The long wait for the new Porsche 911 GT2 RS is finally over but what’s all the hype about? The much-anticipated vehicle was unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed where fans got a glimpse of what all the fuss is about.
The History
The 911 has been in production for over 50 years. Born in 1963, the Porsche 911 may look similar but as Porsche enthusiasts know, it has come a long way since then with Porsche constantly refining and improving it while maintaining the iconic 911 shape. The 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS is no different. Continuing with the tradition, the new flagship in Porsche’s GT cars boasts some extremely impressive technology and statistics.
The Technology and Statistics
Retailing at around $300 000, the rear wheel drive coupe’ produces 700 horsepower from its 3.8-liter twin turbo flat-six engine. Compared to the turbo S, which it is loosely based on, that’s 120 horsepower more. This is largely due to it’s bigger turbos which means new intercoolers and water coolers. Naturally of course, the car is a rear engine vehicle (in keeping with 911 tradition). When compared to a regular 911 Carrera, the statistics are even more extreme as the GT2 RS produces 330 horsepower more than the car on which it is technically based. The car is rear wheel drive as opposed to all wheel drive which in theory should make it mightily fun to drive.
As any car enthusiast knows that power is only a part of the battle when chasing performance. Bearing this in mind, Porsche has gone to great lengths to save weight as well. They have managed to bring the GT2 RS down to a modest 3 421 pounds. This has been done by making use of lightweight materials such as titanium for the exhaust to save 15 pounds, a magnesium roof and carbon fiber in various other parts of the body such as the hood, wheel housing vents, mirrors, front wings and rear end. The Weissach package, features distinct carbon styling on GT Silver paint, magnesium wheels and very much set up for the track.
The vehicle will be available with an advanced version of Porsche’s seven-speed dual clutch automatic using paddles behind the steering wheel.
All of this technology and refinement means the new GT2 RS is able to accelerate from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds and continue to do so until reaching a top speed of 211 miles per hours. This not only makes it the fastest accelerating production Porsche car but also the highest top speed production Porsche car (alongside the 918 Spyder).
The Result
When the compared to the 2011 GT2 RS, the which had 620 horsepower and accelerated to 60 mph in 3.3 second, it is easy to see what all the fuss is about: Evolution.