GrantG

I guess we'll find out pretty soon...

DanH

Surely it's more to do with the NA regulatory environment?

I don't really see how they can economically sell an RS which conforms to the name's ideals in the US. Fingers crossed for you though.

MJSpeed

I don't know enough about this but couldn't they get away with it by putting airbags in the doors?

GrantG

Maybe they could, but I think they didn't think they could sell enough CGT's in 2006 to make the R&D for new door panels and crash testing profitable, so they just flooded the dealers at the end of 2005.

I imagine that they'd have to sell alot of GT3RS's to make it worth the trouble as well - most likely they'll just give us the 997 sport seats (which are excellent but heavy and have no harness guides). They are a huge improvement over the 996 seats...

DanH

Legally you have to have side airbags in the US then? Surprised the CGT didn't have them to be honest.

They were deleted from the RS...

MJSpeed

Well then I'm glad I kept my OMP Race Seats.

GrantG

I'm really not sure. I just know that the CGT didn't comply with the 2006 regulations. Not sure how it broke the rules (maybe the front airbags are not two-stage or some other reason).

GrantG

I just read a post where info from Car & Driver indicates that the 997TT has actually shed some weight (I think around 75 lbs) from the 996TT's heft and has used aluminum in many locations including aluminum door skins. This would seem to indicate that the GT3 (and RS) may benefit from these and other weight savings. I always just assumed that the 997GT3 would be heavier than the 996 version, but I now have hope that it will be lighter...

DanH

Be good if it was, but remember they have to offset the fact they've wide bodied the car. The cooking 997s are all heavier...

GrantG

Actually, the TT weighs 90 lbs less than the 996 version (factory claim). I think that's more than the weight gained by the rear flares. I think most of the weight gained in the 997 compared to the 996 has to do with stuff other than the flares...

Vancouver83LTD

it'll be watered down significantly
I'm not holding out for anything more than a decal package

DanH

To be fair 30kg either way isn't going to make much odds. If they could knock 200kg off it would be noteworthy.

GrantG

Well, I think it's safe to say that 200kg won't be achieved in US trim, but I think "a decal package" is a bit too conservative

I think 3,000 lbs is achievable. That's far from a lightweight, but it's about the most anyone can expect...

MJSpeed

I know this sounds absurd but at 3000 lbs it's a step in the right direction...sad as that may be.

Anybody else confirm this US GT3 RS rumor?

I tried today but my dealer only had info on the "regular" GT3 and that it will be released in August 2006. And that the his PCNA rep would not deny nor confirm the RS issue/rumor...hmm???

Cupcar

Given that Porsche used aluminum for the fenders, doors, hood and decklid of the 928, the rear lid on a 1970 911S, the hood on a 964 and 993 RS, magnesium for the gearbox and crankcase in the 60's, forged alloy wheels in the 60's and have discarded these weight savings in quest of profit.....

I am satisfied with any attempt to lighten the cars as it means more value for my sports car dollar from a company that makes more money per unit (min 25%) than any other manufacturer of cars.