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.
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2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS
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Year:2018
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Make:
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Model:
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Engine:flat-6
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Transmission:PDK
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Horsepower @ RPM:700 @ 7000
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Torque @ RPM:553
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Displacement:3.8 L
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0-60 time:2.7 sec.
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Top Speed:211 mph
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Price:293200
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Price:
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car segment:
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size:
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Purpose:
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body style:
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Overall:6.2/10
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.
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 |
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.
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 |
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| 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.
The new Porsche 911 GT2 RS is still a very serious performance machine, and under a thin veneer of streetability, you’ll find all the right gear for going very fast.
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.
The 911 GT2 RS still comes equipped with the Porsche Communication Management system, as well as standard Porsche Connect Plus.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. The optional Weissach package that cuts an additional 40 pounds off the top.
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
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June 23, 2016 - Porsche 911 GT2 RS caught wearing production exhaust pipes
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April 14, 2016 - Porsche 911 GT2 RS goes out for a new testing session
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March 9, 2016 - Porsche 911 GT2 RS begins testing sessions
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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.
The fastest and most powerful street-legal 911 model ever is ready for launch: The new 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS is celebrating its official world premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK from June 30th to July 2nd. At the heart of this high-performance sports car is a 700-horsepower twin-turbo flat-six engine. Weighing in at 3,241 pounds with a full tank of fuel, the lightweight two-seater accelerates from zero to 60 miles per hour in 2.7 seconds. The new 911 GT2 RS can reach a top track speed of 211 miles per hour, and it surpasses the 2011 911 GT2 RS by 80 horsepower. The 2018 911 GT2 RS delivers 553 lb.-ft. of torque, an increase of 37 lb.-ft. compared to the previous 911 GT2 RS.
The 3.8-liter engine in the GT2 RS is based on the power plant found in the current 911 Turbo S model. In order to increase performance further, larger turbochargers push an increased volume of air into the combustion chambers. A new additional cooling system delivers optimum cooling at peak loads by spraying water on the intercoolers when the intake air temperature reaches a determined threshold. This reduces the inlet temperature under boost and allows for optimum power output, even under extreme conditions. The customized GT seven-speed double-clutch Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission in the new GT2 RS enables maximum efficiency with uninterrupted torque transfer. The specially developed lightweight titanium exhaust system weighs around 15 pounds less than the system used in the 911 Turbo and delivers a particularly emotional sound.
Porsche Design is celebrating the debut of this very special high-performance sports car by releasing a special-issue watch. Offering a nod to the world of motorsport, the Porsche Design 911 GT2 RS watch is exclusively available to owners of the new vehicle and can only be ordered in conjunction with the new GT model.
Race-bred chassis for exceptional cornering
The 2018 911 GT2 RS has exceptional dry grip thanks to its race-bred chassis with rear axle steering and Ultra High Performance (UHP) tires. The stability management system is tuned for spirited driving in the new 911 GT2 RS. The PSM can be deactivated in two stages using the ESC OFF and ESC+TC OFF functions. Large air intakes and outlets and the striking rear wing underscore the emphasis on aerodynamics and down-force. The large, wide wheels with 265/35 ZR 20 tires at the front and 325/30 ZR 21 tires at the rear help ensure outstanding braking and cornering potential. The 911 GT2 RS features Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) as standard. The front fenders, wheel housing vents, outer shells on the Sport Design exterior mirrors, air intakes on the rear quarter panels, and parts of the rear are made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), as are many of the interior components. The front luggage compartment lid is also made from carbon fiber to make the vehicle as light as possible, while the standard roof panel is made from magnesium. Both of these body panels feature a visible recess in the center, a design element previously used on the 2016 911 GT3 RS.
Optional Weissach package saves 40 pounds of weight
The optional Weissach package reduces weight by nearly 40 pounds, further enhancing the vehicle dynamics of the 911 GT2 RS. The package includes magnesium wheels and numerous elements made of carbon fiber. For instance, with this optional package, the roof and anti-roll bars are made of carbon fiber, as are the end links on both axles. The 911 GT2 RS forged magnesium wheels reduce both overall and unsprung weight by over 25 pounds, complementing the vehicle’s handling characteristics. When equipped with the Weissach Package, the carbon fiber weave of the luggage compartment lid and the roof are left largely exposed, and are painted with a centrally placed decorative strip in the vehicle color for a distinctive look. The Weissach package is optionally available with an MSRP of $31,000.
A truly sporty interior
The interior of the 911 GT2 RS is dominated by red Alcantara®, black leather, and carbon fiber trim pieces as standard. The GT2 RS Sport steering wheel with shift paddles is also included as standard. Drivers and passengers can experience the driving dynamics of the high-performance sports car in Full Bucket Seats with carbon fiber reinforced backrests, which offer a high level of comfort and lateral support. As in every 911 model, Porsche Communication Management (PCM) serves as the central control unit for audio, navigation, and communication. Porsche Connect Plus and the Porsche Track Precision app are also included as standard, enabling detailed recording, display, and analysis of driving data on a smartphone.
The optional Chrono Package expands the PCM functions to include a performance display, which can be used to display, save, and evaluate lap times. The package also includes a stopwatch on the dashboard featuring an analog and digital display. The Chrono Package on the 911 GT2 RS also provides preparation for the lap trigger available from Porsche Tequipment. When using the Porsche Track Precision app in conjunction with the infrared transmitter placed at the side of the track, the lap trigger receiver enables drivers to record lap times with a higher level of precision.
Exclusive watch for owners: Porsche Design 911 GT2 RS Chronograph
Porsche Design has teamed up with Porsche Motorsport to develop the 911 GT2 RS Chronograph exclusively for 911 GT2 RS owners. The timepiece housing is made of lightweight titanium. At its heart is the first clock movement developed by Porsche Design, the product of three years’ work. The caliber 01.200 includes a flyback function, a load-path-optimized movement bridge, and an official COSC certificate of authenticity.
The flyback function is inspired by motorsport and represents a special feature of the Porsche Design GT2 RS watch. On a traditional chronograph, the buttons must be pressed three times in order to measure consecutive time intervals: The first press stops the chronograph, the second resets it, and the third restarts the measuring process. On chronographs with a flyback function, these processes happen automatically and in rapid succession. The stop function and the ongoing time display are clearly separated using yellow markings. Many of the details on the timepiece are based on the design details of the GT2 RS. The tungsten winding rotor is modeled after the rims of the 911 GT2 RS. The clock face is made of carbon fiber, while the design of the time display matches the instrument cluster and the tachometer. The 911 GT2 RS and its watch counterpart are exclusively available at authorized Porsche dealers worldwide. The vehicle and watch are produced and customized in line with each customer’s wishes and are delivered together.
Pricing and availability
The 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS model is available to order with a base MSRP of $293,200, excluding the $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee. It will reach U.S. dealers in early 2018.
About Porsche Cars North America, Inc. | One Porsche Drive, Atlanta, GA 30354 USA
Established in 1984, Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche 911, 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman sports cars, Macan and Cayenne SUVs, and Panamera sports sedans. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia since 1998, PCNA is also home to the first Porsche Experience Center in North America featuring a module-based 1.6 mile driver development track, business center, and fine dining restaurant, 356. The company operates a second Porsche Experience Center near Los Angeles. This 53-acre complex features a driver development track with eight educational modules totaling 4.1 miles, a business center, and Restaurant 917. PCNA employs over 300 people who provide parts, service, marketing, and training for 188 dealers. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the Porsche brand’s nearly 70-year history of leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency. PCNA is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.
At the core of this success is Porsche’s proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000-plus motorsport wins to date.
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