2015 Geneva Motor Show: Porsche 911 GT3 RS revealed

PORSCHE has unveiled the 911 GT3 RS at the Geneva Motor Show, the most hardcore of all sports cars in its current line-up. How fast? It’ll lap the Nurburgring in 7min 20sec – the Carrera GT could manage only a sub-7min 29sec – accelerate to 100kph in 3.3sec, and pass 200kph in 10.9sec.

The GT3 RS uses a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six, sending 368kW and 480Nm to the RS’s rear wheels alone – that’s 18kW and 39Nm up on the 3.8-litre GT3. Just like the GT3, you have a choice of a specially developed PDK dual-clutch transmission or nothing at all.

Previously, GT3 models used a standard-width bodyshell, where the RS used the Carrera 4 shell, the widest in the range. Now the GT3 uses the Carrera 4 shell, and the RS steps up to the even wider Turbo shell. Both front and rear tracks are wider, and are matched to 20-inch front tyres and 21-inch rears – both the GT3 and Turbo stick with 20s all round. Rear-wheel steering, Porsche Torque Vectoring and a fully variable limited-slip differential also feature on the rear axle.

The GT3 RS is 10kg lighter than the GT3 as it moves to carbon-fibre engine and luggage compartment lids, and a new magnesium roof. . The roof has a double-bubble design – it looks cool, and you’ll appreciate if you’re tall and wearing a helmet –and its lighter weight lowers the RS’s centre of gravity for sharper handling. A huge rear wing, vented front wheel arches and extended front splitter will help suck the RS to the ground, too, though Porsche hasn’t yet made any claims regarding downforce.

Inside, you’ll find 918 Spyder-style carbon bucket seats, and a standard Club Sport package, with its half cage and fire extinguisher – let’s just hope this engine won’t need to be doused, unlike a few of the first GT3s.

In Australia, the GT3 RS will cost $387,700 when it goes on sale in Australia in the third quarter of this year, giving it a $94,100 premium over the GT3. Let’s hope it drives as good as it looks.