The 911 Gt3 Rs is a road-legal, high-performance sports car that masterfully integrates technology and concepts derived directly from motorsport (911 GT3 RS: Fuel consumption* combined (WLTP) 13.2 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions* combined (WLTP) 299 g/km, CO₂ class G , CO₂ class weighted combined G ). Beyond its high-revving naturally aspirated engine with racing DNA and intelligent lightweight construction, the cooling and aerodynamic systems are what most profoundly link the 911 GT3 RS to its racing sibling, the 911 GT3 R.
Central Radiator Concept: The Key to Active Aerodynamics
A cornerstone of the 911 GT3 RS’s enhanced performance is its central radiator concept. This innovative idea, initially proven in the Le Mans-winning 911 RSR and subsequently adopted in the 911 GT3 R, marks a significant departure from conventional designs. Instead of the traditional three-radiator layout found in previous models, the new 911 GT3 RS features a single, large, angled center radiator positioned in the car’s nose, occupying the space typically reserved for the luggage compartment in other 911 variants. This strategic shift has liberated space on the sides, allowing for the integration of advanced active aerodynamic elements.
This redesigned cooling system paves the way for the 911 GT3 RS’s sophisticated active aerodynamics. Continuously adjustable wing elements at the front and a two-part rear wing work in concert with other aerodynamic refinements to generate an astounding 409 kg of total downforce at 200 km/h (124 mph). This remarkable figure signifies that the new 911 GT3 RS produces twice the downforce of its 991.2-generation predecessor and three times that of the current 911 GT3. As speed increases to 285 km/h (177 mph), the total downforce escalates to an incredible 860 kg (1896 lbs), ensuring exceptional stability and cornering prowess.
For the first time in a production Porsche, a drag reduction system (DRS) is incorporated. Activating DRS flattens the wings at the push of a button within a specific operating range, reducing drag and enabling higher speeds on straight track sections. Conversely, an airbrake function engages during hard braking from high speeds. Here, the wing elements at the front and rear maximize their angle, generating aerodynamic deceleration to significantly aid the wheel brakes.
The visual identity of the new 911 GT3 RS is strongly defined by its array of functional aerodynamic elements. The most striking feature is the swan-neck-supported rear wing, significantly enlarged in every dimension. This rear wing assembly comprises a fixed main wing and an upper, hydraulically adjustable element. Notably, the upper edge of the rear wing now sits higher than the car’s roofline – a first for a Porsche production vehicle. At the front, the 911 GT3 RS departs from the traditional front spoiler, opting instead for a front splitter that precisely divides airflow over and under the car. Sideblades are strategically employed to channel air outwards, while louvred openings in the front wings provide essential front wheel arch ventilation.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic Le Mans-winning 911 GT1, inlets positioned behind the front wheels serve to reduce dynamic pressure within the wheel arches. Sideblades aft of these inlets ensure directed airflow to the vehicle’s sides. Air exiting the central radiator is expelled through prominent nostrils on the front lid. Fins on the roof are designed to channel air outwards, contributing to cooler intake temperatures at the rear. In the new 911 GT3 RS, the openings in the rear side panel are exclusively dedicated to aerodynamic enhancement, not for engine air intake. The rear wheel arch also incorporates an intake and sideblade, further optimizing airflow. The rear diffuser, inherited from the 911 GT3, has been subtly refined for the RS application.
Track-Ready Suspension with Cockpit Adjustability
The suspension system of the 911 GT3 RS also benefits from aerodynamic considerations. Given the powerful airflows around the wheel arches, the components of the double-wishbone front axle feature teardrop-shaped profiles. These aerodynamically optimized links contribute approximately 40 kg of additional downforce on the front axle at top speed – a technology typically reserved for high-end motorsport. To accommodate the wider track (29 millimeters broader than the 911 GT3), the double-wishbone front axle links are proportionally longer.
To maintain balanced downforce between the front and rear axles during hard braking, suspension engineers have significantly reduced pitching under braking. This is achieved by positioning the front ball joint of the lower trailing arm lower on the front axle. The multi-link rear axle has also been fine-tuned with modified spring rates. Furthermore, the driver assistance systems and rear-axle steering feature an even more dynamic calibration in the 911 GT3 RS.
The 911 GT3 RS offers a selection of three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Track. Track mode unlocks individual adjustability of basic settings, including independent, multi-stage adjustment of rebound and compression damping for the front and rear axles. The rear differential can also be adjusted via rotary controls on the steering wheel. This intuitive and rapid adjustment system is another feature borrowed directly from motorsport. Four individual rotary controls and a button for the Drag Reduction System (DRS) are integrated into the steering wheel. Adjustments made via these controls are clearly visualized through graphics in the instrument cluster. The 911 GT3 RS also incorporates the track screen familiar from the 911 GT3. At the touch of a button, drivers can declutter the two seven-inch side displays, showing only essential driving information. Gearshift indicators positioned to the left and right of the analog tachometer are also adopted from the GT3.
High-Revving Four-Liter Six-Cylinder Boxer Engine
The 4.0-liter high-revving naturally aspirated engine (911 GT3 (2023): Fuel consumption* combined (WLTP) 13.0 – 12.9 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions* combined (WLTP) 294 – 293 g/km, CO₂ class G , CO₂ class weighted combined G ) in the 911 GT3 RS represents a further optimization compared to the 911 GT3. The power increase to 386 kW (525 PS) is primarily attributed to new camshafts with modified cam profiles. The single-throttle intake system and rigid valve drive are technologies derived from motorsport. The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission features a shorter overall gear ratio than in the 911 GT3. Underbody air intakes ensure the transmission can withstand extreme thermal loads encountered during frequent track use. The 911 GT3 RS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 3.2 seconds and achieves a top speed of 296 km/h (184 mph) in seventh gear.
For braking, the front axle employs aluminum monobloc fixed-caliper brakes with six pistons each and 408-mm diameter brake discs. Compared to the 911 GT3, piston diameters have increased from 30 to 32 mm, and disc thickness has grown from 34 to 36 mm. The rear axle continues to utilize 380-mm brake discs with four-piston fixed-caliper brakes. Optionally available Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) feature even larger 410-mm front and 390-mm rear discs. The new 911 GT3 RS comes standard with forged light-alloy center-lock wheels. Road-legal sports tires, sized 275/35 R 20 at the front and 335/30 R21 at the rear, ensure exceptional mechanical grip.
Lightweight Construction: A Core RS Principle
Intelligent lightweight construction is a fundamental principle ingrained in all RS models since the iconic 911 Carrera RS 2.7. Through extensive lightweighting measures, including the widespread use of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), the 911 GT3 RS achieves a DIN kerb weight of just 1,450 kg (3,197 lbs) despite its larger components. Doors, front wings, roof, and front lid are all crafted from CFRP. Lightweight CFRP is also employed within the interior, notably in the standard full bucket seats.
Clubsport and Weissach Packages: Further Customization
The interior of the new GT sports car embodies typical RS styling, characterized by black leather, Racetex, and carbon-weave finishes, creating a purist and sporty atmosphere. The 911 GT3 RS is available with the no-cost Clubsport package, which includes a steel rollover bar, a handheld fire extinguisher, and six-point seatbelts for the driver.
The Weissach package, available at an additional cost, expands upon this further. It includes carbon-weave finishes on the front lid, roof, parts of the rear wing, and upper exterior mirror shells. Front and rear anti-roll bars, rear coupling rods, and the shear panel on the rear axle are crafted from CFRP, further enhancing driving dynamics. For the first time, the rollover bar is also constructed from CFRP, saving approximately six kilograms compared to the steel version. A standout feature of the Weissach package is the PDK shift paddles incorporating motorsport-derived magnet technology. This system provides even more dynamic gear changes with a more precise pressure point and a distinct click. Optional magnesium forged wheels are also available with the Weissach package, reducing weight by an additional eight kilograms.
Exclusive Porsche Design Chronograph
Reflecting the motorsport ethos of ultimate precision, Porsche Design in Solothurn, Switzerland, has developed the 911 GT3 RS chronograph, an exclusive mechanical timepiece reserved for car owners. This watch features a glass-bead blasted case in natural or black titanium with a screw-down crown. At its heart is the mechanical Porsche Design chronograph caliber WERK 01.200, COSC-certified for exceptional accuracy.
Its flyback function enables users to start, stop, and reset the second hand with a single action. The chronograph pushers, laser-engraved with ‘Start/Stop’ and ‘Next Lap’, underscore the watch’s motorsport inspiration. Beyond innovations like the pulsometer scale on the bezel, the chronograph incorporates numerous design cues and materials from the 911 GT3 RS itself.
Info
The new 911 GT3 RS is available for order now, starting at €229,517 in Germany1.
1Recommended retail price with country-specific equipment and 19 per cent VAT
