The Porsche 911 has stood as the ultimate sports car for more than 50 years, but the latest 991 body style is proof that Porsche still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve. With the debut of the refreshed 991.2 in late 2015, the automotive world is now finally witnessing the return of the extreme 911 GT2 RS. As is typical for any factory-built, race-ready sports car, the previous Porsche 911 GT2 RS made strong impressions when it splashed down in 2011, and as evidenced by the current 991 lineup, it’s definitely one of the best 911’s ever created. That winning streak now continues with the latest GT2 RS, which was just unveiled this year at E3. Slated for sale for the 2018 model year, the new Stuttgart track star comes equipped with a whopping 700 horsepower, complemented by beefy new aero, a competition-ready chassis, and rear axle steering.

Treading the line between track machine and street prowler, the new GT2 RS is a surefire winner amongst 911 enthusiasts. It does everything you’d expect, minus the frills and distractions. Not only is it capable of obliterating lap times, but the fact you can drive it to and from the track makes it more than just a toy. Read on for specs on this Teutonic terror.

Updated 09/19/2017: We added a series of new images taken during the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show where the 911 GT2 RS made a very impressive appearance.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS
  • Engine/Motor: flat-6
  • Horsepower: 700 @ 7000
  • Torque: 553
  • Transmission: PDK
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Official video

Exterior

2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Previous Porsche 911 GT2 RS


Much like the previous GT2 RS, the new turbocharged track car is based on the 911 Turbo. As seen in the latest photos from the 2017 Xbox E3, the GT2 RS borrows several features from the 991.2 Turbo, including including the front fascia, beefed-up rear fenders with large air outlets, and most of the rear end.

Up front, the bumper is taller and extends closer to the ground, while incorporating larger air vents on each side of the center grille. The daytime running lights appear to be stock, but that’s the only feature that remained unchanged compared to the standard Turbo. Below, there’s a massive splitter, while the carbon-fiber trunk lid has two additional vents for improved cooling. We’ve seen similar cutouts on the GT3 RS.

Onto the sides, we can see redesigned side skirts and revised vents in the rear fenders. Also, the rear section of the car is significantly wider than any other Porsche out there, which suggests a wider track and wider tires to the rear. The GT2 RS also rides on unique, lightweight wheels.

Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Porsche 911 Turbo


Around back, Porsche installed the new taillights of the 991.2-generation 911, which are slimmer. There’s also a new engine hood, as well as a heavily redesigned bumper with large exhaust outlets toward the corners. The spoiler was also redesigned, but arguably the most spectacular feature on this car is massive rear wing. This is rather uncommon for the GT2, which usually has a smaller wing compared to the GT3, but Porsche suddenly decided that bigger is better. It remains to be seen if the larger wing has a significant impact, but it should help the GT2 RS go faster at the track.

Our Rendering vs The Real Deal

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (Inches)

96,5

Length (Inches)

179,1

Height (Inches)

51,1

Width (w/ mirrors folded) (Inches)

74,0/77,9


Interior

The 911 GT2 RS is still a street car, and that means it’s not some stripped-down, bare bones track rat. However, it’s still a very serious performance machine, and under that thin veneer of streetability, you’ll find all the right gear for going very fast.

Just two seats are in place to accommodate passengers, with a fixed-back design and carbon fiber outer shell. The side bolsters are huge, offering lots of lateral support when pushing it in the corners. Materials include red Alcantara, black leather, and of course, extra composite trim.

Drivers get to enjoy a GT2 RS-specific Sport steering wheel with column-mounted shift paddles as standard. The wheel is covered in red upholstery, and avoids the usual infotainment button array so common on lesser street machines.

Speaking of infotainment, the 911 GT2 RS still comes equipped with the Porsche Communication Management system, as well as standard Porsche Connect Plus. As you might expect, there’s also the Porsche Track Precision app, with the option for the Chrono package for more performance data collection if desired. There’s even an infrared lap timer trigger offered for precise timing when hunting for tenths.

And, to show your allegiance to your shiny new 911 without some god-awful tie or t-shirt, Porsche is offering 911 GT2 RS owners an exclusive titanium watch. You know, because in racing, every second counts.

Drivetrain

Note: previous Porsche 911 GT2 RS engine pictured here.

Let’s just jump right into it – mounted way out back, you’ll find a meaty twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat-six engine. It’s the same lump you get in the current 911 Turbo S, although this time around, it’s rocking bigger turbos and more boost. Complementing the extra atmosphere is an upgraded cooling system, which includes water sprayers to keep the intercoolers chilly, as well as a titanium exhaust system that cuts 15 pounds compared to the standard 911 Turbo’s exhaust. Sending the horses to the pavement is a custom-tuned GT seven-speed double-clutch PDK transmission, complete with all the lightening-quick cog swapping you’d expect.

Total output is measured at a sizeable 700 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, figures that best the old 911 GT2 RS by as much as 80 horsepower and 37 pound-feet, respectively. Put your foot down, and you’ll go from 0-to-60 mph in 2.7 seconds. Keep the right pedal pinned, and you’ll see a top speed of 211 mph. These numbers are also significant improvements over the old GT2 RS’s 3.5-second 0-to-60 mph time and 205-mph top speed.

So how does the new model apply its newfound output? We’ll have to wait for official lap times from Porsche, but rest assured it’ll be quick, especially considering the old model managed an impressive 7 minutes, 18 seconds around the Nurburgring. Add in more power, better aero, and a revamped chassis, and sub-6-minute times are pretty much a sure thing.

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat-six

Horsepower

700 HP @ 7,000 RPM

Torque

553 LB-FT

Transmission

PDK

0-to-60 mph

2.7 seconds

Top Speed

211 mph


Chassis And Suspension

You gotta love tons of power, but without the right bits underneath it, all the output in the world won’t make much of a difference on the track. As such, the new Porsche 911 GT2 RS utilizes a variety of strategies to lighten the overall heft and mass. These include exterior and interior components made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic, while the roof is made from magnesium. All told, the new GT2 RS’s curb weight is a relatively low 3,241 pounds, even with the gas tank filled to the brim.

If you’re looking to maximize weight savings, Porsche is also offering an optional Weissach package that cuts an additional 40 pounds off the top. Achieving the extra savings is the addition of magnesium wheels, as well as even more carbon fiber, including composite construction for the roof, anti-roll bars, end links, and axles.

The chassis is equally prepped for track duty, and nippier turn-in is achieved thanks to standard rear-axle steering. Electronic driver’s aides are onboard to keep you out of trouble, but the stability management was tuned for “spirited driving,” which means you can still have fun if you want. Alternatively, the aides can be defeated entirely for full hero mode.

In the corners, you’ll find Ultra High Performance tires, with sizing staggered at 265/35R20 in front and 325/30R21 in the rear. Hauling it down are Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes as standard.

Prices

The 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS made its “official world premiere” at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England. Pricing starts at a bank account-crunching $293,200, while the the 40-pound saving Weissach package can be had for $31,000.

Conclusion

As always, Porsche has kept 911 enthusiasts (and sports car lovers in general) pretty busy with a selection of model debuts, and the new GT2 RS is no exception. This thing is an absolute monster, and an appropriate send-off for the 991 body style as we await the next generation.

The combination of track-ready components and barely civil sensibilities is a good one, and the end result is the “fastest and most powerful street-legal 911 model ever,” at least according to Porsche officials. Without a doubt, this one’s a keeper.

References

Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Read our full review on the previous generation Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

Read our full comparison between the new and the old Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

Spy Shots

March 30, 2017 - Porsche 911 GT2 RS looks ready to do into production


June 23, 2016 - Porsche 911 GT2 RS caught wearing production exhaust pipes


April 14, 2016 - Porsche 911 GT2 RS goes out for a new testing session


March 9, 2016 - Porsche 911 GT2 RS begins testing sessions


Updated History

Updated 06/30/2017: Porsche has officially revealed the new Porsche 911 GT2 RS! Read on for all the official specs.

Updated 04/14/2016: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming GT2 RS out for a new testing session.

Updated 03/09/2016: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming GT2 RS our for a first testing session. The model is expected to be unveiled in late 2017.