Porsche 911 GT2 RS celebrates its world premiere

Porsche 911 GT2 RS The fastest and most powerful street legal 911 is ready for launch: The new Porsche 911 GT2 RS celebrates its world premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK this weekend.

At the heart of this high-performance 911 sports car is a 515 kW (700 hp) biturbo flat engine. Weighing in at 1,470 kg with a full fuel tank, the lightweight two-seater accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds. The rear-wheel drive Coupe has a top speed of 340 km/h, and with its near-motorsport drive technology, the new 911 GT2 RS trumps its 3.6-litre predecessor by 59 kW (80 hp). Maximum torque also jumps 50 Newton metres to 750 Nm.

The engine of the GT2 RS builds on that from the 3.8-litre unit in the 911 Turbo S with 427 kW (580 hp). In order to increase performance, larger turbochargers push an increased volume of processed air into the combustion chambers. A new additional cooling system delivers optimum cooling at peak loads and, at very high temperatures, sprays the charge-air cooler with water. This causes the gas temperature to fall in the overpressure range and ensures optimum power output, even under extreme conditions.

The customised GT seven-speed double-clutch transmission (PDK) in the new GT2 RS enables power to be transferred with uninterrupted traction. What’s more, the specially developed exhaust system is made from extra-lightweight titanium, weighing around seven kilograms less than the system used in the 911 Turbo and delivers an emotional sound without precedent.

For the first time ever, Porsche Design is celebrating the debut of this high-performance sports car by releasing a special-issue watch. Offering a nod to the world of motorsport, the 911 GT2 RS watch is exclusively available to owners of the new car and can only be ordered in conjunction with the new GT model at Porsche Centres.

Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Racing chassis for outstanding dynamic cornering
Discipline in sport means mastering every detail. And in the world of super sports cars, cornering speeds are on another level. The 911 GT2 RS reaches these speeds thanks to its flawless racing chassis with rear-axle steering and Ultra High Performance (UHP) tyres.

Like all GT sports cars, the new top model features a specially calibrated PSM with a Sport mode that is tailored to provide optimal driving dynamics. Powerful air intakes and outlets and the imposing rear wing emphasise that the vehicle’s aerodynamics have mastered both form and function.

The large, wide wheels with 265/35 ZR 20 tyres at the front and 325/30 ZR 21 tyres at the rear ensure outstanding braking and cornering forces. The 911 GT2 RS features Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) as standard. The front wings, wheel housing vents, outer shells on the Sport Design exterior mirrors, air intakes on the rear side sections and parts of the rear end are made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFR), as are many of the interior components. The bonnet is also made from carbon to make the vehicle as light as possible, while the standard trim roof is made from magnesium. Both body parts have a wide lateral swage line.

Optional Weissach package with 30-kg weight saving
Performance can always be cranked up a notch – even on the 911 GT2 RS. That’s why Porsche engineers have developed the optional Weissach package, which provides a weight saving of around 30 kilograms. The package includes additional elements made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic and titanium. For instance, the roof and the anti-roll bars are made of carbon, and so are the coupling rods on both axles. Magnesium wheels reduce both the gross weight and the unsprung weight, providing a greater wealth of impressive chassis properties. Furthermore, to highlight the Weissach package, the luggage compartment lid and the carbon-weave finish roof are emblazoned exclusively with a central strip in the same colour as the car for a visually distinctive look.

Porsche 911 GT2 RS

A truly sporty interior
The passenger compartment of the 911 GT2 RS is dominated by red Alcantara, black leather and interior parts with a carbon-weave finish as standard. The GT2 RS sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles enables quick and sporty gear changes. Drivers and passengers experience the driving dynamics of the high-performance sports car in full bucket seats with a carbon-weave finish.

As in every 911, the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) is the central control unit for audio, navigation and communication. The Connect Plus module and 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 performance display, which can be used to show, save and evaluate track times. The package also includes a stopwatch on the switch panel with both analogue and digital display. What’s more, the Chrono Package on the 911 GT2 RS comes with a lap trigger. Using the Porsche Track Precision app in conjunction with external markers on a start/finish straight, this lap trigger enables drivers to record lap times with a high level of precision.

Porsche 911 GT2 RS
Exclusive watch to accompany the car: Porsche Design 911 GT2 RS Chronograph
Porsche Design has teamed up with Porsche Motorsport to develop the 911 GT2 RS Chronograph for customers of the new super sports car. It is reserved exclusively for 911 GT2 RS owners. At its heart is the first clock movement developed by Porsche Design, the product of three years work. The calibre 01.200 includes a flyback function, a load-path-optimised movement bridge and an official COSC certificate of authenticity. The timepiece housing is made of lightweight titanium.

The flyback function is inspired by motorsport and represents a special feature of the Porsche 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 high-performance sports car. The tungsten winding rotor is modelled on the rims of the 911 GT2 RS. The clock face is made of carbon, 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 from Porsche Centres and are produced individually in line with customer wishes and delivered together.

Porsche 911 GT2 RS
Prices
The 911 GT2 RS is now available for order from official Porsche Centres in Australia, priced from $645,400. First local deliveries are expected in early 2018. The price of the Weissach package options and bespoke Porsche Design 911 GT2 RS Chronograph are still to be finalised.

911 GT2 RS: combined fuel consumption** 11.8 L / 100 km; CO2 emissions 269 g/km

* Prices are recommended retail prices before statutory and dealer delivery charges, which vary from State to State.

** Fuel Consumption
Consumption figures are not reflective of real world driving conditions. Consumption figures are per the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test cycle ) in accordance with the Euro 5 and Euro 6 (715/2007/EC and 692/2008/EC) measurement method and should be used for comparative purposes only. The figures do not refer to an individual vehicle nor do they constitute part of the offer. Higher equipment levels may affect consumption and performance.

About Rob Fraser 2479 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.