Porsche 911 GT2 RS

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The Best Porsche Engines Ever Made

Collectively, Porsche is arguably our favorite automaker here at supercars.net, and they are most certainly my personal preference. My fanaticism is born from places far beyond the scope of the Stuttgart automaker’s most recent renditions; a storied history of motorsports success and automotive savant-ism are responsible for producing some of the greatest automobiles ever to grace our planet over the past many decades.

I think most of us would agree that the greatest cars are a product of the engines that power them. Now, one would be forgiven for assuming that the greatest Porsche cars—and as such, the greatest Porsche engines—is a shortlist dominated by the Porsche 911 flagship model, but I’m pleased to say that this list we’ve compiled is a little more diverse than that.

I believe every entry here is no less deserving of recognition than any of the others. Even so, I’ve thrown in a couple that are bound to be highly controversial too. Hint: one doesn’t use petrol, and the other never featured in any Porsche production road cars. Oh no!

Here are the Best Porsche Engines Ever Made.

Porsche M97.74 Engine

Appearing in the 997.2 GT3 RS 4.0, this truly special engine was the swan song for both the 997-generation (2005-2012) of Porsche 911 cars, as well as the Mezger engine design.

Borrowing a number of components from the RSR race car, the 3.8L engine in the ‘regular’ 997 GT3 RS was then upgraded to a 4.0L flat-6 (hence the name), which produced 500 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, while having an astronomical 8,500 rpm redline.

So convincing was this move, even to Porsche’s own brass, that the following two generations (991 and 992) of 911 cars would continue to employ the 4.0L naturally-aspirated engine in the GT3 lineup, proving that the ‘godfather’ RS 4.0 was also well ahead of its time.

With the proliferation of PDK transmissions, amongst other safety-centric technological advancements, many consider the M97.74 and the GT3 RS 4.0 it powered, to be the final rendition of the purists’ GT3 RS.

Porsche 980/01 Engine

What makes the Porsche Carrera GT engine so special is that it is technically a race car engine. Not in that loosely-based sense—as is often used as a gimmick by salespeople—but in the true sense of the word.

In the late 1990s, Porsche engineers in Zuffenhausen were assigned the task of developing a naturally-aspirated V10 concept engine, which was to later be used in a race car for the infamous 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. Sadly, the completion of that race car never came to fruition, but the efforts of the engine builders would not go to waste.

Porsche decided to adapt the engine for use in the Carrera GT. They not only refined the engine to satisfy production car protocols but also managed to make it a more powerful version than the original unit.

The result is a 5.7L naturally-aspirated V10 engine, which produces 612 hp @ 8,000 rpm and 435 lb-ft of torque @ 5,750 rpm. This allowed the Carrera GT to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and 0-100 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 205 mph.

Porsche MDH.NA Engine

Suffice to say, the 991 GT2 RS is the absolute peak of 6-cylinder performance. The GT2 RS in its entirety is more closely based on a Turbo S than it is to its closest GT relative, the 911 GT3 RS.

After all, at the heart of the GT2 is a revamped version of the Turbo S engine (known as MDH.NA), while the GT3 has its own unique naturally-aspirated 4.0L power plant. The 3.8L flat-6 was fitted with larger variable-geometry turbos and was given an increase in peak boost to 22.5 psi, which is 24% higher than the Turbo S.

Larger intercoolers, a water-spray system, larger exhaust manifold primaries and redesigned pistons work in synergy with the aforementioned to provide the GT2 RS with 700 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm and 553 lb-ft of torque.

Porsche has long buried the traditional notion of “turbo-lag” in its cars with VarioCam Plus, and the GT2 RS is no different, making peak torque from 2,250 rpm to 4,000 rpm. This helped the GT2 RS to a production car record at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, where it set a lap time of 6:43.300.

Porsche 911/83 Engine

The 911/83 is our lone air-cooled-production-engine entry on this list, and is our pick out of all the amazing air-cooled options out there. Apart from that being in the interest of keeping this list compact and more easily digestible, there’s also some good reasoning behind this, as it was responsible for powering none other than the legendary 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS.

This partnership between the 2.7 RS and its 911/83 engine culminated in the fastest production 911 of its time, and is considered to this day to be one of the best Porsche road cars ever produced.

Made for the purposes of homologation, the 2.7 RS and its 210 hp 2,687 cc engine—benefitting from the experience gained during the 917 racing program—elevated the 911 into the 2,500 cc–3,000 cc racing class, where it could compete with heavyweight opposition such as Ferrari Daytonas and DeTomaso Panteras.

Initially, the 2.7 RS was not legal in the U.S. for anything other than racing use or car shows. As a European-spec road-race car, it lacked virtually all of the emissions equipment required. Fortunately, the EPA would eventually relax emissions standards enough to allow Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS owners to legally drive these cars on public roads, some years later.

Porsche TTE P01 (TAG Turbo) Engine

These days, Porsche and Formula One are names that are hardly synonymous with one another; but once upon a time, this was certainly the case. The Porsche-TAG TTE P01 engine—commonly referred to as the TAG Turbo—was an engine developed by Porsche and funded by TAG (yes, that TAG), specially for use by the McLaren F1 team in the mid-1980s.

The TAG Turbo was a 1.5L twin-turbocharged V6 engine which produced anywhere between 750 hp–1,000 hp depending on the selected tune, and was fitted to the McLaren MP4/2 and MP4/3 race cars.

Porsche-philes will be happy to learn that the engine actually did feature in a Porsche 930 Turbo, though this lone example strictly served as a test mule and no production versions of this amalgamation were ever made.

That’s probably a good thing, considering that the powerplant could rev in excess of 10,000 rpm, forgoing almost any possibility of it becoming a road-going model—at least one which could be kept compliant within road laws, emission standards and amateur-level driving abilities.

Between 1984 and 1987, the McLarens that were powered by the TAG Turbo would win 3 Drivers’ Championships and 2 Constructors’ Titles, with race driving legends such as Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, and Keke Rosberg behind their wheels.

Needless to say, Porsche’s brief appearance in Formula One is one which provides more than just an easter-egg of a cameo; in fact, their contribution is a pretty significant one.

Porsche Dual Permanent Magnetic Synchronous AC Motors

Porsche Taycan Synchronous AC Motors Drivetrain

Queue the pitchforks and torches! This isn’t your traditional engine (if you can even call it that) but it certainly is about to become a conventional one—and for good reason, so hear me out!

With breathtaking acceleration figures, along with its continuously and instantaneously available power output, Porsche’s new EV platform—currently represented exclusively by the Porsche Taycan—embodies everything you would desire in a true sports car.

The top-of-the-line Taycan Turbo S is able to produce up to 750 hp and 774 lb-ft of torque, allowing the car to annihilate the 0-60 mph benchmark in just 2.6 seconds (mind you, this is in a machine that weighs north of 5,000 lbs).

Crucially, with all of that also comes the notion of repeatable performance; the Taycan doesn’t suffer from the overheating issues that plague its competitors when the all-electric drivetrain is subject to prolonged racing conditions.

Despite this still being the early days—and the fact that charging the Porsche Taycan can be tricky, due to a lack of charging infrastructure in many places—Porsche’s new EV architecture has already established itself as the company’s driving force for the future.

While the emergence of biofuels may prolong the combustion engine of some time to come, there is no doubt that this technology will become the basis on which the company stays relevant and competitive going forward.

November 11, 2021 / Comments Off

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The 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25

I’m sure we all remember the Ferrari 599XX from 2009, a track-only version of the famous Ferrari 599, but one that couldn’t be entered into endurance or GT racing, this kind of race car was only eligible to be used during Ferrari track days, when the owner of the car could count on the support of actual Ferrari mechanics present at the track, complete with a pit crew and even engineers gathering data for research and development … only a select group of VIP customers could even buy this car. But that wasn’t even the first kind in the ‘XX’ series, in 2005 some clients were invited to buy the Ferrari FXX, the was developed into the FXX Evoluzione by 2008 … but the best came around in 2015 when Ferrari launched the LaFerrari for road use, and the Ferrari FXX K as a track-toy for the ultra-rich.

Lamborghini joined this select club with their Essenza SCV12 in 2020, we’ve been able to enjoy it on the famous hill climb during the last Goodwood Festival of Speed, thundering loud, a race car pur sang, but just like the Ferrari XX series, only possible to enjoy on closed tracks, not in an actual FIA race … and now it seems the Porsche marketing team took that idea and executed it onto their flagship model, the famous 911, more specifically the GT2 RS model.

Porsche unveiled the limited edition 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25, only 30 units of this track-only model will be made, as a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Manthey-Racing GmbH, being a joint venture in design and development between Porsche and Manthey, but none of these will be able to be driven on the open road, based on the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport, this new limited edition is powered by the 3.8-liter flat-six twin-turbo engine, pumping out 700 PS (or 515 kW) to the rear wheels only through the seven-speed Porsche dual-clutch gearbox (PDK).

The exterior design for this new 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 shows various elements from familiar and future Porsche racing cars, the technology, and aerodynamics seen on this car bridge the gap between the 991 and 992 model generations of the 911, with inspiration from Manthey’s 911 GT3 R, which Nürburgring fans fondly dubbed “Grello” thanks to its distinctive green and yellow finish, but in the end, Grant Larson from Style Porsche added some final optical touches, remember Larson designed some legendary racing cars like the 911 RSR, 911 GT3 R as well as the modern 935 and many more.

Similar to the Porsche 935, the new 911 GT2 RS Clubsport of the 991 model generation is used as the base for this limited edition version, the centrally-positioned radiator is one of its defining features to resemble the 911 GT3 R, the totally new front bumper comes with a central intake for optimum airflow, this special edition also boasts a closed underbody and a carbon fiber front lid in a new design where the two large vents, separated by a center divider, channel hot air over the roof to the rear wing while the center-mounted NACA duct pulls fresh air to the cockpit.

The suspension for this new 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 uses parts sourced from the modern 935, with massively wide center-lock 18-inch wheels that boasts large offsets so this car features a significantly wider track than the regular 911 GT2 RS Clubsport, to cope with that wider track the fenders on this car had to be redesigned thoroughly, a massive rear wing is an integrated unit into the rear of the body, it serves as a wrap-around separation edge, a design element that distinguished Manthey’s first MR.

“With the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 special edition, which we designed and developed in conjunction with Porsche Motorsport, we’ve reached another milestone in the 25-year history of Manthey. It’s a perfect example of our guiding principle ‘Closer to Perfection,’” states Nicolas Raeder, Managing Director of Manthey-Racing GmbH. “With every modification, technological function always takes priority. That’s why the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 has its very own character, which also reflects our brand values: straightforward and meticulous, flexible and uncompromising.”

The taillights meet current rules and are shared with the 911 GT3 Cup, while the headlights are derived from the Le Mans-winning 911 RSR, but have been further developed for this model specifically, they now have integrated turn signals and are particularly efficient in illuminating the track, while a bespoke rear diffuser is a perfect surrounding for the newly developed exhaust system, with its dual tailpipes that draw attention to themselves even without the engine running.

August 10, 2021 / Comments Off

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FOR SALE: 2018 Porsche GT2 RS Weissach

Up for sale on BringATrailer is this beautiful 165-mile 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS that was originally delivered to The Porsche Exchange of Highland Park, Illinois. At the time of writing, this Porsche has a bid of just $275,000.

This Porsche GT2 RS is finished in Guards Red over black leather and Alcantara and is powered by a 700-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.8L flat-six coupled with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transaxle.

This car was factory optioned with a Weissach Package ($18K option), the Chrono Package, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, satin black staggered-diameter magnesium wheels. This beauty also features a factory Bose surround sound system – in case you plan on reminiscing to Daft Punk’s greatest hits or the latest revived Fleetwod Mac classic from TikTok.

This GT2 RS will come with the original window sticker, four spare wheels, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Ohio title.

Based upon the contemporary 911 Turbo, the 991 GT2 RS features a carbon-fiber hood, front fender vents, side air intakes, and a fixed rear wing. Weissach Package weight-saving measures include a carbon-fiber roof panel and carbon-fiber anti-roll bars.

Other amenities among the over $40K in options include Alcantara-covered sun visors, a leather-wrapped steering column, and carbon-fiber illuminated door sills.

This GT2 RS was also optioned with the extended range 23.7-gallon fuel tank – perfect for your next cross country rally. The car features a water-injection system that sprays the intercoolers to lower intake temperatures.

The auction is set to close on this pristine 2018 GT2 RS on Thursday, April 1 at 4:07 pm EST. This gives you a couple of days to figure out what you need to sell to make room for this track slayer.

March 30, 2021 / Comments Off

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Porsche 911 GT2 RS Sets New Fastest Lap at Road Atlanta

Porsche Targeting Production Car Lap Records Away From the ‘Ring

While the Nürburgring unarguably remains the de facto proving grounds for automakers to test the mettle of their performance halos, Porsche is also looking to conquer some of the most iconic North American racetracks with its production-spec 911 GT2 RS.

Late in 2017, a then-new Porsche 911 GT2 RS set the production car lap record at the ‘Ring but would have to fend off the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ in the title race by reclaiming victory in the later part of 2018.

Fast forward to a new year – and a new continent – where Porsche is now the away-team, with fixtures to take place at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Willow Springs International Raceway and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

Porsche has released footage (embedded below) of the 1:24.88 lap time set by the GT2 RS at Road Atlanta on March 26, 2019, which beat previous production car record holder – the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 – which achieved a 1:26.45 in 2018.

The 2.54-mile road course is located just 60 miles from Porsche’s U.S. headquarters in Atlanta and is “… a track that holds so many great memories for Porsche, such as the overall victory with the 911 RSR at Petit Le Mans in 2015,” said Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America.

Race drivers Randy Pobst and David Donohue shared driving duties for the day, with Pobst – having the honor of setting the fastest and record-breaking lap – remarking of his experience “Even for a professional driver, huge power can be intimidating. But when I drive the GT2 RS, the massive torque feels completely under my control, so useable, because the car is extremely well-balanced. It is very confidence inspiring, a pleasure”.

We will continue to keep you apprised of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS as it continues its trailblazing tour in America!

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April 1, 2019 / Comments Off

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Comprehensive Guide To The 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS

2018 911 GT2 RS

Introduction

An introduction to a car that really needs no introduction. Cliché perhaps, but what needs to be said about the fastest production car to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife?

Quite a lot, actually.

The rear-engine, rear-wheel drive GT2 RS celebrated its official world premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK which took place from June 30th to July 2nd, 2017. It was here that the world was first introduced to Porsche’s fastest and most powerful street-legal 911 ever made.

A few months later, the same car would go on to smash the lap record at the what has become the de facto manufacturers’ testing grounds – a place where those who reigned supreme earned bragging rights in the industry.

With a Nurburgring time of 6 minutes 47.3 seconds, it completed the ‘ring 5 seconds faster than the Lamborghini Huracán Performante and 10 seconds faster than Porsche’s own million dollar 918 Spyder.

View the official onboard-footage of the lap here

Suffice to say, the 911 GT2 RS now sits on the throne – equipped with its 3.8L flat-six twin-turbocharged 700 horsepower engine – with an unquestionable legitimacy to its claim.

It didn’t get to the top with brute force alone – the GT2 RS is built to be as dexterous as it is powerful. Extensive work was done on the chassis to ensure that the agility and precision of the car were not overwhelmed by its own muscle, but rather, complemented by it.

The Porsche 911 GT2 RS represents everything that is the best about the 911 – a righteous Ruler, indeed.

Engine & Performance

The GT2 RS in its entirety is more closely based on a Turbo S than it is to its closest GT relative, the 911 GT3 RS. Afterall, at the heart of the GT2 is a revamped version of the Turbo S engine, while the GT3 has its own unique naturally aspirated 4.0L power plant.

The 3.8L flat-six was fitted with larger variable-geometry turbos and was given an increase in peak boost to 22.5 psi, which is 24% higher than the Turbo S. Larger intercoolers, a water-spray system, larger exhaust manifold primaries and redesigned pistons work in synergy with the aforementioned to provide the GT2 RS with 700 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm and 553 lb-ft of torque. Porsche has long buried the traditional notion of “turbo-lag” in its cars with VarioCam Plus and the GT2 RS is no different, making peak torque from 2,250 rpm to 4,000 rpm.

To accommodate what is a 120 horsepower increase over the Turbo S, the 7-speed PDK transmission was also beefed up. Porsche does not offer a manual transmission option for the GT2 RS, which is sensible given that the dual clutch transmission is the best (and therefore, only) choice for delivering power to the rear wheels for this application.

The resulting figures are impressive, to put it mildly; Porsche states that the GT2 RS is able to sprint from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds, 0-100 mph in 5.8 seconds, 0-124 mph in 8.3 seconds and has a top speed of 211 mph. Independent tests have shown that Porsche has understated these figures.

Chassis & Handling

Improvements to the chassis are certainly no less impressive than those made to the engine. Virtually no part of the GT2 RS has been overlooked with regards to delivering the driver to the limits of dynamic driving performance.

The front axle utilizes a MacPherson strut suspension with helper springs and wheels independently suspended on the trailing arms and wishbones. A multi-link axle with helper springs and subframe setup is used for the rear.

Ride height, camber, wheel track and stabilizers can be adjusted individually by the driver – very useful features for specifically setting the car up for track use. For the first time in a street legal Porsche vehicle, all chassis joints have been replaced by ball joints which improve rigidity and feedback from the chassis. Porsche states that this ensures “accurate, sharp and direct road holding. And for total emotional contact”.

Porsche engineers weren’t void of all sense of practicality on the street either. An optional lift system on the front axle lifts the front bumper by 1.2” and is functional while moving until approximately 37 mph – allowing you to avoid scraping the front bumper over the pesky curbs, ramps or entrances that inundate daily driving.

The standard Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes and rotors provide the stopping power and precision worthy of car’s overall performance. Unfaltering in their duty, they slow the car down with great aplomb and without any hint of brake fade – pedal feedback remains consistent even after repeated moments of substantial braking Gs. Dunlop Sport Maxx Race tires (265/35/20 at the front, 325/30/21 at the rear) translate it all onto the tarmac.

Design, Styling & Interior

Based on the extra-wide body of the 911 Turbo S, the GT2 RS design is one which is race-optimized. Minimum drag, maximum downforce, optimum cooling – all in great abundance and meticulous in detail.

The aerodynamic front bumper ensures optimum cooling and airflow into the radiator while providing massive downforce on the front axle with the attached wide spoiler lip. Large vents placed over the front fender wheel arches assist in ventilating pressure from the rotating wheels. Two ducts on the bonnet, referred to as NACA air intakes, are used to help cool the braking system without reducing the drag coefficient.

At the rear of the car are the very distinguishable side air intakes; located near the rear wheel arches, they provide intercooling and feed extra air into the twin-turbocharged engine. The most notable feature of the car in plain sight would be the fixed carbon rear wing, which enhances much needed aerodynamic downforce over the rear wheels while highlighting the ultra-high performance orientation of this machine.

Weight is also shaved over the Turbo S through a multitude of upgrades. The absence of the front axle on its own removes over 110 lbs. Naturally, carbon fiber adorns both the exterior and interior – the bonnet, rear bumper, intakes, intercooler, bucket seats, and even paddle shifters, being amongst the many parts not overlooked for the carbon diet.

The standard GT2 RS is 3,241 lbs – a noticeable 286 lbs lighter than the Turbo S. Optional deletion of the air-conditioning and infotainment system will save another 41.9 lbs while the optional Weissach package – which includes magnesium wheels, a titanium roll bar (Europe only) and carbon fibre anti-roll bars – will shed another 60 lbs on top of that.

Pricing

The GT2 RS is the pinnacle of the 911 in performance, and also in price.

Base price of the GT2 RS is $294,250 USD with the optional Weissach package bringing the total to $325,250 when included.

This means that pricing is comparable to the Lamborghini Huracan Performante – which it trumped for first place at the ‘ring – and less than one-third the price of the discontinued Porsche 918 Spyder which it outdid by 10 seconds at the same venue.

At the least, this makes the GT2 RS very appropriately priced – if not a bargain – considering everything the car has to offer and when compared to its competition.

Performance & Specifications Summary

Model & Price Info

Make	Porsche
Model	911
Generation	991 (2012-Present)
Sub-Model	GT2 RS
Car type	Coupe
Category	Series Production Car
Built At	Stuttgart, Germany
Released At	Goodwood Festival of Speed, UK
Introduced	2017
Base Price (US)	$294,250
Base Price (UK)	£207,506
Units built	TBD

Body, Suspension & Powertrain

Curb Weight	1,470 kg (3,241 lbs)
Layout	Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive
Body / Frame	Aluminum-steel composite monocoque, carbon fiber elements
Suspension (F)	MacPherson strut suspension with helper springs
Suspension (R)	Multi-link axle with helper springs and subframe
Engine	Flat-6
Position	Boxer, 90°
Aspiration	Twin-turbocharged, intercooled
Block Material	Aluminum block and heads
Valvetrain	DOHC, 24-Valve (4 Valves per Cylinder) with VVT & VarioCam Plus
Fuel Feed	Direct Fuel Injection
Displacement (Litres)	3.8L
Displacement (in³)	232 in³, 3800 cc
Transmission	7-speed DCT with automatic and manual shifting mode (PDK)

Engine & Output

Power (hp)	700 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Power (hp) / litre	184.2 hp / litre
Power (hp) / weight	0.48 hp / kg
Torque	553 lb-ft @ 2,250-4000 rpm
Efficiency	59 hp per l/100 km
Average Fuel Consumption	11.8 l/100 km (combined)

Performance & Acceleration Stats

Top speed	340 km/h
0 – 40 km/h	1.1 s
0 – 50 km/h	1.2 s
0 – 100 km/h	2.8 s
0 – 150 km/h	5.2 s
0 – 160 km/h	5.5 s
0 – 200 km/h	8.1 s
0 – 250 km/h	13.0 s
0 – 300 km/h	22.1 s
0 – 60 mph	2.7 s
0 – 100 mph	5.8 s
1/8 mile (est.)	6.9 s @ 111.2 mph
1/4 mile	10.3 s @ 139.2 mph
1/2 mile (est.)	16.4 s @ 164.0 mph
1000 m	18.7 s @ 281.2 km/h
100 – 200 km/h	5.5 s
200 – 300 km/h	13.8 s
100 – 0 km/h	29 m (96 ft)
200 – 0 km/h	115 m (376 ft)
300 – 0 km/h	243 m (796 ft)
18 m slalom	76.5 km/h
Nürburgring Lap Time	6:47.30 (Driver: Lars Kern)

Gallery & Videos

Image Gallery

Aggressive queues are found throughout every part of the body, always taking aerodynamics and cooling into consideration. Whether it be the large rear spoiler, front fender vents, or antagonistic front bumper, the GT RS looks outstanding, but not awkward.

In my opinion, the GT2 RS is as beautiful as it is functional – a perfect blend of form and professionalism, it performs its duties in the utmost style. A car that goes this fast, needs to look the part.

Video Review Gallery

Here are some YouTube video reviews from some of my favorite car reviewers and auto personalities. All of them provide feedback from an “everyday guy” perspective – but aren’t afraid to thrash the car around a racetrack when given the opportunity – providing commentary that is both technical and easy to absorb.

First up is Matt Prior from Autocar, doing his commentating-while-driving-sketch in a Weissach package equipped GT2 RS. He goes into detail about how “absolutely bang-on” the car is while referring to the RS series’ evolution from a “widow maker” to a refined road carving machine.

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Next, is CAR Magazine UK’s Chris Chilton providing his point of view on what he describes as one of “the best driver’s cars in the world”.

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What two-time World Rally champion Walter Rohrl has to say, carries a lot of weight. Watch as CarBuzz and Mr. Rohrl show us what the GT2 RS can do on the track at Algarve International Circuit in Portugal.

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Last but not least, is Porsche’s official onboard footage of that record-setting lap by Lars Kern at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. It even provides some telemetry. Very neat. Very fast. Very g-force.

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Original Press Release

Porsche Unveils The Most Powerful 911 Of All Time, June 30th 2017

The fastest and most powerful road-approved 911 is ready for launch: The new Porsche 911 GT2 RS will celebrate its world premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK (June 30 to July 2).

At the heart of this high-performance sports car is a 515-kW (700-hp; combined fuel consumption: 11.8 l/100 km; urban: 18.1 l/100 km; extra-urban: 8.2 l/100 km; CO2 emissions: 269 g/km) biturbo flat engine. Weighing in at 1,470 kg with a full fuel tank, the lightweight two-seater accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds.

The rear-wheel drive Coupé has a top speed of 340 km/h, and with its near-motorsport drive technology, the new 911 GT2 RS trumps its 3.6-litre predecessor by 59 kW (80 hp) and achieves a torque of 750 Newton meters (an increase of 50 Nm).

The engine builds on that in the 911 Turbo S at 427 kW (580 hp; combined fuel consumption: 9.1 l/100 km; urban: 11.8 l/100 km; extra-urban: 7.5 l/100 km; CO2 emissions: 212 g/km). In order to increase performance, large turbochargers push an increased volume of process air into the combustion chambers.

A new additional cooling system delivers optimum cooling at peak loads and, at very high temperatures, sprays the charge-air cooler with water. This causes the gas temperature to fall in the overpressure range and ensures optimum power output, even under extreme conditions.

The customized GT seven-speed double-clutch transmission (PDK) in the new GT2 RS enables power to be transferred with uninterrupted traction. What’s more, the specially developed exhaust system is made from extra-lightweight titanium, weighs around seven kilograms less than the system used in the 911 Turbo and delivers an emotional sound without precedent.

The 911 GT2 RS

For the first time ever, Porsche Design is celebrating the debut of the high-performance sports car by releasing a special-issue watch. Offering a nod to the world of motorsport, the 911 GT2 RS watch is exclusively available to owners of the new vehicle and can only be ordered in conjunction with the new GT model at a Porsche Centre from June 30, 2017.

Racing Chassis For Outstanding Dynamic Cornering

Discipline in sport means mastering every detail. And in the world of super sports cars, cornering speeds are on another level. The 911 GT2 RS reaches these speeds thanks to its flawless racing chassis with rear-axle steering and Ultra High Performance (UHP) tires.

Like all GT sports cars, the new top model features a specially calibrated PSM with a Sport mode that is tailored to provide optimal driving dynamics. Powerful air intakes and outlets and the imposing rear wing emphasize that the vehicle’s aerodynamics have mastered both form and design. The large, wide wheels (265/35 ZR 20 at the front and 325/30 ZR 21 at the rear) ensure outstanding braking and cornering forces. The 911 GT2 RS features Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) as standard.

The front wings, wheel housing vents, outer shells on the Sport Design exterior mirrors, air intakes on the rear side sections and parts of the rear end are made from carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFR), as are many of the interior components. The bonnet is also made from carbon to make the vehicle as lightweight as possible, while the standard trim roof is made from magnesium. Both body parts have a wide lateral swage line.

Optional Weissach Package With 30-kg Weight Saving

Performance can always be cranked up a notch – even on the 911 GT2 RS. That’s why the Porsche engineers have developed the optional Weissach package, which provides a weight saving of around 30 kilograms. The package includes additional elements made from carbon-fiber reinforced plastic and titanium.

For instance, the roof and the anti-roll bars are made of carbon, and so are the coupling rods on both axles. Magnesium wheels reduce both the gross weight and the unsprung weight, providing a greater wealth of impressive chassis properties. The luggage compartment lid and the carbon- weave finish roof are emblazoned with a central strip in the same color as the car for a visually distinctive look.

A Truly Sporty Interior

The passenger compartment of the 911 GT2 RS is dominated by red Alcantara, black leather and interior parts with a carbon-weave finish as standard. The GT2 RS sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles enables quick and sporty gear changes. Drivers and passengers experience the driving dynamics of the high-performance sports car in full bucket seats with a carbon-weave finish.

As in every 911, the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) is the central control unit for audio, navigation, and communication. The Connect Plus module and Porsche Track Precision app are also included as standard, enabling detailed recording, display, and analysis of driving data on a smartphone.

Interior Of The 911 GT2 RS

The optional Chrono Package expands the PCM functions to include performance display, which can be used to display, save and evaluate track times. The package also includes a stopwatch on the switch panel with both analog and digital display.

What’s more, the Chrono Package on the 911 GT2 RS comes with a lap trigger. Using the Porsche Track Precision app in conjunction with external markers on a start/finish straight, this lap trigger enables drivers to record lap times with a high level of precision.

Exclusive Watch To Accompany The Car: Porsche Design 911 GT2 RS Chronograph

Porsche Design has teamed up with Porsche Motorsport to develop the 911 GT2 RS Chronograph for customers of the new super sports car. It is reserved exclusively for 911 GT2 RS drivers. At its heart is the first clock movement developed by Porsche Design, the product of three years’ work.

The caliber 01.200 includes a flyback function, a load-path-optimized movement bridge and an official COSC certificate of authenticity. The timepiece housing is made of lightweight titanium. The flyback function is inspired by motorsport and represents a special feature of the Porsche watch.

On a traditional chronograph, the buttons must be pressed three times in order to measure consecutive time intervals: The first press stops the chronograph, the second resets it and the third restarts the measuring process. On chronographs with a flyback function, these processes happen automatically and in rapid succession. The stop function and the ongoing time display are clearly separated using yellow markings.

Many of the details on the timepiece are based on the high-performance sports car. The tungsten winding rotor is modeled on the rims of the 911 GT2 RS. The clock face is made of carbon, while the design of the time display matches the instrument cluster and the tachometer. The 911 GT2 RS and its watch counterpart are exclusively available at Porsche Centres worldwide. The vehicle and watch are produced individually in line with customer wishes and delivered together.

Fuel Consumption

911 GT2 RS

combined fuel consumption: 11.8 l/100 km
urban: 18.1 l/100 km
extra-urban: 8.2 l/100 km
CO2 emissions: 269 g/km

911 Turbo S

combined fuel consumption: 9.1 l/100 km
urban: 11.8 l/100 km
extra-urban: 7.5 l/100 km
CO2 emissions: 212 g/km

911 Turbo

Fuel consumption combined 9.1 l/100 km
CO2 emissions 212 g/km

Final Verdict

As my fellow Supercars.net colleague, Nick Dellis once remarked, “The world is full of armchair commentators when it comes to cars. At Supercars.net we have a number of journalists and automotive publications we rely on when we want to get unbiased opinions from people we admire.”

Below are snippets from some of our favorite car reviewers and automotive personalities regarding the GT2 RS. As always, we ask that you support the amazing publications they release, so that the automotive community continues to benefit from the hard work and enthusiasm they put into providing us with content that we love.

Autocar – “Is it ‘the one’? I’m not sure.” – 4.5/5

Matt Prior from Autocar had nothing but praise for the GT2 RS’s capabilities, so the above quote deserves a bit of context; that was his response when considering whether the GT2 RS is worthy of the “ultimate 911” accolade.

Matt feels that you get “more responsiveness again out of the lighter, revvier GT3 on track. And you’d get a suppleness and sufficient involvement from a GT3, or even a GTS, on the road that makes the GT2 RS a car for certain conditions”.

He goes on to summarize that “It is not, to my mind, the 911 defined as the perfect sports car. It’s a car for ridiculous circumstances. And, in those, there’s still nothing else quite like it.”

The Good

Perfectly weighted steering and feedback
Balanced handling
Phenomenal engine response and linearity

The Bad

Loud cabin noise, unrefined interior
Less ‘supple’ than some competition
Other 911s can provide a more involved driver-feel

More: Read full review

Top Gear – “A Gt2 Rs You Don’t Have To Be Scared Of” – 9/10

Ollie Marriage from Top Gear notes that the GT2 RS is a remarkably quick car that has honed (but not tamed) the GT2’s “historic wildness”.

Ollie says, “The result is a sensationally fast car, one that’s also far sharper, more drivable and controllable than it has any right to be. It doesn’t feel electronically managed either, not for a second, but wonderfully mechanical.”

Ultimately he is also in the school of thought that the GT3 is the more quintessential Porsche 911 – “For me, the toughest rival comes from within – the GT3 RS. Given a straight choice, I think I’d still go for the nat asp GT3, although that would mean foregoing the mad turbo headbang…”

The Good

Dextrous chassis
Brakes’ stopping-power
Engine’s precise power delivery

The Bad

GT3 is its main rival
Not ‘exotic-feeling’ enough for its price
Weissach package is ‘distracting’

More: Read full review

Car And Driver – “At Home On A Track” – 5/5

Mike Duff from Car and Driver states that while the GT2 RS is “quite effective” on the road, it truly excels on a race track. In his opinion, the lack of refinement can make the car overbearing for daily driving, making it a niche car.

“While most modern 911s have become quiet and relaxed, the GT2 RS shortcuts straight back to the origin of the species. The engine fills the cabin with a heavy exhaust note at idle, the rear-mounted flat-six throwing up bass-heavy harmonics under even gentle progress as the ball-jointed suspension can be heard and felt working. There are rattles and vibrations that would never be allowed in a lesser 911.”

Like his contemporaries, he concedes that the GT3 is the more well-rounded and appealing-to-the-masses car. However, he feels the GT2 RS has more than delivered on its mantra, remarking that “If you want the fastest and the most viscerally thrilling version then this is undoubtedly it, the ultimate incarnation of a roadgoing 911 to date.”

The Good

Fastest factory-built 911 ever
Visceral character
Driver friendly

The Bad

Rawness precludes daily use
Sparse equipment

More: Read full review

My Final Verdict – 10/10

There is no doubt that the new GT2 RS is the pinnacle of the 911 in terms of performance. It is simply the fastest 911 in history, and that’s a fact.

So then, why do opinions matter for something that is so objective? It is not that we are disputing science; however, when it comes to the pure enjoyment of driving and enthusiasm for automobiles, we can only rely on the numbers so much.

I am very blessed to have driven and owned a variety of cars that have helped me mold what I hope, has become a well-versed and pragmatic love for cars. So, I understand that what it all boils down to, is perspective.

I completely get the notion that naturally aspirated variants of high-performance cars often feel more “involving” or have more “character”, but the GT2 RS should be considered in a league of its own – because it is.

It is the quickest production car to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife. It is the most powerful 911 ever made. It has ridiculous aerodynamics. It is the apex of Porsche performance. There’s nothing else like it.

In my opinion, you should purchase or appreciate the 911 GT2 RS for what it objectively is – not what it subjectively is not. From that perspective, the GT2 RS can’t be anything but the best.

Rivals

May 29, 2018 / Comments Off

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Porsche 911 GT2 RS pushed to way over 200 mph on Autobahn

On paper, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS is an incredibly fast car. It has over 700 horsepower and an electronically limited top speed of 211 mph. Apparently it can go faster, to a claimed speed of 221 mph. German car magazine Sport Auto appears to have had a chance to see just how fast it can go, and they did so on an unrestricted section of Autobahn.

In the video above, the Sport Auto folks keep the camera trained on the instrument panel for the entire run. The run must’ve gone well, since the car appears to accelerate smoothly the whole time. And as for how fast they went, the car’s speedometer indicated 356 kilometers per hour when the driver finally backed off. That’s about 221 mph, which also indicates this car must have had the limiter switched off.

There is a discrepancy in speed, though. While the speedometer read about 221 mph, the GPS device attached to the car saw something different. It says the car hit 342 kilometers per hour, which is about 212.5 mph. Regardless of which instrument you believe, driving that fast on a public road is impressive, and both numbers confirm the car is capable of at least its limited top speed if not more.

Related Video:

November 10, 2017 / Comments Off

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VIDEO: Porsche 911 GT2 RS VS. Ducati

Chris Harris races the Porsche 911 GT2 RS against the Ducati 1199 Panigale.

The GT2 RS, weighing 3,170 pounds, is packing 611 horsepower. The Ducati on the other hand, weighs in at just 415 pounds curb weight, packing 192 horsepower and giving the Ducati a power-to-weight ratio of 2.16 lb/hp. or 3.82 fewer pounds per horsepower than the 911.

Who will win – the 911 with its grip and stability, or the power-to-weight Ducati? Watch and find out!

July 26, 2012 / Comments Off

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