Rumored to break cover at the Paris Motor Show->ke227 in October 2014, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS is still somewhat of a mystery. Sure, we've seen it stretching its legs on the road and track in several spy shots->ke166 and video footage, but very we know few details besides its exterior appearance. The GT3 RS' big conundrum is what lurks under the rear bonnet. Is the mother of all GT3's going turbo? The rear fenders obviously back this scenario, but why isn't Porsche saying anything? Guess we'll find out soon enough. Meanwhile, word on the street has it the upcoming GT3 RS is the second-fastest Porsche ever to lap the Nurburgring->ke999 track after the 918 Spyder.

Yes, folks, the redesigned GT3 RS is quicker than the mighty GT2 RS, a sports car->ke506 we've been missing ever since the Germans discontinued it in 2012. According to Zero2Turbo, the GT3 RS lapped the "Green Hell" in only 7 minutes 20 seconds, making it four seconds faster than the 911 GT2 RS that established its incredible 7-minute 24-second benchmark on the 'Ring in 2010. This claim isn't official, so make sure you keep them salt shakers within reach, but it's a lap time that's realistic for a turbocharged GT3 RS.

For the record, the benchmark would make the RS-badged sports car quicker than supercars->ke177 like the Maserati MC12->ke1165, Pagani Zonda F Clubsport and the Koenigsegg CCX->ke567. Impressive doesn't even begin to describe it.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

Why it matters

A 7-minute 20-second Nurburgring lap time would be an outstanding achievement for both the GT3 RS and Porsche as a sports car manufacturer. If this report proves to be accurate, it means the GT3 has finally reached a stage at which it's no longer overshadowed by the GT2.

Of course, this could also mean Porsche might have dropped any plans of building a new GT2 and make the GT3 RS the halo vehicle of its lineup. On the other hand, if the GT2 RS returns at some point we'll be getting an even more extreme track-prepped rig. Needless to say, there's a lot of stuff to get excited about when it comes to Porsche's upcoming GT range, and it all starts with an impressive Nurburgring lap.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS

The 2015 Porsche 911 GT3 RS began testing in early 2014. Although at first it was believed Porsche was using a 911 Turbo body for its mule, it was later confirmed by a set of patent documents that the RS sports the signature Turbo air intakes on its rear fenders. This feature leads us to believe the GT3 RS will have a turbocharged version of the 3.8-liter flat-six under its rear bonnet and at least 500 horsepower at its disposal. A PDK transmission will route all that oomph to the wheels, enabling the sports coupe to charge from naught to 60 mph in around three seconds.