Macca

^^^^^ PAG made the decision on this many months ago I am sure (they need lead times for outsourced parts partners etc).

The GT3 always comes at the end of the first model life cycle (i.e. with 996 was launch 1999 after 996 was launched 1996, with 997 launched 2004 the first GT3 was launched Geneva March 2006 etc).

Now that all being said the "facelift" version of each GT3 (996.2/997.2) has typically come out within 12 months of the facelift on the standard car. So for 996.2 GT3 was 2002 and 997.2 was 2009.

So if PAG are releasing the 991.2 in September 2015 (MY2016) - probably launch would be around mid year at an international show, then it would make sense that the 991.2 GT3 may be launched at Geneva March 2016 for production MY2017 September 2016 onwards as is the norm.

Of course all of this being said there is one very noticeable difference between today and 997 days in regards to PAG and that is they are now VWAG. So anything can change and probably will change. Even the way they handled the engine replacement with compensation up to 35,000 USD for our cousins in Europe for loss of use was distinctly "non Porsche" of old (usually handle through warranty and never admit fault like issues with 997/4.0RS intake manifolds, CLs and earlier M96 engine failures - much greater than the 2-3% threshold etc).

Anything we say here is pure speculation till PAG talk.

amfp

My earlier post was speculation on my part. I just don't see the factory producing 991 GT3's after the RS run. But never know, if based on demand.

These were the spy photos:

http://www.automobilemag.com/feature...-chassis-code/

Macca

Hey no dramas! Its all speculation around here right now but still an interesting debate..

The facelift doesn't look like its going to be remarkably different in the sheet metal than the original. Im imagining we are talking front and rear valence, maybe rear engine cover but little in terms of suspension and motive power although my guess is LED headlights will become standard soon and probably software updates for PDK and improvements to electric steering in line with changes made to the 991 GT3 which seem to have arrested many journalists criticism of the earlier system in the 991S.

Macca

P.S. I doubt after we have seen all these 991 GT3 RS test mules, an "accidentally leaked" Minichamps 1/43rd model of the RS and a recently published patent drawings that they are going to rip all that up and wait for 991.2 makeover. After all the .2 revision will be mostly cosmetic and the bodywork and underpinnings of the GT3 are already along way removed form the stock 991. I dont believe the engine issues delayed teh 991.2 GT3RS programme significantly as it was already well under test by then and actually the extra efforts on the replacement engines was beneficial to both model platforms. I agree there has been a spanner thrown in the works with the 991 Gt3 engine issue but suggest its more a marketing/perception and liability concern rather than an outright engineering resource derived issue...

TRAKCAR

Well, if the 992 facelift debuts soon they better get to it and introduce the RS.

Nizer

And if past is prologue, 991.1 RS will be better looking than 991.2 RS, albeit with a marginal performance deficit.

dntlvet

Seems like a lot of hype. It is fun to guess what and when the GT3RS will appear and how it will be configured. This is common in all auto forums.
Those with GT3 build dates; just rest and smile.

Tre

The constant speculation is truly enjoyable, especially when everything seems to be up in the air. I'm just amazed at how the release dates for pretty much every 991 including the facelifted 992 has been (or is) known, but there's this strange aura of mystery around the RS.

Ronan

It will be built. Components are being built as we speak. I talked to someone involved in fabricating the roof.

9972RS

^ carbon?

Ronan

Magnesium.

9972RS

Really? Mg stronger and lighter than carbon?


Google-fu

http://incar.thyssenkrupp.com/4_05_0...m.html?lang=en

I didn't know the targa roof was Mg
http://www.engineeringtv.com/video/D...nesium-Retract

rosenbergendo

I have heard MG as well. No carbon? Not sure why.

madmurdock

I have a friend who glued the roofs and said it's made of magtanium fiber

milban

I thought it was unobtanium.