Rumours have been flying around the internet for a few weeks now. Finally it is official, the new, limited edition Porsche GT3 RS 4,0.
Currently Porsche’s GT3 RS with its 3,8-litre engine that develops 331 kW and 430 N.m is seen as one of the highlights of the 911 range, not only now, but through its past.
Taking it one step further, Porsche has used its successful GT3 RSR race car as the foundation for this road going version. Not only is this new GT3 the highlight of the current 997-series 911 that will be replaced later this year, but it is already seen as possibly the best, in terms of sports cars, 911 ever.
Racecar engine
More important is the 4,0-litre flat six engine, the biggest unit yet to find its way into a 911. Delivering 368 kW at 8 250 r/min and 460 N.m at 5 750 r/min this engine can trace many of its roots to the race engine. Some of the parts of the racing car, such as the crankshaft have been lifted directly from the racecar’s engine.
The uphot is a hike in power and torque outputs to the tune of 37 kW and 30 N.m over the 3,8-litre GT3 RS. Porsche claims a 0,1 second improvement on this GT3’s acceleration time to 100 km/h of only 3,9 seconds. From standstill, 200 km/h is despatched in “under” 12 seconds, compared to the 3,8-litre GT3’s 12,2 seconds.
More good news, only a six-speed manual transmission will be connected to rear wheels.|
Acceleration is only one facet of the GT3 4,0-litre that has been improved. The aerodynamics have also been optimised with the addition of dive planes – a production first – which can be found on the front bumper. They increase the frontal downforce by up to 15 per cent. This was needed, according to project manager Andreas Preuninger, to keep the car’s balance in check under extreme driving scenarios. These changes have slightly increased the drag coefficient which in turn affects top speed, but when it’s still on the naughty side of 300 km/h, does it really matter?
Weight saving
In true RS tradition, weight saving measures has been implemented throughout the car. This includes lighter springs, carbon fibre fenders, luggage compartment hood and wing, plastic rear windows while even the carpets have come under scrutiny to save some weight. In total, this RS 4,0-litre dry weight is only 70 kg more than the Cup R racing car. Fuelled up and ready for the road it still only tips the scales at 1 360 kg.
Since the current GT3 RS 3,8 costs R1 910 000, expect to pay upwards of R2,1 million for the new 4,0-litre version. A spokesperson for Porsche South Africa confirmed that the first models will arrive around September.
Since only 600 will be built for the global market, you will have to be quick if you want to secure one.
