In less than perfect condition, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS beat the time of the 911 GT3 around the Nordschleife itself at the Nürburgring. Watch the video.
For some, Christmas Eve came very early this year. Because already in August Porsche was able to present a new version of the iconic 911 that transforms it into a real racing car. The one with the five dreaded marks behind it: GT3 RS. A “RennSport” edition.
This is German and means simple and clear racing, so it is clear what Porsche wants with such an edition. It will fly around the slopes.
To make him more capable of such a task, the Germans have taken several measures, and one of them is very clearly visible.
They have given the new 911 GT3 RS even better road grip thanks to, among other things, a huge two-part rear wing with an active upper wing element, which of course pushes the car even further to the ground.
This rear wing is actually higher than the car roof, which has never happened before in 911 history.
But important things have also happened at the front.
There, Porsche replaced the three-radiator design with a solution that the class-winning Le Mans 911 RSR car and not least the 911 GT3 R racing car has – the latter being the main source of inspiration for the 911. GT3 RS.
Now the new road garment features a central radiator positioned where the trunk is in other 911 models, which has helped Porsche to accommodate even more active aerodynamic elements at the front.
The result of the changes to the front and rear is formidable: 409 kilograms of downforce at 200 km / h. At 285 km / h, the ground pressure is an impressive 860 kilograms, three times that of a normal 911 GT3.
And to top it off, the Germans lifted the technology out of Formula 1, namely what is cryptically referred to as DSR. This stands for Drag Reduction System and works so that a flap opens on straights and reduces the drag effect – and as is well known, less air resistance gives a higher top speed.
When braking, the GT3 RS is of course available with large ceramic discs, the car also offers a pneumatic brake function. This is activated when the brake is pressed hard at high speeds, so the front and rear wing elements are set to maximum, thus creating an aerodynamic deceleration effect that also aids braking.
In addition, Porsche has focused on many other areas to make the 911 GT3 RS go as fast as possible on a track and the weight, for example, has been reduced to 1,450 kilograms.
At its heart is an even more tuned 4-liter engine than a standard 911 GT3, which means 525 horsepower being sent lightning-fast to the wheels via a 7-speed PDK gearbox. Help the car go 0-100km / h in 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 296km / h.
Porsche is obviously excited to see what the new flagship can do on the most challenging circuit in the world, the Nordschleife, known as Green Hell.
And now they have finally tested just that.
– Today the 911 GT3 RS has kept what it promised at first glance: it is absolutely excellent on the track, says Andreas Preuninger, director of GT cars.
– Considering the less than ideal conditions, with a strong headwind on the long stretch of Döttinger Höhe and cool asphalt temperatures, we are satisfied with this weather. The 911 GT3 RS sets new standards for aerodynamics and chassis. Never before has a road car embodied motorsport so much.
The version that aired around Nordsløyfa had the Weissach package and was fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, 275/35 R20 at the front and 335/30 R21 at the rear.
– We lost some ground pressure due to the strong winds, sometimes with gusts, but I am still very happy with the round, says test driver, Porsche ambassador Jörg Bergmeister.
– Especially in the fast sections, the 911 GT3 RS is in a league of its own. Here it is at a level usually reserved for first-class racing cars. The car also sets new standards when it comes to braking. Fast laps on the Nordschleife are just a lot of fun in this car.
As you can see from the video, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS flew on the track in 6: 49.328 minutes, beating the regular 911 GT3 by 10.6 seconds. With better conditions, this would obviously be even more so. The car also did the previously slightly shorter standard lap of 6: 44.848 minutes.
However, this is not a record for street sports cars. It belongs to the Porsche 991 GT2 RS version with Manthey Performance Kit, which Lars Kern drove around the Nordschleife last summer, setting a record time of 6: 43,300 minutes.
Watch the video as the 911 GT3 RS flies over the toughest track in the world, so hold on tight. Also keep an eye on the movable rear wing in the graphics.
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