2018 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

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2018 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Exterior

The new bumper sports improved aero bits, larger intakes, and an optimized splitter

Having already seen the 991.2-generation 911, several GT3 RS prototypes, and knowing that GT3 model usually get all the features seen on the regular model, the car’s exterior design wasn’t much of a mystery. So the unveiling only comes to confirm all the new upgrades and unveils a cool new color. It’s a bright shade of green, it’s called Lizard Green, and makes the GT3 RS look stunning. Especially when paired with the vintage-style stripe and "GT3 RS" lettering on the side skirts.

Other than that, the new GT3 RS is exactly what I expected it to be.

The first thing that catches the eye is the front bumper taken off the non-RS 911 GT3 that Porsche introduced in 2017. The new element sports improved aero bits, larger intakes, and an optimized splitter. The nose and headlamps are seemingly identical to the previous RS, but the lights under the plastic lenses are different. If you’re looking for something that sets the RS apart from the standard GT3, check out the NACA ducts on the trunk lid.

The diffuser has a more aggressive design with new vents an vertical slats underneath

Moving onto the sides, the new GT3 RS didn’t change much compared to the previous model. The side skirts are a bit thicker, the rear fender vents has bigger edges, and the intakes in the rear bumper are taller. But other than that and the new twin-five-spoke wheels, the profile of the GT3 RS carries over unchanged.

Around back, the sports car gained the revised taillights of the standard 911, but the wing is also a bit different. The stanchions have a simpler design, likely borrowed from the 911 race cars, while the wing’s side element are slightly bigger. The center-mounted exhaust is still there, but the diffuser has a more aggressive design with deep cutouts for the new vents an vertical slats underneath. The engine hood also adopted the 911’s new configuration.

Nine exterior colors are available, as well as four wheel finishes, including gold and a new satin black model with a green lip. Exterior options are similar to the outgoing model and include LED headlamps with black interior, badge delete, blak door handles, and carbon-fiber mirror caps and window triangle.

The available Weissach Package adds the most interesting features, as it includes a front lid, roof, rear wing, and mirror housings made of exposed carbon-fiber for weight saving purposes.

Previous Generations Porsche 911 GT3 RS

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 RS - Exterior Dimensions

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Interior

The interior of the new GT3 RS carries over unchanged for the most part

The interior of the new GT3 RS carries over unchanged for the most part. It’s based on the latest GT3 model and it gets a few updates on top of the familiar Alcantara upholstery, "RS" badges, and 918 Spyder steering wheel. Highlights include full bucket seats made of carbon-fiber (adjustable sports seats are available at no extra cost), lightweight door panels with cloth loops, and the Clubsport package. Available at no additional charge, the latter adds a roll-over bar, a manual fire extinguisher, preparation for a battery disconnect switch, and a six-point seatbelt.

The Weissach package adds a few new features as well, including carbon-fiber trim for the steering wheel and gearshift paddles, a "Weissach" logo on the cupholder cover, and "Weissach" embroidered headrests.

The Weissach package adds a few new features, including carbon-fiber trim for the steering wheel and gearshift paddles

Cabin options are quite numerous. There’s auto dimming mirrors with integrated rain sensor, seat heating, instrument dials in red and white and similar trim for the Sport Chrono clock. The seatbelts can be had in different colors, including Guards Red, Racing Yellow, and Lizard Green. You can also have certain elements, such as the air vents and the climate control panel finished in one of more than 15 colors.

You can also opt to have various elements wrapped in leather or Alcantara, as well as pick between aluminum and carbon-fiber trim. If you’re a fan of the lightweight composite, you can go with carbon-fiber floor mats, door-sill guards, and personalized sills for around $3,000. Finally, Porsche offers a Bose surround sound system, just in case you get tired of the flat-six’s aggressive roar.

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Drivetrain

The upgraded engine delivers an extra 20 horsepower over the outgoing model

As some of you may remember, the previous GT3 RS received a 4.0-liter flat-six instead of the more traditional 3.8-liter unit. The then-new engine had 500 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque and made the RS 25 horses more powerful than the GT3. Now that the facelifted GT3 received the same powerplant with the same output rating, it was pretty obvious that the RS needed a bit more oomph in order to make a difference.

And Porsche delivered, as the updated unit is rated at 520 horsepower, which accounts for a 20-horsepower bump, just as predicted. Torque figures are still a mystery, but the output shouldn’t jump by more than 10 to 15 pound-feet.

The revised settings and improved aerodynamics enable the GT3 RS to hit the 60-mph mark in a cool three seconds

The added oomph didn’t do much to make the RS quicker, but the revised settings and improved aerodynamics enable the GT3 RS to hit the 60-mph mark in a cool three seconds, a tenth-second quicker than the previous model. That’s with the quick-shifting PDK transmission, as there is no manual option for this car. Top speed is rated at 194 mph, below that of the 911 Turbo.

Other upgrades include a revised rear-axle steering system from the GT3, dynamic engine mounts, and a retuned suspension for better cornering and performance at the race track. The motorsport-based chassis now uses ball joints on all arms for greater precision, while the options list includes a front axle lift system, a Chrono Package with Preparation for Lap Trigger, an extended range fuel tank, and the very expensive ceramic-composite brakes.

The Weissach package adds anti-roll bars and end links made from carbon-fiber, which saves around 11.7 pounds. In all, this bundle reduces the GT3 RS’ curb weight by 13.4 pounds, taking it down to 3,152 pounds.

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 RS - Specifications

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Prices

The new 911 GT3 RS is available to order starting February 2018 and starts from $187,500 in the U.S. That’s a $39,000 premium over the 911 GT3. The European launch is planned in mid-April 2018, with prices starting from €195,137, including VAT and country-specific equipment.

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Competition

Lamborghini Huracan Performante

Finding a proper competitor for the 911 GT3 RS is next to impossible given that there aren’t any other rear-engine performance cars out there, but there’s at least one mid-engined track beast that will give this Porsche a run for its money. It’s called the Lamborghini Huracan Performante and it’s the most menacing road-legal Lambo built to date. And don’t let the road-legal description fool you, the Performante is actually a race car in disguise. Based on the already popular Huracan, the Performante gained a comprehensive aerodynamic package and a revised chassis for enhanced performance, while a retuned 5.2-liter V-10 engine sends 631 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. As you might have already guessed, the extra oomph and the AWD system makes the Performante significantly quicker, needing onlyh 2.8 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start. The Lambo is fast on race tracks too, having set a new Nurburgring record for production cars at 6:52.01 minutes. This benchmark makes it five seconds quicker than the Porsche 918 Spyder, so it’s safe to assume it would be quicker than the upcoming GT3 RS around the "Green Hell" too. On the flipside, pricing for the Performante starts from $274,390, at least $70,000 more than the German sports car.

Learn more about the Lamborghini Huracan Performante.

Mercedes-AMG GT R

The AMG GT R may not be as extreme as the GT3 RS and it’s a different kind of animal due to its front-engined configuration, but it’s also turbocharged and quite fun to drive at the track. Developed around the milder GT, the GT R features a more aggressive design and advanced aerodynamics for increased performance. The German coupe is packed with all the goodies you’d expect from a track-prepped car, including larger intakes, wider fenders, and a massive diffuser around back. Inside, the GT R has sport bucket seats in leather and microfiber, optional carbon-fiber trim, and a performance-oriented instrument cluster. Motivation comes form the same twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 as found in the standard model, but massaged to deliver 577 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Hitting 60 mph from a standing start in this Merc takes 3.5 seconds, while top speed is rated at 198 mph. Granted, the GT R is significantly slower than the competition, but pricing is expected to start from around $160,000, which makes it more than $100K more affordable.

Find out more about the Mercedes-AMG GT R.

Ferrari 488 Pista

Unveiled on the same day as the 911 GT3 RS, the 488 Pista is a beefed-up version of the 488 GTB and the spiritual successor to the iconic 458 Special. Pista gained some radical changes on the outside, with both the front and rear fascias hinting at full-blowing 488-based race cars. Updates are less impressive on the inside, but there are a few exclusive features to enjoy, as well as extra carbon-fiber. The twin-turbo, 3.9-liter V-8 gained 50 extra horses over the 488 GTB, now generating a whopping 710 horsepower. The sprint to 62 mph takes 2.85 seconds, which makes it quicker than the 911 GT3 RS. The Pista’s top speed is also superior at 211 mph. And it’s pricier too, as the sticker is expected to sit between $320,000 and $340,000.

Read our full review of the 2018 Ferrari 488 Pista.

Conclusion

The

generation 911 has been one of the most popular in the model’s history and its performance is arguably the best, and the new GT3 RS will only comes to confirm the tremendous effort Porsche has put into the nameplate in recent years. Of course, with a GT2 RS already in dealerships, the GT3 RS isn’t be the most extreme version of the current generation, but it’s a tremendous alternative for die-hard enthusiasts who still love naturally aspirated engines. It’s also safe to assume that the highly limited production run will turn the updated GT3 RS in a highly prized collectible in no time. It’s the kind of vehicle that will be sold out the second day it goes on sale. On a sad note, it will be the last GT3 RS to use a naturally aspirated engine. Recent reports suggest that the next-gen model will be turbocharged and it’s a scenario that makes a lot of sense.

• Love it
  • Unique aero features and interior
  • The most powerful all-motor 911 ever
  • Tech upgrades
  • The last GT3 with a naturally aspirated engine
• Leave it
  • Tough competition from the Huracan Performante
  • The AMG GT R is a significantly more affordable proposition

References

Porsche GT3

Read our full review on the 2018 Porsche 911 GT3.

Read our full review on the 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

Read our full review on the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

Read our full review on the 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

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