The widowmaker is back.
Since the introduction of the GT2 in 1994, the twin-turbocharged rear-wheel drive 911 has reigned as the top performer in the 911 model range, and developed a reputation for being a furiously uncontrollable beast when pushed to its limits. The new Porsche 911 GT2 RS is no different, blazing out of Stuttgart with 620 horses and a lightning fast Nürburgring-Nordschleife lap time.
The ultimate 911 comes with a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six engine. Making 620 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS is the most powerful road-going Porsche ever. The immense power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox – no tongue-twisting PDK transmission here. The 3.6-liter utilizes Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) to create more power at lower engine speeds, making the engine more responsive. The extreme power does not come with a gas-craving penalty. Instead, the 911 GT2 RS achieves 23.7 mpg – down roughly 5 percent compared to the 911 GT2. Acceleration comes effortlessly to the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, sprinting to 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds, and hitting 124 mph in only 9.8 seconds as it achieves a top speed of 205 mph.
Stuttgart engineers were able to cut weight by 154 pounds (70 kg) over the 911 GT2, bringing the weight to just 3,021 pounds (1,370 kg). This, coupled with the 620 horsepower gives the 911 GT2 RS a power-to-weight ratio of 4.9 lbs/hp (2.21 kg/hp). The agility gained from the low weight is aided by an RS spring setup, dynamic engine mounts, anti-roll bars, Porsche Stability Management (PSM), and Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management (PASM). The nimble chassis helped the GT2 RS set an unofficial Nürburgring-Nordschleife lap time of just 7:18.
The Porsche 911 GT2 RS has a distinct appearance in comparison to other 911s. Both front and rear wheel arches are widened, to create a muscular look and house the wide wheels. Several Carbon Fiber Reinforced (CFR) components are used and finished in matte black, such as the front hood and side air intakes. New front and rear CFR spoiler lips have been fitted and are 0.4 inches (10 mm) higher than the previous units, to create more downforce.
To handle to 620 horsepower and grab the tarmac are wide center-locking wheels. Available in silver, black, or gold, the 9 J x 19 ET 47 front and 12 J x 19 ET 48 rear wheels are shod in 245/35 ZR 19 front and 325/30 ZR 19 rear sport tires. Behind the striking wheels are Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) measuring 14.96 inches (380 mm) at the front and 13.8 inches (350 mm) at the rear.
The interior of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS is just as extravagant as the exterior, utilizing carbon fiber and alcantara. To shed weight, carbon fiber reinforced plastic bucket seats are used alongside lightweight door panels with door opening straps. Red or black alcantara is used on the steering wheel, gearshifter, hand brake, and door handles for added grip. A clubsport package is also available and features a bolt-in roll cage, driver’s side six-point racing harness, fire extinguisher, and battery master switch for the true racing enthusiast.
Production of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS will be limited to just 500 units, and will be available in Europe in September of 2010 and the US in October. Pricing will start at € 199,500 (+/- 250,000 USD), and start at € 237,578 (+/- 300,000 USD) in Germany.
Porsche 911 GT2 RS Gallery
Porsche 911 GT2 RS Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 3.6 liters
Number of Cylinders: H-6
Aspiration: Twin turbocharged
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Maximum Power: 620 at 6,500 RPM
Maximum Torque: 516 lb-ft at 2,250-5,500 RPM
Power to Weight Ratio: 4.9 lbs/hp (2.21 kg/hp)
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.5 seconds
Acceleration 0-99 mph: 6.8 seconds
Acceleration 0-124 mph: 9.8 seconds
Acceleration 0-186 mph: 28.9 seconds
Acceleration 50-75 mph in 5th gear: 4.0 seconds
Top Speed: 205 mph
Nürburgring-Nordschleife Lap Time: 7:18
Transmission:
Type: Six-speed manual
Drive: Rear-wheel
Chassis:
Front Axle: McPherson strut suspension
Rear Axle: LSA multi-link suspension
Steering: Power assisted (hydraulic) with variable steering ratio
Turning Circle: 10.9 m
Vehicle Stability System: Porsche Stability Management (PSM)
Weight: 3,021 pounds (1,370 kg)
Wheels and Brakes:
Front Wheels: 9 J x 19 ET 47
Rear Wheels: 12 J x 19 ET 48
Front Tires: 245/35 ZR 19
Rear Tires: 325/30 ZR 19
Brakes: Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB)
Front Brake Rotors: 14.96 inches (380 mm)
Rear Brake Rotors: 13.8 inches (350 mm)
Anti-lock Brake System: ABS 8.0
Source: Porsche
Is the Porsche 911 GT2 RS the most hardcore 911 ever made?
