Porsche's track-focused 911 RS models are nothing short of legendary, but at present, the newest 992 generation car is lacking in these hardcore variants. 2022 should be the year that Porsche fixes that, as the new 992 GT3 RS has been spotted testing with minimal camouflage in Germany. Porsche has so far confirmed very little about the car, but what we do know is that they have a lot to live up to given the success of their previous line of GT3 RS models.
Unsurprisingly then, the 2022 car looks to be more extreme than ever, with a renewed focus on driving dynamics and handling as opposed to straight-line performance. That's not to say it won't be fast in a straight line of course: it's reported that the 0-60 time for the new hardcore 992 will be under 3 seconds. It's set to be the fastest naturally-aspirated 911 in Porsche's current lineup, and it'll surely be an absolute blast for the lucky few who can afford to buy one. So what exactly makes the GT3 RS so much better than its competition? Let's take a closer look and find out.
8 The Previous GT3 RS Was Insane
Before diving into the specs of the new car, it's worth taking a look at the previous generation GT3 RS to see exactly why Porsche has such a lot to live up to. The 991.2 GT3 RS produced a meaty 513 hp from its four-liter engine, and there wasn't an ounce of weight on the car that didn't need to be there.
An aggressive set of aero and a wider body meant that the 991.2 stuck to the ground like no other GT3 RS before it. Reviewers who got to test the car called it one of the most precise and engaging machines they'd ever driven.
7 There Will Be Even More Horsepower On Tap
Since the previous generation, 991.2 made 513 hp, it's almost certain that the 992 generation model will make comfortably over that amount. Porsche hasn't released any details on the exact figures yet, but it will use the same naturally-aspirated 4.0L flat-six that's available in the 'standard' GT3 shown here.
Porsche will likely be keen to give the new GT3 RS a power boost since the previous-gen car made 20 hp more than its predecessor. If Porsche adds the same amount of extra power, a rough estimate would put the 2022 GT3 RS making around 533 hp.
6 It's Being Developed On The Nurburgring
For any car to be at the top of its game, it needs to have gone through a lengthy and strict regime of testing. There's no better place to do that than the Nurburgring, which is why Porsche has decided to put the GT3 RS through its paces there.
Spy shots have been captured at the 'Ring that show the new car with minimal camouflage, giving everyone a good look at the aero and exterior changes. The car has been spotted several times on the circuit over the past year, so an even less camo'd likely pre-production variant will be spotted there in the coming months.
5 Even More Racing-Focused Aero
The current spy shots give a pretty good idea of what's going to be upgraded in terms of aero on the new car. A new set of vents can be found ahead of the doors, and there's a large rear diffuser that's covered by temporary plastic cladding on the test car.
There's also a huge rear wing, a common feature of racing-focused Porsches. It helps not only produce downforce but also helps the driver let everyone know that the car they're in is no ordinary 911.
4 A Super Lightweight 911
Carrying on the theme from previous GT3 RS models, the 2022 car will likely not have a single pound of weight in it that isn't absolutely essential. The standard GT3 model is already pretty extreme in this department, as it strips out the back seats and many of the unnecessary interior features.
It's likely with the GT3 RS that even the infotainment system will be taken out in a bid to shave off weight wherever possible. It'll make for a very spartan cabin, but it's not like drivers will notice when they're tearing around a track.
3 It Still Features RWD, Rumors Of A Manual Transmission
Purists will be delighted to know that the GT3 RS is still an RWD-only car, especially since many other 911 variants are now offered in AWD as standard. What's not clear however is if the car will be available with a manual gearbox option.
Some news outlets have reported that a manual option is on the cards but most disagree, stating that the only option available will be Porsche's PDK automatic gearbox. The previous generation GT3 RS was auto-only, so for now it seems like the PDK is the more likely option.
2 It's Coming Soon
Porsche enthusiasts won't have to wait too much longer for the new car to be fully unveiled, as reports say the car is scheduled for release in late 2022 or early 2023. The price of the car is currently unknown, but the chances are it'll be a significant hike over the previous generation model.
The price of a 991.2 generation GT3 RS was $188,500, but with this new model, the asking price may reach close to $200k. That's a lot of money for a 911, but then resale values on RS models are usually very strong.
1 Perhaps The Last Of Its Kind
With ever-tightening emissions restrictions across the world and the rise of EVs and hybrids, it's possible that the 992 GT3 RS might be the last of its kind. The next generation of the 911 after the 992 won't be arriving until the mid-2020s at the earliest, and by then the performance car industry could look quite different.
Porsche has seen great success with their electric Taycan, which managed to outsell the 911 during its first year on sale. The tides are changing for the global industry, so there's a chance that the new GT3 RS might be the last naturally aspirated, gasoline generation of the car. For those with the money, it's best to grab one quick while they're still around.