By Lee Sibley
2 years ago
New Porsche 992 GT3 RS: 7 key points
Porsche has released the 2023 911 GT3 RS – here’s everything you need to know about it
The 992 GT3 RS is here at last, with active aerodynamics and suspension adjustable from the cockpit as part of its performance arsenal. 9WERKS presents everything you need to know in seven key points:
1) High-revving, atmospheric engine
Andreas Preuninger has said from the start that with the previous 991.2 GT3 RS engine being a 4.0-litre, naturally aspirated lump revving to 9,000rpm and producing north of 500hp, the company is already near the limit of what’s possible from the flat six engine.
The new 992 GT3 RS retains a 4.0-litre NA engine with that halo redline, however power has been upped incrementally to 525hp with hotter cams, different cylinder heads for more lubrication in high G-force situations, as well as a tweaked cooling system. PDK transmission is again compulsory.
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2) Active aerodynamics
Where the new 2023 GT3 RS makes a significant leap over its predecessors is in its aerodynamics, using both active aerodynamics and Formula One-inspired DRS as part of a package that produces twice as much downforce as its GT3 RS predecessor, and three times as much downforce as the current 992 GT3.
The Rennsport’s DRS (drag reduction system) forms part of a huge swan-neck wing. The wing’s blades lay flat to reduce drag, and snap into an upright position under heavy braking. Meanwhile, active aero flaps underneath the front of the car increases load over the front axle.
Andreas Preuninger’s team has also overhauled how the GT3 RS handles airflow around its front wheels. Vents fore and aft of the front wheels reduce dynamic pressure in the wheel arches, while reprofiled doors further help with the channelling of air.
Finally, the Rennsport’s side air intakes no longer carry air to the flat six, their presence instead used to optimise aerodynamics.
3) More track focussed than ever
We’ve long said the GT3 RS is, these days, a Cup car with licence plates, but now it really is an uncompromising race car in every sense.
For starters, the 992 GT3 ditches the 911’s traditional front luggage compartment in favour of a large radiator, just like the GT3 R race car, with air then flowing up, out and over the GT3 RS thanks to large nostrils in its front lid.
The new 911 GT3 RS features double wishbone suspension for the first time, following the earlier switch from its GT3 sibling, though its front track is some 29mm wider than the 992 GT3.
There are winglets on the roof to help manage airflow, and the rear wing is higher than the roof of the car in a first for a production Porsche.
4) Adjustable suspension from the cockpit
The 992 GT3 Rennsport’s suspension is exceedingly clever. On top of the usual modified spring rates, recalibrated rear axle steering and driver assistance systems over a GT3, engineers have reduced pitching under braking.
However, the pièce de résistance of the new RS lies in the most extreme drive setting of the three available: Normal, Sport, and Track. In Track mode, rebound and compression damping of both the front and rear axles are manually adjustable in stages via rotary controls placed on the steering wheel. Similarly, another rotary wheel manually adjusts the rear differential according to taste. The fourth and final rotary control hanging off the steering wheel activates the car’s DRS.
5) Clubsport and Weissach Packages available
A Weissach Package is once again available on Porsche’s GT3 RS, lavishing the car with a carbon fibre front lid, roof, plus rear wing componentry as well as elements underneath the car including front and rear anti-roll bars. Inside, the roll cage is made from carbon fibre for the first time, saving 6 kilograms over the equivalent steel bars. The Weissach Package costs £25,739, or £22,515 without the carbon roll cage.
Magnesium wheels are also available as an extra to the Weissach Package, saving a further 8 kilograms in weight.
If you don’t want the Weissach Package, you can plump for the Clubsport package, which provides you with a steel roll cage, six point harness and fire extinguisher at no extra cost.
6) 50 years of 911 Rennsport honoured
2022 marks the 50th birthday of Porsche’s iconic 2.7 Carrera RS. Porsche has paid homage to that first 911 Rennsport with a striking livery on the new GT3 RS, which is launched in white with red side decals and wheels, just like the original.
7) The stats
If you can’t be bothered to read any of the above, the stats you need to know are as follows:
- 3.2 seconds to 100kph
- A top speed of 184mph
- 860kg total downforce
- A cost of £178,500 plus options in the UK
- A weight of 1,450kg – the heaviest ever 911 Rennsport
- Ominously, Porsche hasn’t yet released a ‘Ring lap time, often seen as the benchmark for a performance sports car. However, with 9WERKS spies having seen 992 GT3 RS mules pounding the Nordschleife in recent months, you can guarantee a scintillating time will be revealed, and soon…