When automotive enthusiasts are asked to describe the pinnacle of the Porsche 911, the GT3 RS overwhelmingly dominates the conversation. In terms of outright performance metrics, it slots in below the new GT2 RS in the pecking order. While it may not be Stuttgart’s king of lap times, the GT3 RS is still the people’s champion. The beloved GT3 RS is certainly no slouch at the ‘Ring either, clocking a 6:56.4 minute lap time – just 9 seconds behind the GT2 RS, and 1 second faster than the million dollar Porsche 918 Spyder.
Like its stablemate, the GT3 RS is a rear-engine, rear-wheel drive iteration of the 911; but it is the soul of the GT3 RS – its 4.0L naturally aspirated engine – that is so enthralling and able to cajole even the most cut-and-dried enthusiasts.
The GT3 RS is the beneficiary of an upgraded 911 GT3 engine – a 4.0L, naturally aspirated flat-six power plant which revs all the way to 9,000 rpm. This also means that the GT3 RS and GT3 are the last of the non-turbocharged 911s. The first 911 GT3 RS of the current 991 generation was released in 2015. For MY2019, the GT3 RS (and almost identical GT3) engine receives upgraded pistons and rings, a solid valve train with shims, a stiffer crankshaft, thicker connecting-rod bearings, and plasma-coated cylinder liners.
With updated electronics and a redesigned exhaust system, the GT3 RS produces 520-horsepower @ 8,250 rpm and 346 lb-ft of torque @ 6,000 rpm. As one would expect from a naturally aspirated unit, the engine has instant throttle response and revs as smoothly as it does protractedly. The GT3 RS continues to employ the 7-speed PDK transmission. Porsche does not offer a manual transmission option for the GT3 RS – although, it is available for the GT3 – given that the intended application of the car is one that is both results-oriented and performance-epitomized.
Porsche claims that the GT3 RS is able to sprint from 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds, 0-100 mph in 6.7 seconds, and can complete the ¼ mile in 11.0 seconds with a top speed of 193 mph – remarkable for a car that is not assisted by forced induction or electric motors, as is becoming today’s mainstream.
This low mileage Porsche 911 (997.2) GT3 RS currently being offered on RM Sotheby’s is highly praised by many critics for being a superb track-focused supercar and has been fitted with a couple of sensible modifications. This one-owner example finished in black over a black leather and Alcantara interior with yellow stitching and complementary satin-black forged alloy wheels, would serve well as an impressive track day weapon as well as an excellent addition to any supercar collection. You can learn more details about this car by visiting the official listing on RM Sotheby’s.
Note: All photos are courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
