Porsche’s street-legal racer becomes even more potent.

For quite some time the closest thing to an all-out racecar that Porsche offered was the 911 GT3. Then the German automaker introduced the 911 GT3 RS, which was supposedly the next- best-thing to the 911 GT3 racecars – until now.

Meet the 911 GT3 RS 4.0; Porsche’s newest and most advanced racecar for the road. The latest and possibly last version of the current 997.2-generation 911 boasts the most powerful naturally-aspirated engine ever used in a street-legal 911. Not only that, but that power also comes from the largest flat-six ever offered in the 911.

The new 4.0-liter flat-six sits behind the driver and is based on the engine used in the 911 GT3 RSR racecars. The 911 GT3 RS 4.0 uses the same crankshaft as the RSR, forged pistons, and titanium connecting rods, giving it the heart of a true racer. The motorsport-inspired engine cranks out a total of 500 horsepower at a high 8,250 RPM and 339 lb-ft. of torque at 5,570 RPM – up 50 horses and 29 lb-ft. compared to the GT3 RS. Making 125 hp/liter, the flat-six is mated to a short-throw six-speed manual transmission with a single mass flywheel and locking differential.

Acceleration is effortless for the 911 GT3 RS 4.0, taking just 3.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, 99 mph in 7.9 seconds, and 124 mph in 11.9 seconds. Top speed on the track is limited to 193 mph. Think that’s fast? The GT3 RS 4.0 lapped the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife in a mere 7:27 minutes!

But the GT3 RS 4.0 isn’t just about a bigger and more powerful engine. Just as in motorsports, weight reduction was a key objective in the car’s development. Standard features such as carbon fiber fenders and hood, bucket seats, plastic rear windows, and even weight-optimized carpet helped bring the 911 down to a 2,998-lb. curb weight.

The exterior is also designed to generate optimal downforce while maintaining high speed stability. The entire car sits 30 mm lower than the standard 911 Carrera and uses an adjustable motorsport suspension for precise control and handling. For the first time ever, front air deflection vanes (flics) are used on a production Porsche, and work with the front spoiler to increase downforce at the front axle. The rear features a large adjustable wing with side plates. Altogether the aerodynamic components contribute to a drag coefficient of just 0.34, and make an astonishing 419 lbs. of downforce at 193 mph.

To further improve handling and braking, Porsche has equipped the RS 4.0 with race-oriented wheels and powerful brakes. Porsche has installed their center-locking lightweight wheels measuring 9 J x 19 at the front and a wide 12 J x 19 at the rear. Road-legal 245/35 ZR 19 front and 325/30 ZR 19 sports tires have been fitted to provide greater responsiveness and grip. Standard on the GT3 RS 4.0 are red six-piston aluminum front calipers with 15-inch composite brake discs at the front axle and four-piston, 13.8-inch brakes at the rear. Optionally, customers can order the PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes) that are 50 percent lighter than standard brakes and provide virtually no brake fade under racing conditions.

Inside, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is all business. Wherever there is contact alcantara is used to reduce weight and improve grip. The seats that hold occupants in place are made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic and glass. Even the door handles have been removed to reduce weight, and are replaced with fabric door pulls.

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 will be limited to a production run of only 600 vehicles. Each model will receive a numbered plate on the dashboard. The first GT3 RS 4.0s will be launched in Germany during July for € 178,596. Pricing for the US has not been released.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 Specifications

Engine:

Displacement: 4.0 liters

Number of Cylinders: Flat-six

Compression Ratio: 12.6 : 1

Maximum Horsepower: 500 at 8,250 RPM

Maximum Torque: 339 lb.-ft. 5,750 RPM

Transmission:

Type: Six-speed manual with short-throw shifter and single mass flywheel

Drive: Rear wheel

Performance:

Acceleration 0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds

Acceleration 0-99 mph: 7.9 seconds

Acceleration 0-124 mph: 11.9 seconds

Top Speed: 193 mph

Acceleration 55-75 mph (fifth gear): 4.8 seconds

Chassis:

Front Axle: McPherson strut suspension

Rear Axle: LSA multi-link suspension

Steering: Power-assisted (hydraulic) with variable steering ratio

Turning Circle: 35.8 ft

Brakes:Six-piston aluminum monobloc fixed calipers at front and four-piston aluminum monobloc fixed calipers at rear, discs internally vented and cross-drilled

Vehicle Stability System: Porsche Stability Management (PSM)

Anti-lock Braking System: ABS 8.0 (integrated in PSM)

Wheels Front: 9 J x 19 RO 47

Wheels Rear: 12 J x 19 RO 48

Front Tires: 245/35 ZR 19 (sports tires)

Rear Tires: 325/30 ZR 19 (high performance summer tires)

Dimensions and Aerodynamics:

Curb Weight: 2,998 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3,704 lbs

Length: 175.6 inches

Width (including wing mirrors): 72.9 inches (76.9 inches)

Height: 50.4 inches

Wheelbase: 92.7 inches

Luggage Compartment Volume: 3.71 cu.ft.

Tank Capacity (refill volume): 17.7 gallons

Drag coefficient: 0.34

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 Video

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 Gallery

[Source: Porsche]

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