There is always one version of the factory built Porsche 911 that stands head and shoulders above the rest of its backwards engineered brethren. The 911 GT3 is the choice of seasoned racers with a high revving naturally aspirated flat six and a track tuned suspension. The GT3 offers true race car performance in a street vehicle.
During the recent Frankfurt Motor Show, Head of Porsche Motorsport, Hartmut Kristen, gave an interview in which he discussed the technology transfer from the track to the road, as well as future developments in the world of racing.
Specifically, he discussed the technology used in the 2011 911 GT3 RSR and how it was transferred to the street-legal model, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0. The GT3 RSR is powered by a 4.0-liter, six-cylinder boxer engine mated to a six-speed gearbox. This combination delivers 455 HP at 7,800 rpm and a peak torque of 331 lbs-ft. The 911 GT3 RS 4.0 uses a 4.0 liter engine producing an incredible 500 HP and 339 lb-ft of torque.
The technology used in both models has helped the GT3 RSR win in its category at the 24-hr of Nürburgring this year, while the GT3 RS 4.0 delivers incredible performance for a car in its class.
With the new Porsche 911/991 specs revealed ahead of the vehicle’s Frankfurt debut, it was only a matter of time before the full line of 911 models got their turn at the rendering desk. We’ve already covered the 911 Turbo and the 911 GT3, so now it’s the GT3 RS’ turn.
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS should debut a short time after the 911 GT3 is revealed sometime in 2013. It will take the GT3’s 480 HP and tack on another 20 HP for a total of 500 HP. Unlike other 911 models, the GT3 RS will be offered exclusively with Porsche’s new seven-speed manual gearbox.
In addition to the added power, the 911 GT3 RS will feature some additions typical to the RS family. Expect an improved suspension to keep those tires firmly planted, better aerodynamics to reduce drag and boost performance, and an extra-large carbon-fiber rear wing serving as a reminder of its racing connections.
The Porsche 911 started its run back in 1963 - and oh what a run it is -, but it wasn’t until 1999 that a GT3 version was offered up for our ravenous consumption. It came to complete the series of performance vehicles that started back in 1973 with the 911 RS, a model that was capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and to 100 mph in 13 seconds.
Why the short history lesson? Well, the new generation GT3 is ready to break cover in the next couple of years and rumors about the sports car are already beginning to sprout. These rumors suggest that the new GT3 will be host to a 4.0L engine and not the 3.8L naturally-aspirated six cylinder engine where it gets its name. We are assuming that if the GT3 ends up with this engine change, we’ll also be looking at a new name for the vehicle, but that’s all speculation at this point.
What we do know is that the next GT3 will be lighter than the current generation, but according to Porsche CEO Matthias Muller, it will not be using Porsche’s new 7-speed PDK transmission.
UPDATE 09/09/2011: Check out our rendering of the new Porsche 911 GT3!
Hit the jump to read more about the next generation Porsche GT3.
Now that Porsche has revealed the full line of specifications for the new generation 911 family, creative types are busying themselves with the different variations up the brand’s sleeve. We just revealed our thoughts on the next gen 911 Turbo and then we found PS-Garage’s take on the future GT3 RS.
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is the perfect sports car for those looking for true racetrack performance in a street car. The RS version will be the next logical step after the new 911 GT3 is revealed sometime in 2013, and while the new standard GT3 will deliver somewhere in the neighborhood of 480 HP, the RS version will be working with about an 20 HP. Unlike other 911 models, the GT3 RS will be offered exclusively with Porsche’s new seven-speed manual gearbox.
The new GT3 RS will bring in some of the usual upgrades such as an improved suspension, better aerodynamics, and an extra-large carbon-fiber rear wing serving as a reminder of its racing connections.
Before the new 911/991 graces the Frankfurt Motor Show floor,Porsche is wrapping up the current 911 series with the 2012 GT3 R racing car, a model that has been successful due to great handling and speed. The new model year takes those features even further with added horsepower and accessories.
The Porsche 911 GT3 R is powered by a four-liter, six-cylinder flat engine that delivers a total of 500 HP, an improvement of 20 HP thanks to the optimization of the intake system. The six speed sequential gearbox was then adapted to the higher maximum output and paddleshifters were installed on the steering wheel for easier and faster gear changes. The transmission electronics, featuring an automatic throttle blip control, further facilitates gear changes. The race-ABS braking system rolls over from the previous model years, as does the sophisticated ex-works traction control.
The new GT3 R is still placed between the GT3 Cup and the 911 GT3 RSR, and will be used in competitions starting next year. It will be put on sale in November 2011 at a price of 304,500 Euro, or about $434,000 at the current exchange rates. If you just so happen to own a 2010 or 2011 GT3 R, don’t fret, Porsche is giving current customers the chance to upgrade their models to the 2012 specifications for 43,100 Euro, or about $61,000.
