First Look: 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0
Just when you thought there was already a Porsche 911 for every occasion, the fine folks from Stuttgart drop a 4.0-liter, 500-horsepower monster into the shapely rear-end of the already awesome GT3 RS, creating the 911 GT3 RS 4.0. Thanks to the race-derived flat-six, the 4.0 can scoot to 60 in 3.8 seconds, and will hit 124 miles per hour in under 12 seconds. As God intended, this 911 is only available with a six-speed manual.
As impressive as the power is, we’re even more smitten with the weight. With the fuel tank filled to the brim, the 4.0 tips the scales at just 2998 pounds, thanks to large swathes of carbon fiber in the seats, front fenders, and hood, as well as very exciting-sounding weight-optimized carpets.
A racing-inspired body kit, complete with a huge rear wing and front-mounted dive planes, generates an extra 426 pounds of downforce at the car’s 193-mile-per-hour top speed.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this barely street-legal Porsche is the price. In the world of track-bred supercars, where a lightly used Ferrari 430 Scuderia costs $225,000, the GT3 can be yours for a relatively scant $185,000, with US deliveries starting at the end of the year.
Please scroll down for the official press release from Porsche.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0: Biggest 911 Engine Ever Offered
Limited-edition car is packed with motorsport technology
ATLANTA – April 28, 2011 — The 911 GT3 RS, one of Porsche’s most popular, coveted and successful track-inspired production cars, has been given a final, thrilling injection of thoroughbred motorsport technology resulting in the 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0. Limited to 600 vehicles worldwide, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 brings together in a sports car the attributes that have made the Porsche 911 GT3 a consistent winner on the race track.
The motorsport-derived 4.0-liter engine, already the highest displacement 911 engine ever, also features the highest per-liter output — 125 horsepower (hp) per liter — from a naturally aspirated Porsche flat-six engine. The engine uses forged pistons, the connecting rods are fashioned from titanium, and the crankshaft has been lifted unchanged from the 911 GT3 RSR race car. It achieves its maximum power of 500 hp at 8,250 rpm. Maximum torque of 339 ft/lbs is reached at 5,750 rpm.
The 911 GT3 RS 4.0 offers truly impressive performance, lapping the famed Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 27 seconds. Available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds, and with its gearing designed for the race circuit it reaches the 124 mph mark on the race track in under 12 seconds.
The 911 GT3 RS 4.0’s outstanding driving dynamics come from numerous, meticulously coordinated details. In addition to using suspension components typically encountered in motor racing, weight reduction is also of supreme importance. Equipped as standard with lightweight components such as light but strong carbon fiber sport bucket seats, carbon fiber front fenders and luggage compartment lid, and weight-optimized carpets, the two-seater’s ready-for-action weight is just 2,998 lbs with a full fuel tank. The 911 GT3 RS 4.0’s power-to-weight ratio is 5.99 lbs/hp.
This limited edition 911 is painted Carrara White as standard and emphasizes its proximity to motor racing by its dynamic appearance. Signature characteristics are the wide track, the low vehicle position, the large rear wing with side plates, central twin tailpipe, and the aerodynamically optimized body. Air deflection vanes mounted on either side of the front bumper – called ‘flics’ or dive planes – make their first appearance on a production Porsche. They create increased downforce on the front axle, and together with the steeply inclined rear wing, provide aerodynamics on par with its performance capabilities. As a result, at the 193 mph top track speed, aerodynamic forces exert an additional 426 lbs of downforce, thus pushing the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 onto the road.
With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price starting at $185,000 (excluding destination), the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 goes on sale in the United States in late 2011.
About Porsche Cars North America
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga. is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche sports cars, the Cayenne SUV and Panamera Gran Turismo. Established in 1984, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and employs approximately 220 people who provide parts, service, marketing and training for 196 dealers. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brand’s 63-year history and leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety and efficiency. At the core of this success is Porsche’s proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000 motorsport wins to date.
Shop
Most Popular
