2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
The 992-generation of 911 GT3 is already incredible, but Porsche decided they could do even better. Enter: the 911 GT3RS.
The RS is about aerodynamics, starting with a 40-percent larger rear wing. The drag reduction system, or DRS to you Formula 1 fans, can adjust the wing a full 34-degrees in just a third of a second, and an airbrake system kicks in for greater stopping power. There’s more active aero up front, enhanced wheel arch ventilation, and a large central radiator beneath the bonnet, all underscored by a fully-encased underbody.
All the air manipulation adds up to 1900 pounds of downforce. Planted, though anything but “down to Earth” when we ran a few adrenaline-pumping laps at England’s iconic Silverstone Circuit.
DAVE SCRIVENER: “Going out for our first hot laps in the 911 GT3RS here at Silverstone. Porsche chose this track to showcase the phenomenal downforce the GT3RS creates. As compared to the GT3, Porsche worked the aerodynamics as well as the thermodynamics of this car, channeling the hot radiator air to the outsides and away from the cool air engine intake. We have active aero front and rear. The wing is always adjusting for max downforce or top speed depending on the g load in the car and driver input.”
Now, the GT3RS is a little punchier over the standard GT3, up to 518 horsepower sent to the rear wheels. That’s derived from the four-liter naturally-aspirated flat-six, revving out to 9000 RPM through the 7-speed PDK gearbox. There are three drive modes, including a track mode for suspension rebound and compression adjustment, as well as rear differential lock rate. Agility is further amped up by thorough weight reduction, like the lighter glass and carbon fiber body panels.
At this point we’ve lost track of how many laps we’ve run in Porsche’s 911 series, but this GT3RS has left us wanting even more. And when that day comes, we’ll be sure to bring you along for the ride.