Coming to Geneva with 514 hp
If the 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 isn’t enough track car for you, the Stuttgart-based automaker is bringing back the RS designation for the 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, which makes its public debut in Geneva next month. Porsche claims the new car is the most powerful naturally aspirated 911 it’s ever produced, packing 514 hp and 346 lb-ft of torque.
The GT3 RS’ 4.0-liter flat-six is an evolution of the 2018 GT3’s engine that’s tuned to a higher degree. The RS makes 14 hp and 7 lb-ft more than the standard GT3 it’s based on, and gets the same plasma-coated cylinder liners, larger-diameter bearings for the crankshaft, larger connecting rod bearings, and rigid valvetrain shims as the regular GT3. But unlike that car, which has the option of a six-speed manual, the RS is available exclusively with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission that’s specially tuned for the more powerful engine. Porsche estimates the 2019 911 GT3 RS can sprint from 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds, a tenth of a second quicker than the previous RS. Meanwhile, top speed is capped at a modest 193 mph.
The GT3 RS gets all the same aero and lightweighting upgrades as the regular GT3, but also receives a carbon-fiber frunk lid and fenders, as well as a magnesium roof. The GT3 RS also inherits parts from the GT2 RS, including NACA ducts in the frunk lid that help with brake cooling and a larger front spoiler that works with the rear wing and diffuser to produce twice as much downforce as the standard GT3 at 124 mph. Underneath, the GT3 RS gets new helper springs at the front and rear axle as well as improved ball joints and a further refined rear steering system. The GT3 RS rides on 20×9.5-inch front and 21×12.5-inch rear forged alloy wheels wrapped in 265/35- and 325/30-size ultra-high performance tires, respectively.
Porsche also offers a $18,000 Weissach package that includes carbon-fiber front and rear anti-roll bars and coupling rods, a carbon-fiber roof, and carbon-fiber steering wheel trim and shift paddles for a total weight reduction of 13 pounds. For maximum weight savings, drivers can choose the optional $13,000 magnesium wheels that reduce weight by 25 pounds.
The 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS will arrive on U.S. dealer lots this fall starting at $188,550 including destination
Source: Porsche