We were fortunate to have special guest Michael Tam, PCNA Product Manager for 911, Boxster and Cayman models, on hand to present the new 911 GT3 RS at Tech Tactics East. He gave us the same presentation that US journalists were going to see a few days later. It’s worthwhile to watch the entire video as the amount of information with graphics is quite impressive. Porsche has really narrowed the gap between race car and street car with this new model. Here’s a sneak peek into some of the cool things we learned. Please click here to watch the video, or watch below.
- PCNA has come out with a special 50 Years Tribute to the 1973 911 Carrera RS in Python Green and White, which is made only for the US market. Only 150 cars will be made. The model will have Python Green accents with the Weissach Package. It’s the first production Porsche with the US flag on it (found on the wing’s end plates).
- The center radiator concept was inspired from the 991 RSR. By using one central radiator instead of three, engineers were able to create a “S” duct that sent the air under the bumper and out through the hood. This also increased front downforce while reducing the overall weight by 15 pounds as compared to the three-radiator design.
- Camshafts were redesigned to operate optimally between 5,000-9,000 rpm. This power curve favors track duty. Additionally, the cylinder head oil passages were modified from GT3 to RS due to the anticipated higher g-loads while on track.
- The RS has a 7-speed PDK instead of the 8-speed found in the Carrera line. The 7-speed PDK, shared with the GT3 (but with some key upgrades), weighs approximately 44 pounds less than the 8-speed. Additionally, the RS has a shorter final drive gear ratio.
- Warm air coming out of the radiator openings on the hood is pushed around the sides of the car. Roof fins/vanes help channel cold air into the engine lid. This was tested extensively at Weissach.
- At 177 miles per hour, the new GT3 RS produces 1,896 lbs of downforce. Even at 124 mph, it produces 895 lbs of downforce which is more than the 991.2 GT3RS did at 177 mph. At its full downforce setting, the car produces the same level of downforce as Le Mans GT3 911 Cup cars.
- The rear wing on the GT3 RS is the first production wing on a Porsche to be higher than the roof of the car.
- When in Auto DRS mode (Drag Reduction Setting), it looks for the following parameters before it engages: Speeds greater than 62 mph, an accelerator position at 95%, engine revs greater than 5,500, and a lateral acceleration that produces less than 0.9 g force.
- Engineers learned from the 918 to use the shape of suspension components as an aerodynamic advantage. By designing them as such, they generate 88 lbs of downforce on the front axle.
- The steering wheel is starting to resemble a race car’s with the amount of adjustments that can be made to affect performance. While a switch may say PASM, simply pressing that one switch suddenly converts the other switches to work as part of the PASM adjustments. This is all done on the fly and does not require you to bring the car to a stop.
- On the GT3RS, the shift paddles incorporate a magnetic switch which is not only different than the GT3 but louder as well. This gives a different shift “feel” compared to the normal GT3.
- There is no “Sport” switch or mode found on the GT cars because the factory feels that the GT line of models is always in a sport mode.
- The only part of the GT3 RS that is metal is the rear quarter panels. For the first time ever, the doors are made of carbon fiber.
- Designers opted not to use the retractable door handles found on the Carrera models. The amount of aerodynamic advantage by using a retractable door handle is negligible.
- Once again, no Club Sport option available for US customers.
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