Tim Pitt By Tim Pitt 2 years ago

Porsche 991.1 GT3 RS buyer’s guide

9WERKS presents everything you need to know about buying a Porsche 991.1 GT3 RS, built from 2015-2017

Why should you buy one?
The 991.1 GT3 RS marked a step-change for Rennsport 911s. Exotic and extroverted, it delivers an intense and unforgettable driving experience.
Porsche 991.1 GT3 RS: the key facts
With an estimated 3,000 examples delivered worldwide, the 991.1 GT3 RS is widely available across the Porsche Marketplace. The first 911 Rennsport to have PDK-only transmission, electric assisted steering and rear axle steer, this is an accomplished RS making use of the 991 Turbo’s ultra-wide body.
How does the 991.1 GT3 RS drive?
Frankly, unless you’re a racing driver, it probably has more talent than you. Thanks to a 500hp DFI flat-six, aggressive aero and sticky Cup 2 tyres, the 991.1 GT3 RS can lap the Nordschleife in 7min 20sec – four seconds quicker than a Porsche Carrera GT.
“Its performance is so far beyond where most people will push it,” says Greig Daly, sales and marketing director at RPM Technik. “But that makes it an interesting Porsche to own and develop your abilities as a driver – particularly if you enjoy track days.”
Indeed, few 911s are better suited to circuit use. The RS can break the UK’s motorway speed limit in second gear, but on a track you can fully exploit its searing 8,800rpm redline, utterly single-minded stability – enhanced by rear-axle steering – and rapid-fire PDK gearbox.
Greig says he’d gladly drive this particular Rennsport every day – and we wholeheartedly agree. However, some may find its rose-jointed suspension a little uncompromising on UK roads. It’s hardly the most practical 911 either, with limited sound deadening and no rear seats.
Still, nobody buys a GT3 RS for their weekly trip to Tesco. And in the right circumstances, the RS refreshes the parts many other 911s cannot  reach. If you can afford the asking price – typically between £160,000 and £180,000 – it’s the equal of any so-called supercar.

Categories

    Porsche 991.1 GT3 RS: evolution of tech
    The 997 GT3 RS 4.0 was an incredibly tough act to follow, but the 991.1 took that ball and ran with it. While arguably losing some of the analogue character of the older car, it raised the bar in terms of point-to-point performance – whether on a road or track.
    Larger bores stretch the engine capacity from 3.8 litres in the contemporary GT3 to 4.0 litres here. The RS also gained spikier cams, new pistons and valve springs, plus a titanium exhaust. The crankshaft is made from the same lightweight steel alloy used in the 919 Le Mans racer (Andreas Preuninger called it “Star Trek steel”). Peak power of 500hp arrives at 8,250rpm.
    Controversially, the 991.1 GT3 RS wasn’t available with three pedals (a manual shifter was later offered on the 991.2 GT3), but the seven-speed PDK ’box is incredibly quick and precise. It also allows for full-bore launch control starts, blasting the RS to 62mph in 3.3sec and 124mph in 10.9sec.
    The Rennsport uses the widebody and vented rear wings of the 911 Turbo, with a magnesium roof and many panels made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The aero package is comprehensive, including a flat undertray, slash-cut vents in the front wheelarches and a full-width rear wing. Overall downforce is more than twice that generated by the 997 GT3 RS 4.0.
    In terms of chassis tech, the most notable advance is rear-axle steering, which makes the car more stable when cornering. The GT3 RS rides on 20-inch centre-lock front wheels, with huge 21-inch rims at the rear. Carbon-ceramic brakes and roll cage were optional, and buyers could also specify a smaller lithium-ion battery to save weight.
      What to look for when buying a 991.1 GT3 RS
      Unlike most cars, evidence of track use shouldn’t be a barrier to buying a GT3 RS. However, it’s vital to ensure the car has been properly maintained, with regular oil changes to keep the naturally aspirated flat-six healthy. Checking the oil level is done via the onboard computer, rather than using a physical dipstick. Check out the RPM Technik guide to the process here.
      Ollie Preston, technical director at RPM Technik, says the 4.0-litre engines are very robust – and not troubled by the connecting rod issue that afflicted the 991.1 GT3. “The main issue we find is that the geometry is out, and having the right setup is very important,” he explains. “The rear-axle steering is linked to the PASM and stability systems, so it must be calibrated by a specialist – otherwise you may end up with odd handling characteristics.”
      Indeed, Greig’s advice is to always have a car inspected by a Porsche specialist before you buy. “There may be crash damage from track days, and the aerodynamic undertrays must be removed to examine the chassis properly.” With the bonnet, front wings, engine lid and rear spoiler all made from CFRP, there’s no way to repair a GT3 RS on the cheap…
      Other issues may include cracks in the carbon-ceramic brake discs, a worn Plexiglass rear screen and gravel in the air intakes from a track-day ‘off’. Buy the best you can, as even with 5,000 cars made (more than triple the total for the 997.2 GT3 RS), this sought-after 911 is unlikely to depreciate.

      Search Porsche 991.1 GT3 RS for sale in the 9WERKS Marketplace

        Porsche 991.1 GT3 RS: the options worth having
        The options list for the 991.1 GT3 RS was relatively short by Porsche standards, perhaps reflecting the Rennsport ‘less is more’ ethos. If you’re in the market for one, the following extras are worth considering.
        Front-axle lift
        Greig says this isn’t essential for road use, but it provides peace of mind and adds to the car’s resale value.
        918 Spyder seats
        The fixed-back buckets from the 918 supercar look fantastic and are surprisingly comfortable. However, the standard folding seats are more practical if you want to carry luggage in the back.
        Carbon-ceramic brakes
        These are better for track days than the standard steel discs, although RPM Technik now offers Surface Transform ceramic discs as an aftermarket upgrade.
        Sport Chrono Pack
        Equally, as with any Porsche, this is a worthwhile extra if you plan to tackle some track days.
        Air-con and PCM delete
        The air conditioning and PCM media system could be deleted as a no-cost option to save a few kilos. Can you really live without them?
        Manthey suspension 
        Ollie considers this kit the only essential upgrade for the 991.1 GT3 RS. “It really transforms the car, with better compliance on the road and improved high-speed stability on the track.”
          Porsche 991.1 GT3 RS: technical spec
          Years produced: 2015-2017
          Engine: Flat-six, 3,996cc, naturally aspirated
          Power: 500hp @ 8,250rpm
          Torque: 460Nm @ 6,250rpm
          Compression ratio: 12.9:1
          Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto
          Suspension 
          Front: MacPherson struts with PASM
          Rear: Multi-link with PASM and rear-axle steering
          Wheels and tyres
          Front: 9.5×20-inch; 265/35/ZR20
          Rear: 12.5×21-inch; 325/30/ZR21
          Brakes
          Front: 380mm discs
          Rear: 380mm discs
          Length: 4,545mm
          Width: 1,880mm
          Weight: 1,420kg
          0-62mph: 3.3 sec
          Top speed: 193mph

            More multi-media Porsche Editorial