2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS: Track-Focused, Naturally-Aspirated Monster
More power is always good, but the real story on the revised 911 GT3 RS is its motorsports-focused chassis!
Despite recent clamor surrounding the possibility that the GT3 will eventually receive boosted power, Porsche’s current intentions for the car remain as clear as fine crystal. The automaker just pulled the covers off the 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, and suffice to say, it’s a track-focused monster.
One with the most powerful naturally-aspirated engine in Porsche’s lineup. A new intake, revised spark curve and camshaft timing, and titanium exhaust help bump output 20 hp over the outgoing model to 520 hp and 346 lb-ft of torque. Oh, and it’ll rev to 9,000 rpm, too. But unlike the regular GT3, your only transmission option is the 7-speed PDK. Bummer. Still, the new GT3 RS will do 0-60 in 3-seconds flat.
But power isn’t the biggest news surrounding the 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, not by a long shot. Rather, it’s the suspension that gets us all giddy about the car’s potential. Revisions include re-calibrated rear axle steering, ball joints on every arm, and lightweight 20/21-inch staggered wheels with newly developed 265/35 front and 325/30 rear tires.
As before, aero and weight savings help keep the 911 GT3 RS glued to the track. From the massive wing and aero-optimized body to carbon bucket seats and lightweight, handle-less door panels. There’s also less sound deadener and a new, lightweight rear lid to shed as much weight as possible. Porsche believes the new car is so good, in fact, that they think it will shave an incredible 10 seconds or more off the old car’s Nurburgring time.
As with all other GT cars, Porsche is offering a Clubsport package for the 911 GT3 RS at no additional cost. The package includes a roll bar, manual fire extinguisher, preparation for a battery disconnect switch, and a six-point belt.
For those who seek an even lighter GT3 RS, Porsche is also offering a Weissach package for 2019. The package includes additional carbon components for the chassis, interior and exterior, as well as optional magnesium wheels. All of which is good enough to drop total weight down to 1,430 kilograms (3,152 pounds).
The 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS carries a base price of $187,500, not including a $1,050 destination fee. As we’ve seen in the past, expect the Weissach package to add to that total considerably. You can order your shiny new GT3 RS now at your local dealer, and it should arrive here in the states this fall.
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