Porsche used Goodwood’s 2017 Festival of Speed for the 2018 911GT2 RS global reveal.
The 3.8-liter flat-six is based on the Turbo S. Porsche’s GT department added larger turbos and goosed the boost for an unholy 700 HP and 553 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful road-going 911 ever. Sixty mph should arrive in less than three seconds, with a 211-plus top speed. Porsche heard the comments about the last GT2 RS being a bit wild to drive, and it promises drivers will find this latest monster comfortable and usable on public roads.
Porsche’s seven-speed PDK is the only transmission available and the mad, rear-drive 911 gets its own titanium exhaust system. There’s a new water spray-cooled intercooler so intake temps drop enough to handle the power.
The suspension comes from the 911 Cup car, so spring rates are about double the GT3’s. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires are standard — 20s front, 21s rear, developed specifically for this car. To save weight, some sound-deadening materials have been removed and the rear glass is thinner. Ceramic brakes are standard, and Porsche says the car weighs 3,300 pounds, for quite the stout power-to-weight ratio. If you want to go really hardcore, you can whack A/C, the stereo and the infotainment system — or go even further with optional titanium wheels and a carbon roof (the carbon hood is standard), shaving another 65 pounds.
The car — and the custom titanium GT2 RS watch that comes with it — hits U.S. showrooms early next year, starting at $294,250 including destination.
The optional Weissach package reduces weight by nearly 40 pounds, further enhancing the vehicle dynamics of the 911 GT2 RS. The package includes magnesium wheels and numerous elements made of carbon fiber.
Wes Raynal – Wes Raynal joined Crain Communications’ circulation department while still in college. When he graduated in 1986, he became a reporter for Autoweek sister publication Automotive News. He has worked as Autoweek’s associate editor, news editor, motorsports editor and executive editor before being named editor in 2009.
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