Porsche is now providing the sharper RS version to accompany the 911 GT3, which will be launched in spring 2021. The 911 GT3 RS, the new sporty top model in the series, is celebrating its world premiere.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Porsche
The road-legal 911 GT3 RS high-performance sports car makes more consistent use of technologies and principles from motorsport than the GT3. In addition to the high-revving naturally aspirated engine and intelligent lightweight design, it is above all the cooling and aerodynamic concept that proves its kinship with its motorsport brother, the 911 GT3 R.
According to Porsche, the basis for the significant increase in performance is the center radiator concept, which was first used in the Le Mans class-winning 911 RSR and subsequently in the 911 GT3 R as well. Instead of the previous layout with three radiators, the new 911 GT3 RS relies on a large, angled center radiator in the front of the car. This is positioned where the trunk is located on other 911 models. This makes it possible to use the space freed up at the side to integrate active aerodynamic elements.
DRS system and active aerodynamics
Continuously adjustable wing elements at the front and on the two-part rear wing, in combination with other aerodynamic measures, are intended to provide 409 kg of total downforce at 200 km/h. This means that the new 911 GT3 RS generates twice as much downforce as its predecessor (Type 991 II) and three times as much as a current 911 GT3. At 285 km/h, total downforce is 860 kg.
For the first time, a Drag Reduction System (DRS) is installed in a production Porsche. For the benefit of low drag and higher speed on straight sections of the track, the DRS allows the wings to be flattened at the push of a button within a defined operating range. In the event of emergency braking from high speeds, the airbrake function is activated: The wing elements at the front and rear are set to maximum and thus generate an aerodynamic deceleration effect that significantly supports the wheel brakes.
Aerodynamic elements shape body design
Functional aerodynamic elements characterize the body design of the new 911 GT3 RS. The most prominent feature of the GT sports car is the rear wing with gooseneck suspension, which has grown significantly in all dimensions. This consists of a fixed main wing and an upper, hydraulically adjustable wing element.
Another first in a Porsche production vehicle, the upper edge of the rear wing is higher than the roof. In addition, the nose section of the 911 GT3 RS no longer has a front spoiler, but a so-called front splitter that divides the air flowing over and underneath. Sideblades are designed to direct the air outwards in a targeted manner. Front wheel arch ventilation is via openings (louvers) in the fenders.
Drafts behind the front wheels in the style of the Le Mans overall winner 911 GT1 reduce the dynamic pressure in the wheel arch. Sideblades behind the intake ensure that the air is directed to the side of the vehicle. Air from the center radiator flows out through large nostrils on the front hood. Fins on the roof direct the air outwards, ensuring cooler intake temperatures at the rear.
In the new 911 GT3 RS, the openings in the rear side panel are used exclusively to improve aerodynamics and not to draw in process air. The rear wheel arch also features an intake and a sideblade for optimized airflow. The diffuser at the rear comes from the 911 GT3 and has been slightly adapted.
Circuit-track suspension adaptable from the cockpit
The aerodynamic detail work is also noticeable in the chassis. Since the wheel arch of the new 911 GT3 RS is subject to strong airflow, the components of the double wishbone front suspension are designed as teardrop profiles. These aero control arms increase downforce on the front axle by around 40 kg at top speed. Because of the wider track (plus 29 mm compared with the 911 GT3), the double wishbone front suspension links are also correspondingly longer.
To ensure that the downforce balance between the front and rear axles is maintained even when braking from high speeds, the suspension engineers have significantly reduced pitching (Antidive). On the front axle of the 911 GT3 RS, the front ball joint of the lower trailing arm was therefore moved downwards. The multi-link rear axle was also adjusted with modified spring rates. The driving assistance systems and rear-axle steering also have an even more dynamic set-up here.
The 911 GT3 RS offers three driving modes: Normal, Sport and Track. In Track mode, the basic settings can be individually adjusted. Among other things, the compression and rebound stages of the dampers on the front and rear axles can be adjusted separately and in several stages. The rear-axle cross-lock can also be adjusted via rotary controls on the steering wheel. There are four individual rotary controls on the steering wheel as well as a button for the Drag Reduction System (DRS). The 911 GT3 RS also features the track screen already familiar from the 911 GT3.
4-l six-cylinder boxer engine with high-revving concept
The 4-l high-revving naturally aspirated engine has been further optimized compared with the 911 GT3. The increase in power to 386 kW (525 PS) is achieved primarily via new camshafts with modified cam profiles. The single-throttle intake system and the rigid valve train are derived from motorsport. The PDK (Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, dual-clutch transmission) with seven gears has a shorter overall gear ratio than in the 911 GT3. The 911 GT3 RS accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.2 s and reaches a top speed of 296 km/h in seventh gear.
Aluminum monobloc fixed caliper brakes with six pistons each and brake discs with a diameter of 408 mm are used on the front axle. The rear axle continues to be fitted with 380 mm brake discs and four-piston fixed caliper brakes. The optionally available Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) has 410 mm discs on the front axle and 390 mm discs on the rear axle. As standard, the new 911 GT3 RS rolls on forged light-alloy wheels with central locking.
Extensive use of CFRP
Thanks to numerous lightweight design measures such as the extensive use of CFRP, the 911 GT3 RS is said to weigh just 1450 kg (curb weight according to DIN) despite many larger components. The doors, front fenders, roof and front lid, for example, are made of CFRP. Lightweight CFRP is also used in the interior, for example in the standard full bucket seats.
Available with Clubsport and Weissach packages
The 911 GT3 RS is available with the Clubsport package at no extra charge. This includes, among other things, a steel roll bar, a hand-held fire extinguisher and a six-point seat belt for the driver’s side. With the optional Weissach package, the front lid, roof, parts of the rear wing and the upper shell of the exterior mirrors are finished in visible carbon. The front and rear stabilizer bars, the rear coupling rods and the thrust field on the rear axle are made of CFRP. The roll bar, which is made of CFRP for the first time, saves around 6 kg in weight compared with the steel variant. The Weissach package also includes PDK shift paddles with magnet technology from motorsport. Optionally available with the Weissach package are magnesium forged wheels, which are said to provide a weight saving of 8 kg.