Porsche unveils most potent road-going track weapon

Porsche has unveiled its most potent track weapon yet at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show. Like before, the latest 911 GT3 RS is a road-legal machine that is equipped with the marque's best track technologies to date that is harnessed from its motorsports effort.

Sitting at the top of the GT road car lineup, the GT3 RS boasts extensive modifications to the drive system, aerodynamics and lightweight design that enhance performance beyond that of the 911 GT3. The result is a lap time of 7 minutes and 20 seconds around the Nurgburgring circuit, which is even quicker than that of the Carrera GT super sports car.

Propelling the new GT3 RS is a 4.0-litre flat-six engine with 500bhp and 460Nm of torque, that is coupled to a tweaked version of the PDK dual-clutch gearbox.

The engine, which has the largest displacement and most power of any naturally aspirated power unit with direct fuel injection in the 911 family, accelerates the GT3 RS from 0 to 100km/h in 3.3 seconds and on to 200 km/h in 10.9 seconds. 

Expectedly, the GT3 RS also features a slew of lightweight design. For the first time, the roof panel is made of magnesium, with carbon fibre used for the engine and luggage compartment lids. This makes the RS model around 10kg lighter than the 911 GT3. In addition, the lightweight roof lowers the sports car's centre of gravity which improves its excellent lateral dynamic reponses.

The distinctive, wide-arched bodyshell is derived from the 911 Turbo, and it signifies its status as a race track-oriented driving machine with a number of RS-specific aerodynamic add-on components. The front spoiler lip, which extends nearly to the road, and the large rear wing, reinforce its dominant look.