(2011) Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 (997) – Ultimate Guide
Built to homologate the 2011 GT3 RSR racecar, the RS 4.0 is fitted with the 3996cc engine which raises power output from roughly 444 to 500 bhp. It is easily identified by its new wings and front winglets just ahead of the front wheels.
Limited to just over 600 examples worldwide, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is an exclusive road car which is ideally suited for hardcore track use. The flat-six engine’s crankshaft has been taken directly and without modification from the 911 GT3 RSR racing car’s engine, while the connecting rods for the forged pistons are fashioned from titanium. The 4.0 litre displacement engine is the biggest 911 model line engine ever, and it is also the most powerful naturally aspirated engine with 125 hp/litre (92 kW). It produces its maximum output of 500 horsepower (368 kW) at 8,250 rpm. At 5,750 rpm the maximum torque is achieved with 340 lb-ft (460Nm).
The performance figures for the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 are also impressive. Available solely equipped with a six-speed sports transmission, the car dispatches the 0-62 mph (100km/h) sprint in just 3.9 seconds, and less than 8 seconds later it passes 124 mph. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0’s suspension setup is also derived from Porsche’s racing models, as are the lightweight components featured throughout the car. Fitted as standard with lightweight components such as carbon fiber bucket seats, hood and front wings, plastic rear windows and weight-optimised carpets, the GT3 RS 4.0’s ready-for-road weight is just 1,360 kilograms (2,998 lbs) with a full tank of fuel.
The 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is painted white as standard, and given a some fairly discreet and tasteful decals in grey and red to highlight the car’s performance and limited edition spec.
Other telltale clues as to the cars pedigree include the a wider track, lower ride-height, a large rear wing with redesigned side plates, and lateral front air deflection vanes, so-called flics, making their first appearance on a production Porsche. These create increased downforce over the front axle, and together with the rear wing, at top speed, aerodynamic forces evenly exert an additional 190 kg (419 lbs) pushing the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 onto the road
Press Release
With the 911 GT3 RS 4.0, one of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart’s most popular, coveted and successful racing pedigree production cars is entering the home straight. Limited to 600 vehicles, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 brings together in a road car all the attributes that have made the Porsche 911 GT3 a serial winner on the race track. The new model purveys thoroughbred motorsport technology to its innermost core. The flat engine’s crankshaft has been lifted unchanged from the 911 GT3 RSR racing car’s six cylinder engine and the forged pistons’ connecting rods are fashioned from titanium. The four-litre displacement sports engine, the biggest 911 model line engine ever, is also the most powerful naturally aspirated engine with 125 hp/litre (92 kW). It achieves its maximum power of 368 kW (500 hp) at 8,250 revs per minute. The engine delivers its maximum torque of 460 Newton metres at 5,750 rpm.
The 911 GT3 RS 4.0 offers truly impressive performance. The most eloquent figure: It makes it round the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 7:27 minutes. The 911 GT3 4.0, available exclusively with a six-speed sports transmission, sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standing start in 3.9 seconds, its gearing designed for the racing circuit taking it to the 200 km/h (124 mph) mark in under 12 seconds.
The 911 GT3 RS 4.0’s outstanding driving dynamics are the fruit of meticulously coordinated details. In addition to using the suspension components typically encountered in motor racing, weight reduction is also of supreme importance. Equipped as standard with light weight components such as bucket seats, bonnet and front wings made of carbon fibre, plastic rear windows and weight-optimised carpets, the two-seater’s ready-for-road weight is a mere 1,360 kilograms with a full tank of fuel. At 2.72 kg/hp, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0’s power-to-weight ratio thereby dips below the magical threshold of 3 kilograms per hp.
The limited edition 911 is painted white as standard and emphasises its proximity to motor racing by its dynamic appearance. Trademark characteristics are the wide track, the low vehicle position, the large rear wing with adapted side plates, the typical central twin tailpipe and the aerodynamically optimised body.
The lateral front air deflection vanes, so-called flics, making their first appearance on a production Porsche, testify to the aerodynamic precision engineering. They create increased downforce on the front axle and together with the steeply inclined rear wing bring the vehicle into aerodynamic equilibrium. As a result, at top speed, aerodynamic forces exert an additional 190 kg pushing the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 onto the road.
The market launch of the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 begins in Germany in July 2011. The basic list price is 178,596 euro including 19 per cent value added tax and country-specific equipment.
Story by Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 Pictures
