2018 Porsche GT3 RS blasts in from $416,500

PORSCHE has delivered what is likely to be the final installation in the 991.2 911 legacy with an even faster GT3 RS that has more power, a revised chassis and optimised weight for a track-focused edge that promises to topple records in typical motorsport-derived Porsche fashion.

With another 15kW squeezed from its naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six, the updated Porsche GT3 RS has a mammoth 383kW, thanks partly to its dizzying 9000rpm redline, while an updated seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission and specially formulated sticky rubber add to the vicious performance enhancements.

At $416,500 Australian customers are being asked an extra $29,200 over the previous 991.1 GT3 RS launched in 2016, and a whole $89,700 more than the current sub-RS GT3, but the new price appears a relative bargain when compared with the monstrous 911 GT2 RS, which is an eye-watering $228,900 on top.

Stump your cash now and you’ll take delivery of a sparkly new GT3 RS in the final quarter of this year.

The updates for the mighty RS have shaved a tenth from its zero to 100km/h acceleration with the benchmark dash all done in 3.2 seconds, while maximum speed has blown out to 312km/h.

As part of the updates, the standard front 265/35 R20 tyres are now made from a new compound for “enhanced agility and steering”, while the improved rear 325/30 R21 rubber boosts traction, says Porsche.

The tail is tied down even tighter with a revised rear-steering set-up for more track-dominating capability, complemented at speed by the massive fixed wing.

On the inside, full racing seats are crafted from carbonfibre for minimum weight but maximum support in extreme driving manoeuvres, while further weight is saved in true RS form with the fitment of basic door panels, pull loops and nets in place of handles and storage pockets.

Some sound insulation has been dumped to save more weight, as does a lighter rear engine cover. This new lime green paintwork completes the list of 2018 enhancements.

For no extra cost, customers that like to head to the track can upgrade to the Clubsport pack, which swaps the diminutive rear seats for a colour-coordinated roll bar, manual fire extinguisher, six-point harness and modifications to allow the installation of a battery disconnect switch.

If you do want to spend some extra cash and put an even sharper edge on the GT3 RS, Porsche offers the Weissach package and magnesium wheels as options. Tick every box and the extras strip weight back to 1430kg along with all the acceleration, braking and cornering advantages associated with weight reduction. Pricing for the options and full Australian specifications are yet to be detailed.

Porsche says combined cycle fuel consumption is rated at 12.8L/100km – 0.1 litres thirstier than the previous GT3 RS, but you don’t care do you?