The Porsche 911 is one of the most iconic and well-known sports cars in the world. To capitalize on its decades-long run of success, the automaker builds a dizzying number of 911 variants, including the track-oriented hardcore 911 GT3 RS. Building on the already-insane GT3, the RS is lighter, more powerful, and sharper in nearly every way. Today, Porsche announced the newest member of GT3 RS club, which hits the streets next year as a 2023 model.
Porsche says that cooling is the main link between the GT3 RS and the 911 GT3 R race car. Previous models featured three radiators, but the new GT3 RS gets a single central radiator mounted in the car’s nose where the frunk is located in other 911s. The change created additional space on the sides of the car, which the automaker filled with active aerodynamic bodywork. In addition to the car’s massive rear wing, the aero elements deliver more than 900 pounds of downforce at 124 mph – twice the amount generated by the previous GT3 RS.
The new car gets a Formula 1-inspired drag reduction system (DRS), which opens the rear wings on straight portions of the track to increase top speed and reduce aerodynamic drag. The system works in reverse during hard braking to create drag and slow the car.
Porsche scrutinized every part of the 911 GT3’s construction to gain as much speed and kill as much drag and weight as possible. The car’s suspension components are optimized with a teardrop shape to promote smooth airflow, and Porsche says the upgrades generate 88 pounds of downforce on the front axle.
Propulsion for the GT3 RS comes from a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine that generates 518 horsepower. It’s mated to a seven-speed Porsche PDK gearbox and can send the car to 60 mph from a standstill in 3.0 seconds. The GT3 RS’ top speed reaches 184 mph, and to bring everything back to a stop, Porsche equipped thicker 36 mm brake discs with larger diameter pistons. Forged 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels feature center-locking hubs, and the car comes with ultra-high-performance summer street tires.
To keep the car light, Porsche used carbon fiber reinforced plastics, bringing the curb weight down to just 3,268 pounds. The material is used in the doors, front quarter panels, roof, and hood, as well as throughout the interior to save weight.
The 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS will hit dealers’ lots in Spring 2023 with a starting price of $225,250, which includes a $1,450 destination charge. Most Porsche buyers spend considerable sums customizing and upgrading their cars, so the MSRP is just the beginning for the new GT3 RS.
