By Malusi Msomi

As Porsche celebrates 50 years of “RS” they have unveiled their new 992 GT3 RS, and they mean business. The most extreme road-going supercar has numerous upgrades such as aero and cooling.

Powering the new GT3 RS is a high revving 4.0-litre flat-six that produces 386 kW thanks to new camshafts with modified cam profiles, single-throttle intake system and the rigid valve drive derived from motorsport. It sends its power to the rear wheels via a 7-speed PDK transmission. The 911 GT3 RS accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 296 km/h.

Porsche has done away with the three-radiator set-up in favour of a one large central radiator layout. This means the front trunk is gone to accommodate the radiator. At 200 km/h, continuously adjustable wing elements in the front and the two-part rear wing, combined with several other aerodynamic measures, provide 409 kg of total downforce. This means the new 911 GT3 RS has twice the downforce of its 991.2-generation predecessor and three times the downforce of a current 911 GT3. Total downforce is 860 kg at 285 km/h. Stopping power comes courtesy of six-piston at the front and four-piston at the rear , with and option of larger Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake system.

A drag reduction system (DRS) is fitted in a production Porsche for the first time. To achieve low drag and higher speeds on straight sections of the track, the DRS allows the wings to be flattened out at the push of a button, within a specific operating range. The airbrake function is activated during emergency braking at high speeds: the wing elements at the front and rear are set to maximum, creating an aerodynamic deceleration effect that significantly supports the wheel brakes.

The GT3 weighs in at 1,450 kg thanks to Thanks to an array of lightweight construction measures such as the extensive use of CFRP. The doors, front wings, roof and front lid, for example, are made from CFRP. Lightweight CFRP is also used in the interior, for example in the standard full bucket seats. Porsche also offers two packages with the GT3 RS, a Clubsport package and a Weissach pack. The Clubsport package comes with a steel rollover bar, a hand-held fire extinguisher and six-point seat belts for the driver at no extra cost.

The Weissach package however comes at an extra cost. A carbon-weave finish can be found on the front lid, roof, parts of the rear wing, and the upper shell of the exterior mirrors. The front and rear anti-roll bars, rear coupling rods, and shear panel on the rear axle are all made of CFRP and contribute to improved driving dynamics. The rollover bar is made of CFRP for the first time, saving approximately six kilograms over the steel version. The PDK shift paddles with motorsport-derived magnet technology are another highlight of the Weissach package. Because of a more precise pressure point and a clearly discernible click, gear changes become even more dynamic. Magnesium forged wheels are available as an option with the Weissach package, saving an additional eight kilograms.

Inside the GT3 RS is finished in typical RS fashion: black leather, Racetex, and a carbon-weave finish characterize the purist, sporting atmosphere. The Clubsport package is included at no extra cost with the 911 GT3 RS. A steel rollover bar, a hand-held fire extinguisher, and six-point seat belts for the driver are included.

Pricing for the new 911 GT3 RS starts from R 4 153 000 and a 3 year/100 000km drive plan.