In the early 1900s, Ferdinand Porsche designed the first hybrid electric-gasoline car. Later, due to tough economic conditions back in the day, he had to use Volkswagen parts found within the Beetle to make his own cars. Nowadays, the brand is the master of sports car racing.
With thousands of race victories, no other company can keep up with Porsche on the track. The Porsche 911 posters have adorned many car enthusiasts' bedroom walls. On top of 17 Le Mans triumphs, Porsche has taken 11 Targa Florio wins and 2 Dakar Rally wins. In Formula One, Porsche has one Grand Prix victory. There is not much they haven't won.
The 911 GT3 RS is a high-performance version of the 911. The line began back in the early 70s with the 911 Carrera RS. The first GT3 was introduced in 1999. Here are 15 incredible things about the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
15 4.0-Liter Flat-Six Engine
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is powered by a 4.0-liter flat-six naturally aspirated engine that delivers 520 hp. This is possible due to the raised rev limit of 9 000 rpm. This makes the new car one of the best sounding vehicles. The GT3 RS can get from 0 to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds.
14 Lightweight Design
Carbon-fiber reinforced plastic is the main body material. Front fenders, front lid, and the rear wing are made of it. Other lightweight materials include polyurethane for the skirts, magnesium for the roof and titanium for the exhaust. Large front air intakes with titanium grille are optimized for aerodynamic downforce.
13 PDK Sport Mode
PDK Sport Mode adds a button that you can press to choose a drivetrain setup that enhances sporty performance. As the company says, "the engine dynamics become even more direct." This mode automatically activates the sports exhaust system. PDK stands for the Doppelkupplung, the system that makes sure that upshifts happen at higher engine speeds.
12 New Aerodynamic Features
The car features new NACA air intakes on the CFRP front lid. They transfer air to the brakes without compromising the drag coefficient. The company says that the intakes were developed by the precursor to NASA. In other words, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS is made with real space technologies.
11 The Weissach Package
With the Weissach Package, you get even more engine power and an even lighter car. The weight is reduced by 18 kg. The company used carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic to improve anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles, the roof and coupling rods. You can get optional magnesium wheels painted in exclusive Platinum color.
10 Sports Exhaust System
The sports exhaust system consists of "two front silencers, two catalytic converters, one rear silencer and two central tailpipes made of titanium." This system reduces exhaust backpressure and increases power output. This system is connected to the Lambda sensors that regulate the composition of the gas in every exhaust tract.
9 Rear-Axle Steering
Rear-axle steering comes as standard and works together with the electromechanical adjustment system. It automatically adapts the steering angle based on the steering input and speed. At low speeds, going through a tight corner becomes easier, while maneuvering offers a more dynamic experience. At high speeds, the system ensures driving stability.
8 Dynamic Engine Mounts
Dynamic engine mounts is a system that reduces vibrations in the drivetrain, and offers the benefits of both soft and hard engine mounting setup. It delivers handling precision. As the company says, their engineers enabled "the stiffness and damping performance of the engine mounts to adapt to changes in driving style and road surface conditions."
7 Porsche Active Suspension Management
Porsche Active Suspension Management is an optional system that monitors and adjusts the damping force on the wheels. It uses sensors to analyze road conditions and your driving style. PASM adds new driving modes: Normal and Sport. The first one combines performance with comfort. The 2nd one has a much firmer setup.
6 Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus
Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus is a system that improves stability and driving dynamics. It works together with the rear differential lock and controls torque distribution to the rear wheels. The system monitors the steering angle and speed, yaw rate and accelerator pedal position to optimize steering precision by applying brake pressure to the right wheel.
5 The Front-Axle Lift System
The front-axle lift system is an option that "reduces the new 911 GT3 RS 30 mm at the front end." The result is minimized risks of grounding on ramps and car park entrances. In the past, the system worked pneumatically. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is the first Porsche car that has the hydraulic system.
4 Special Race Track Tires
The 911 GT3 RS is the first Porsche car that got tires specifically developed for the race track. To be more exact, the car features 265/35 ZR 20 tires on 9.5 J × 20 wheels at the front, and 325/30 ZR 21 tires on 12.5 J × 21 wheels at the rear.
3 Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake is an option that features 6-piston fixed brake calipers on the front axle and 4-piston calipers at the rear. They deliver braking forces that are more powerful and consistent. The system allows for shorter braking distances in tough road conditions. Porsche mentions excellent fade resistance and improved safety.
2 Porsche Side Impact Protection System
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS offers advanced Side Impact Protection System that consists of little protection elements in the doors and airbags. There is a new thorax airbag in the side bolster plus an innovative head airbag in the door panels. The airbags are inflated in 2 stages, depending on the accident.
1 The Clubsport Package
The Clubsport Package is available at no extra cost for the 911 GT3 RS. This is a "thank you" gift from Porsche to racing enthusiasts. The package offers a roll cage bolted to the bodywork as well as the new shoulder belt design and HANS safety unit. You will also get a fire extinguisher.