get with a license plate.” And for those lucky enough to own one, it’s an opportunity to own a piece of automotive history—one that will undoubtedly go down in the annals of motoring as one of the greatest 911s ever made.