Petevb

...and we're back to the beginning again. Carry on.

TrackFan

I've run out of ammo. Nice debating with you.

I think we've posted enough goofy pictures.

Macca

A saying comes to mind. Something about taking a knife to a gunfight.....:-)

Mike in CA

That's stipulated by regulation, not by choice. The rule specifying 13" wheels is a legacy that was originally intended to limit the size of brake discs. Now that brake size is regulated there is no need for wheel size to be restricted so severely. In fact at Silverstone this year, Pirelli and Lotus conducted a test of 18" wheels. Pirelli would even like to see 19 or 20" wheels although due to the enormous lateral loads generated by F1 cars they have said there is a benefit in terms of structural integrity with a taller sidewall.

There are obviously trade-offs specific to certain race series, but has been pointed out with examples by Pete and others, the fact remains that the theoretical and practical benefit of larger diameter tires in certain applications is well known.

Edit: Sorry I see this discussion is moving fast and some of this ground was covered while I was composing....

TrackFan

I hope the new 991 RS is a huge success.


I'm leaning to a 997.2 RS. The manual and smaller wheels appeals to my old school ways.

TrackFan

Music to my ears.

TRAKCAR

I hear you on that one:-)

TrackFan

You guys don't really know me, and it's understandable. I don't say much about myself.

The truth is i'm very old school. Very! I even use an old Hawken muzzleloader for elk hunting.

So, I resist certain things even if they perform better. Large wheels falls in that category.

Mike in CA

I wouldn't get too excited.....the issue was specific to F1 and Pirelli felt that 19's or 20's (not larger) might be possible.

TrackFan

Actually, it doesn't matter much what they do in F1. The cars can't get anymore goofy looking. Might as well stick big wheels them.

Macca

Trackfan. We know you fine. Most of us have been around here since the beginning and this type of debate is nothing new. I agree with you that the 991 GT3RS is probably not the right car for you. If you can get your hands on one would suggest a 964RS (17 inch wheels in magnesium as standard - very light wheels and manual too). Great car, very involving, not overly fast on the straights but alot of fun. As an old skool guy that would tick all the boxes. If you cant import one of those try a 996.2 GT3. Manual. 18" wheels of lightweight construction and more organic than later offerings with less driver aids.

In general terms larger wheels are going to be very hard to avoid if you want to buy any new car over the next few decades. Even a VW Golf comes with 19s these days....

TrackFan

You haven't seen my Bowie knife.

TrackFan

I'm ok with 19". Not thrilled, but I can deal with them. I like what I read about the 997.2. Am I wrong about it? It needs to be fast, or I won't be happy with it. My plan was to try to get over 500hp from it which isn't unreasonable from what i've researched.

Nizer

The unanswered question is whether the 991 RS will make more downforce than the 918, thus mandating a higher load rating tire. Even with all the refinements and aero tweaks over the years, I'm somewhat skeptical given the 918 is a clean-sheet design whereas the basic 911 shape is 50 years old. And let's not forget that the 991 RS will on the order of 600lbs lighter than the 918; an approximate 15% static weight savings

We at least know enough from the 991 Cup to safely assume the 991 RS will make more aero than the 997.2 RS.

Macca

I dont think you are as old skool as you think!

If you are very good at pedalling you don't need 500 bhp to make a 997.2 GT3/RS as quick as a 991 GT3/RS.

Fast is a relative term. You want to be quick. Preferably before you step up to a 991 GT3RS in the future, it would be useful to be as quick as you can, you will get far more enjoyment from it Im fairly sure.