New Porsche 911 GT3 RS unveiled with more aero, tech, and power!

The ultimate trackday weapon. Effectively, that is what the new 992-gen Porsche 911 GT3 RS is. Unveiled online ahead of its public debut at this week’s Monterey Car Week, Porsche has turned things up all the way to 11 with its latest road-going trackday special.

We’ll begin with the mechanical bits and, as with past RS models, the new GT3 RS is motivated by an uprated version of the 911 GT3’s heart. In this new 992-gen model’s case, the naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six mounted at the rear has been fettled quite a bit.

New camshafts and tweaked cam profiles sees this mill rev all the way up to 9,000 rpm, and it now delivers 525 ps (517hp). No signs of a manual transmission option though as Porsche has paired this mill with its signature 7-speed PDK dual-clutch box. There’s also a new electronically adjustable differential system that can be dialled in on the fly through a new dedicated knob on the steering wheel.

Weighing in at a scarcely believable 1,450 kg in total, the new 911 GT3 RS will dispatch 0-100 kmh in just 3.2 secs whilst enroute towards its claimed V-max of 296 kmh.

Much of this newfound speed isn’t just fuelled by the uprated powertrain and richer use of lightweight materials. Porsche were keen to highlight the extensive aerodynamic development the new GT3 RS underwent. According to Porsche, the new 911 GT3RS generates twice the amount of downforce of its 991-based predecessor, and triple that of the regular 911 GT3 slotted below it.

There’s now fins on the roof, larger wheel arch lourves plus new exit vents for the front wheels, as well as a more streamlined mono radiator layout up front. Even the doors, which are now made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP), have been redesigned to accommodate the new vents.

Of course, the highlight is the new front and rear active aerodynamic system present. There’s adjustable flaps tucked away within the front end of the GT3 RS. It works in tandem with a new and massive carbon fibre rear wing equipped with actuators to alter its angle of attack. Effectively, this sees the rear wing offer both an F1-style drag-reduction system (DRS) through the press of a button, as well as an air brake.

Speaking of brakes, Porsche’s signature carbon ceramic composite brakes (PCCB) are available as an option on top of the standard aluminium monobloc types. Whilst the latter sees its rotors measure 408 mm up front and 380 mm at the rear, the former optional items are slightly larger at 410 mm and 390 mm instead. No matter which you opt for, all are grabbed by six-piston (front) and quad-piston calipers (rear).

As for suspension, Porsche have equipped the new GT3 RS with a new and uprated electronic active suspension suite. The system has been extensively uprated to keep up with the GT3 RS’s extreme new levels of downforce and speed, and it can be adjusted on the fly via another dedicated knob on the steering wheel too.

In terms of wheels and tyres, the new GT3 RS rolls on forged light-alloy wheels with centre-locking that measure 20-inches up front and 21-inches at the rear. These are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber measuring 275/35 (front) and 335/30 (rear).

On board, the new 911 GT3 RS sees its cabin furnished with a pair of carbon fibre seats and a myriad of lightweight trim materials plus a steel roll cage – part of the standard-equipped Clubsport package.

Opt for the optional Weissach Package and the GT3 RS gets more carbon fibre exterior parts, carbon fibre roll cage, CFRP anti-roll bars, rear coupling rods and rear axle shear panel too. This package also sees an uprated version of the PDK transmission brimmed with race-derived magnet technology for quicker shifts, as well as a swap for forged magnesium wheels.

All in all, it's plain to see that the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS has taken the term ‘racecar for the road’ on to a new and significantly higher level, and it comes at a justifiably steep price. In Germany, the new 911 GT3 RS commands a starting price of €229,517, or approximately RM1,042,588.54. Said price does include a matching Porsche Design timepiece as well.

Locally, expect the latter figure to read at least twice that with taxes and duties factored in should you place an order with Porsche Malaysia (Sime Darby Auto Performance). Check out more images of the new 992-gen Porsche 911 GT3 RS in the extensive gallery prepared below.