Porsche has unleashed the ultimate 911 at Geneva: it breaks down the barrier
between road-going sports cars and race cars. The 2016 911 GT3 RS is equipped
with the maximum amount of motorsport technology that is currently possible in a
street-legal 911 suitable for everyday driving. Extensive modifications to its
drivetrain, aerodynamics, and lightweight design take performance to an even
higher level than the 911 GT3.
With a Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time of seven minutes and 20 seconds, the
new 911 GT3 RS surpasses the 911 GT3 by five seconds, making it the fastest
current generation 911 on the famous German racetrack.
The 911 GT3 RS can be ordered now, and it will launch in the U.S. in early July
of 2015. In the United States, the MSRP is $175,900, not including a $995
destination charge.
911 GT3-Based Interior
The interior design of the 911 GT3 RS with Alcantara elements is based on the
current 911 GT3. One key new feature is the full bucket seats, which are based
on the carbon bucket seats from the 918 Spyder. The optional Sport Chrono
Package features - in addition to its integrated timers - the Porsche Track
Precision app for smartphone use. The Track Precision app can be used to have
times automatically measured via GPS, and to log data on a smartphone for many
driving parameters such as vehicle speed, lateral acceleration as well as
deceleration and acceleration in the driving direction. It manages this data and
lets the driver share and compare it with results from other drivers.
Engine: 500 Horsepower and 338 lb-ft of Torque
The 2016 911 GT3 RS is powered by a four-liter six-cylinder engine developing
500 hp and 338 lb-ft of torque, combined with a specially developed 7-speed PDK
transmission. The engine has the largest displacement and most power of any
naturally aspirated engine with direct fuel injection in the 911 family,
accelerating the high-performance sports car from zero to 60 miles per hour in
3.1 seconds and propelling it through the quarter mile on the track in 11.2
seconds. Functions such as declutching by "paddle neutral" - which is comparable
to pressing the clutch with a conventional manual gearbox - and speed limiting
via the Pit Speed button have been adapted from motorsport use. They give
drivers more freedom in terms of driving dynamics, while providing them with a
maximum level of control and engagement.
Magnesium Roof
The roof of the 911 GT3 RS is made of magnesium; carbon fiber is used for the
engine and luggage compartment lids, and other components are made of weight
saving materials. This makes the RS model around 22 pounds (10 kilograms)
lighter than the 911 GT3. Furthermore, the lightweight roof lowers the sports
car's center of gravity which improves its already excellent lateral dynamics.
The body comes from the 911 Turbo, and it
signifies its status as a race-inspired driving machine with its RS-specific
aerodynamic enhancements. The front spoiler lip, which sits close to the ground,
and the large rear wing reinforce its dominant look.
Rear-Axle Steering, Torque Vectoring Plus
The chassis of the 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS has been tuned for maximum driving
dynamics and precision. Rear-axle steering and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus
with fully variable rear axle differential lock increases agility and dynamics,
and the wider track in front and at the rear reduces body roll even further than
in the 911 GT3. In addition, the 911 GT3 RS comes with the widest tires of any
911 model. The results: even more agile turn-in characteristics, even sharper
steering response, and even greater cornering speeds.
