2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS gets even faster

The 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS made its public debut online Wednesday, but this hardcore version of the 911 GT3 won't reach U.S. dealers until spring 2023.

Like previous RS models, the 992-generation GT3 RS will add downforce and reduce weight to improve lap times. Engineers incorporated lessons learned from the 911 GT3 R racing car and replaced the three conventional radiators with a single large radiator angled at the nose. This left more room for more elaborate aero elements on the sides of the car, Porsche said in a press release.

Indeed, according to Porsche, the traditional opening in front of the rear wheel is now used solely for aerodynamic purposes, rather than to draw air into the engine. Other elements include vents and intakes in the front wheel arches to reduce pressure in the arches, roof fins, blades, and air intakes in the rear wheel arches, and large nose rills in the front hood to exhaust air from the radiator.

The rear wing consists of two elements, the main wing and hydraulically adjustable blades, mounted on swan-neck mounts. It is the first Porsche production car to be mounted higher than the roof and features an F1-style drag reduction system (DRS) that allows the driver to adjust the rear wing. A front splitter and rear diffuser are also incorporated. [Porsche claims this is twice the size of the 991.2 GT3 RS and three times the size of the current 992 GT3. According to Porsche, the new GT3 RS can generate 1,895 pounds of downforce at 177 mph, equivalent to the vehicle weight of a 1956 Porsche 356 A.

Suspension components have also been aerodynamically optimized. The teardrop profile used for the front suspension is claimed by Porsche to generate 88 pounds of downforce at the "top speed range." The front track was also widened by 1.14 inches, and engineers made several changes to reduce pitch under braking.

To keep weight down, Porsche used carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the doors, front quarter panels, roof, and front hood, as well as some interior components such as leather-trimmed bucket seats. As a result, the vehicle weight was reduced to 3,268 lb, and with the available Weissach package, forged magnesium wheels, carbon fiber exterior parts, CFRP anti-roll bars, rear coupling rods, and rear axle share panels, an additional 17.6 lb The new model is also able to achieve a more precise feel. Also added are magnetic paddle shifters for a more precise feel.

Power is provided by the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six found in the standard GT3. A new camshaft with a modified cam profile boosts output by 16 hp for a total of 518 hp. A 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission will be standard. Porsche claims a 0-60 mph acceleration of 3.0 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than the standard GT3) and a top speed of 184 mph (no doubt limited by the aero).

Porsche did not mention Nürburgring lap times either, but they will probably be announced soon. For reference, the GT3 with the Manthey Performance Kit set a 6:55.737 earlier this year.

Stopping is handled by six-piston monoblock calipers, with larger piston diameters and thicker rotors than the standard GT3. Optional carbon ceramic brakes are also available; the GT3 RS also offers Normal, Sport, and Track drive modes, which can be adjusted from compression damping on the front and rear axles to the rear differential.

Pricing for the 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS starts at $225,250 including destination. It would be fortunate to be able to afford this price.