The Porsche 911 Gt3 RS is engineered to deliver uncompromising performance, directly translating motorsport technology into a road-legal, high-performance sports car. This new iteration of the 911 GT3 RS pushes boundaries further, drawing heavily from its racing sibling, the 911 GT3 R, particularly in cooling and aerodynamics. Beyond the signature high-revving naturally aspirated engine and intelligent lightweight construction, the advanced cooling and aerodynamic systems are pivotal in defining the unparalleled capabilities of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. (911 GT3 RS: Fuel consumption* combined (WLTP) 13.2 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions* combined (WLTP) 299 g/km, CO₂ class G , CO₂ class weighted combined G )
Central Radiator Concept: The Heart of Active Aerodynamics in the Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Inspired directly by motorsport engineering, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS adopts a central radiator concept, a design first proven in the Le Mans-winning 911 RSR and subsequently refined in the 911 GT3 R race car. Departing from the conventional three-radiator layout, this Porsche 911 GT3 RS features a single, large, angled center radiator positioned in the nose of the car, occupying the space typically reserved for the luggage compartment in other 911 models. This strategic shift creates valuable space on the sides, enabling the integration of sophisticated active aerodynamic elements that significantly enhance performance.
This innovative central radiator design is the cornerstone of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS‘s active aerodynamics. By freeing up space at the sides, Porsche engineers were able to implement continuously adjustable wing elements at the front and a two-part rear wing. These elements, working in concert with other aerodynamic enhancements, generate a staggering 409 kg of total downforce at 200 km/h. To put this into perspective, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS produces twice the downforce of its 991.2-generation predecessor and three times that of the current 911 GT3. As speed increases to 285 km/h, the total downforce escalates to an impressive 860 kg, ensuring exceptional stability and cornering prowess.
Further enhancing its track-focused capabilities, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS is the first production Porsche to feature a drag reduction system (DRS). Activated at the push of a button within a specified operating range, DRS flattens the wings to minimize drag and achieve higher speeds on straight sections of the track. Conversely, during hard braking at high speeds, the airbrake function is engaged. This function maximizes the angle of the wing elements at both the front and rear, generating significant aerodynamic deceleration to supplement the wheel brakes, ensuring optimal stopping power.
The visual identity of the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS is defined by its array of functional aerodynamic elements. The most striking feature is the swan-neck-supported rear wing, significantly enlarged in every dimension compared to previous models. This rear wing comprises a fixed main wing and a hydraulically adjustable upper wing element, working in tandem to optimize downforce and aerodynamic efficiency. In a groundbreaking design for a Porsche production vehicle, the upper edge of the rear wing now sits higher than the car’s roofline, underscoring the extreme performance focus of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. At the front, the traditional front spoiler is replaced by a front splitter that precisely divides airflow above and below the car. Strategically placed sideblades further channel air outwards, while louvred openings in the front wings provide essential front wheel arch ventilation.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic Le Mans-winning 911 GT1, inlets positioned behind the front wheels reduce dynamic pressure within the wheel arches. Sideblades aft of these inlets ensure that the released air is directed cleanly away from the vehicle’s sides. Air exiting the central radiator is expelled through prominent nostrils on the front lid. Roof-mounted fins further contribute to thermal management by directing air outwards, ensuring cooler intake temperatures for the engine at the rear.
In a departure from previous designs, the rear side panel openings on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS are dedicated solely to aerodynamic enhancement and do not serve as process air intakes. The rear wheel arch also incorporates an intake and sideblade to optimize airflow around the rear wheels. Completing the aerodynamic package, the rear diffuser, derived from the 911 GT3 and subtly refined, further manages airflow exiting the underbody.
Track-Optimized Suspension Adjustable from the Cockpit of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS
The suspension system of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS is meticulously engineered with aerodynamics in mind. Recognizing the powerful airflows within the wheel arches, the components of the double-wishbone front axle are designed with aerodynamically efficient teardrop-shaped profiles. These specialized links contribute approximately 40 kg of additional downforce on the front axle at top speed, a technology typically reserved for top-tier motorsport applications. To accommodate the wider track of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, which is 29 millimeters broader than the standard 911 GT3, the double-wishbone front axle links are correspondingly lengthened.
To maintain balanced downforce between the front and rear axles, particularly under heavy braking, suspension engineers have significantly reduced pitching. This is achieved by lowering the front ball joint of the lower trailing arm on the front axle. The multi-link rear axle has also been refined with adjusted spring rates. Furthermore, the driver assistance systems and rear-axle steering are calibrated for an even more dynamic performance envelope.
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS offers three distinct driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Track. Track mode unlocks the full customization potential, allowing drivers to fine-tune basic settings to their preferences and track conditions. Notably, rebound and compression damping for the front and rear axles can be adjusted independently across multiple stages. The rear differential is also adjustable via rotary controls on the steering wheel. This intuitive, motorsport-derived operating and display concept allows for quick adjustments without disrupting the driving experience.
Four individual rotary controls and a dedicated button for the Drag Reduction System (DRS) are integrated into the steering wheel. Adjustments made via these rotary controls are clearly visualized through graphics in the instrument cluster. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS also features the track screen already familiar from the 911 GT3. At the touch of a button, the driver can declutter the digital displays on the two seven-inch side screens, displaying only essential driving information. Gearshift indicators positioned to the left and right of the analogue tachometer are another direct carryover from the 911 GT3, further emphasizing the shared motorsport DNA.
High-Revving Four-Liter Six-Cylinder Boxer Engine in the Porsche 911 GT3 RS
The heart of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a further optimized 4.0-liter high-revving naturally aspirated engine (911 GT3 (2023): Fuel consumption* combined (WLTP) 13.0 – 12.9 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions* combined (WLTP) 294 – 293 g/km, CO₂ class G , CO₂ class weighted combined G ) compared to the standard 911 GT3. Power output is increased to 386 kW (525 PS) primarily through the implementation of new camshafts with modified cam profiles. The single-throttle intake system and rigid valve drive are technologies directly derived from motorsport, ensuring optimal engine responsiveness and high-RPM performance. The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission features a shorter overall gear ratio than in the 911 GT3, further enhancing acceleration. Air intakes on the underbody ensure the transmission can withstand the extreme thermal loads encountered during frequent track use. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 3.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 296 km/h in seventh gear.
For exceptional braking performance, the front axle utilizes aluminum monobloc fixed-calliper brakes with six pistons each and brake discs measuring 408 mm in diameter. Compared to the 911 GT3, the piston diameters have been increased from 30 to 32 mm, and the disc thickness has grown from 34 to 36 mm. The rear axle continues to employ 380-mm brake discs and four-piston fixed-calliper brakes. Optionally, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS can be equipped with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), featuring even larger 410-mm front and 390-mm rear discs. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS comes standard with forged light-alloy center-lock wheels, shod with road-legal sports tires measuring 275/35 R 20 at the front and 335/30 R21 at the rear, ensuring maximum mechanical grip.
Lightweight Construction: A Core Principle of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Intelligent lightweight construction has been a defining characteristic of RS models since the legendary 911 Carrera RS 2.7. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS continues this tradition, employing extensive lightweight construction measures, including the widespread use of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic). Despite its larger components and enhanced features, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS weighs in at a mere 1,450 kg (kerb weight according to DIN). Components crafted from CFRP include the doors, front wings, roof, and front lid. Lightweight CFRP is also utilized within the interior, notably in the standard full bucket seats.
Clubsport and Weissach Packages: Further Customization for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS
The interior of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS reflects its racing pedigree, finished in typical RS style with black leather, Racetex, and carbon-weave trim creating a purist, sporty ambience. The Clubsport package is available at no additional cost and enhances track readiness with a steel rollover bar, a hand-held fire extinguisher, and six-point seat belts for the driver.
The Weissach package, available at an additional cost, takes lightweight construction and performance optimization even further. It includes a carbon-weave finish for the front lid, roof, parts of the rear wing, and upper mirror shells. Front and rear anti-roll bars, rear coupling rods, and the shear panel on the rear axle are also upgraded to CFRP, further enhancing driving dynamics. The rollover bar, constructed from CFRP for the first time, saves approximately six kilograms compared to the steel version. A standout feature of the Weissach package is the PDK shift paddles with motorsport-derived magnet technology, delivering even more dynamic gear changes with a more precise pressure point and distinct click. Optional magnesium forged wheels, available with the Weissach package, reduce weight by an additional eight kilograms.
Exclusive Porsche Design Chronograph for Porsche 911 GT3 RS Owners
Reflecting the motorsport-driven precision of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Porsche Design in Solothurn, Switzerland, has developed an exclusive 911 GT3 RS chronograph. This mechanical timepiece is reserved exclusively for owners of the car. It features a glass-bead blasted case in natural or black titanium with a screw-down crown. Powering the watch is the mechanical Porsche Design chronograph calibre WERK 01.200, COSC-certified for its exceptional accuracy.
The chronograph incorporates a flyback function, enabling start, stop, and reset of the second hand with a single action. Laser engravings of ‘Start/Stop’ and ‘Next Lap’ on the chronograph pushers highlight its motorsport inspiration. Design elements and materials from the Porsche 911 GT3 RS are subtly integrated, including a pulsometer scale on the bezel, connecting the watch directly to the car it celebrates.
Info
The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS is available for order now, starting at €229,517 in Germany1.
1Recommended retail price with country-specific equipment and 19 per cent VAT
