It wasn't that long ago when the first rumors for a more powerful Porsche 911 GT3 RS version began and now we have the official specifications for that model that map out a more powerful engine (duh) and improved aerodynamics. The vehicle will debut in July 2011 and prices will start at 178,596 euro including 19 per cent value added tax and country-specific equipment, or about $261,964 at the current exchange rates. Only 600 units will be made.

Details were so sketchy at first that we didn't know if Porsche was for real, or just playing a really sick joke. Thankfully, this is as real as it gets with the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 utilizing a 4.0 liter engine producing an incredible 500 HP and 339 lb-ft of torque. This engine will be mated to a six-speed sports transmission optimized for low weight and high efficiency.

Weight is always an issue when wanting to make fast cars go faster, so Porsche->ke1 made sure that was addressed with the GT3 RS 4.0. Many changes were made to the interior of the vehicle to drop weight, including the deletion of the air conditioning system and the addition of carbon fiber.

UPDATE 07/13/2011: Rennlist Forums has posted new images of the GT3 RS 4.0. Some were taken at the Porsche museum and some at the Nurburgring race track, but all reveal a beautiful black and white GT3 RS! Check out the gallery to see them all!

UPDATE 07/25/2011: Philip Raby from Total 911 Magazine got the chance to spend a couple of hours with the 911 GT3 RS 4.0. See what he thought of the more powerful Porsche after the jump!

UPDATE 07/27/2011: On the evening before the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, a special preview evening was held to unveil the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 to UK customers. The car was introduced by Andreas Preuninger, Head of GT Cars. Check out the video to see what an unveiling of the most hard core street legal 911 looks like.

UPDATE 05/11/2012: Porsche has unveiled a very cool video featuring Patrick Long behind the wheel of the 911 GT3 RS 4.0. The three-time ALMS GT2 Driver's Champion and Le Mans winner is Porsche's only American Factory Driver. When at the Porsche Sport Driving School at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama, Patrick took the opportunity to help fellow Porsche driver Hurley Haywood with one of his morning routines: Fetching a cup of coffee as fast as possible. Enjoy!

More details on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 after the jump.

2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0
  • Engine/Motor: naturally aspirated
  • Horsepower: 500
  • Torque: 339
  • Transmission: six-speed sports transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

The future 911 GT3 RS 4.0 will need a few more elements to be further distinguished from the standard GT3 RS. For starters, the GT3 RS 4.0 will come in a white exterior paint job as standard and will feature an enhanced aerodynamic body with a new set of wheels painted in either GT Silver Metallic or Black. It will sit wide and low, and will use lateral front air deflection vanes called flics to increase downforce on the front axle. This is the first time flics will be used on a production vehicle. The aerodynamic quality will be further optimized with the use of a large rear wing with adapted side plates. Finalizing the look of the GT3 RS 4.0 is the typical central twin tailpipe.

Weight is always a big deal when it comes to a high performing sports cars, so Porsche has managed to knock some of it off with a carbon fiber bonnet and front wings. Porsche's attack on the two-seater's weight continued for the interior with bucket seats, plastic rear windows, and weight-optimized carpets. The air conditioning system will also be removed to facilitate further weight reduction.

Special packages will also be available to further distinguish the 9611 GT3 RS 4.0.

Check out all of the different options for the more powerful GT3 RS 4.0 by checking out the new online configurator from Porsche. The new sports car gets options like carbon ceramic brakes, a front axle lifting system, lightweight headlamps, and a lithium-ion battery. Check out the configurator by clicking here.

Engine

Under the hood, Porsche will use a naturally aspirated 4000 cc version of the engine used in the standard GT3 RS. This engine will deliver a total of 500 HP at 8,250 rpm and 339 lb-ft of torque, which is a 50 HP and 22 lb-ft increase over the current GT3 RS model. This added power will allow the GT3 RS 4.0 to get to the 62mph mark in a killer 3.9 seconds and up to 124 mph in under 12 seconds. The lap around the famous Nurburgring track clocked in at 7:27, which is still 40 seconds away from the record held by the Pagani Zonda R.

The engine will be combined with a six-speed sports transmission and Porsche Ceramic Composite Break PCCB. All of these components combined allow the 2,998lb GT3 RS 4.0 to obtain a power to weight ratio of 6.6lb/hp.

Prices

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 will make its grand appearance in Germany in July 2011. European prices will start at 178,596 euro including 19 per cent value added tax and country-specific equipment, or about $261,964 at the current exchange rates. No words on the US prices just yet. That's just the beginning, however. There are plenty of options to choose from that will surely spike that price higher than you can imagine. Check them out in the tables provided.

Exterior Options

Option Price (no tax) Price with 20% VAT
Special Color $3,140 -
Dynamic Cornering Lights $690 -
Lightweight Battery $1700 -
Rear Lights w/Clear Glass Look $610 -
Mirror Attachment Point Finishers Painted in Exterior Color $500 -
Automatically Dimming Int/Ext Mirros w/Rain Sensor $690 -
Headlamp Cleaning System Cover Painted in Deviatng Exterior Color
$295 -
Wheels Painted in Black $325 -


Engine Options

Option Option Price EUR (no tax)
Porsche Ceramic Composite Break $8840 -
Chrono Package $690 -
Chrono Package Plus $690 -
Front Axle Ride Height Lift System $3,490 -


Interior Options

Option Price (no tax) Price with 20% VAT
PCM Package Painted in Exterior Colo $2225 -
Child seat preparation for passenger seat $835 -
Rear Section of Center Console in Exterior Color $730 -
Multi-stage Heating System for Front Seats $525 -
Fire extinguisher $140 -
PCM surround in leather $2225 -
Rear Section of Center Console Leather $1295 -
Steering column casing leather $465 -
Floor Mats With Colored Logo and Leather Surround $455 -
Extended Carbon Package $1,860 -
Rear Section of Center Console in Carbon $1,625 -
Belt Outlets on B Pillars in Carbon $450 -
Outer Door-Sill Guards in Carbon with Personal Logo Illuminated
$1535 -
Rear Section of Center Console Alcantara $1880 -
Lid of storage bin in Red Alcantara(R) with Porsche logo
$490 -


Audio Options

Option Price (no tax) Price with 20% VAT
Porsche Communication Management w/Nav $3,110 -
Sound Package Plus $700 -
Universal Audio Interface (iPod, USB, Aux) $0 -
XM® Radio $750 -
Telephone Module $265 -
Preparation for Mobile Phone 550 660


Competition

There is no doubt in our minds that when Porsche was thinking of a better way to spruce up the 911 GT3 RS, they were absolutely thinking of which competitors they could stick it to. There are plenty of sports cars out there that will surely feel threatened when the new GT3 RS 4.0 comes out, including the GT-R EGOIST Edition. The Egoist is a model powered by a 3.8-liter V6 twin turbo engine with 530 HP that sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 3.046 seconds and can hit a top speed of 195 mph. The performance numbers between the two cars are undoubtedly similar, but with limited numbers, not many will actually be enjoying them.

Philip Raby's Review of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

Philip Raby from Total 911 had plenty of good things to say about the GT3 RS 4.0. For starters, Raby thought the exhaust had a "wonderful, and highly addictive noise," the suspension was relatively compliant, and the steering was wonderfully direct and compliant. The highlights pointed to a car that was easy to drive in town or on the open road.

The negatives for the vehicle were few and far between, but Raby did explain that there was a touch of understeer at times. Other minuses were the excessive tire noise and relatively basic radio.

All in all, Raby loved the GT3 RS 4.0. He says:

"A racecar for the road? Not at all, this is a Porsche for people who want to pretend they have a racecar but really want a car they can safely and comfortably drive without having to have Senna-like skills."