Today’s 911, Type 991, still has plenty of life in it yet. But we’re at a point where an all-new generation of the iconic sports car will be unveiled. Prior to that, though, Porsche will allow the 991 one more chance to scream.
The reveal is slated for next month’s Geneva Motor Show, where the perhaps the most extreme factory 911 yet will be pulled into reality. Sure, there are more powerful permutations and those that are more lightweight or more expensive, or all three. Given the timing, we don't expect there to be any other revisions for this generation of 911s until their all-new replacement enters the scene, purported to be bear the 992 designation.
But the new RS is also (potentially) special because it might be the final iteration that remains naturally aspirated. Prior to the ceremonial unmasking, Porsche is already allowing prospective buyers to get their name and deposit down - at least to customers in Europe. When it does reach showrooms, which we expect to be as soon as April, it will cost around $416,500 in AUD. Such a bargain, right?
Well, maybe, depending if you view the Rennsport upgrades worth the coin over the regular non-RS spec 911 GT3 at nearly $90,000 more. Also of note is that this upcoming car is approximately $30,000 more than the first 991 GT3 RS.
Porsche has made many tweaks over the original package to improve it for this update, though. Sharpening details normal folk won’t even know how to look for. In their fashion, this will no doubt add up to a substantial difference. Some might point to its 0.1 second 0-100km/h sprint time as evidence of this - now 3.2 seconds.
But surely its race-bred 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six plays a major role in that, what with its 383kW and 470Nm, with a rev limiter now set at a stratospheric 9,000rpm. While that’s certainly a factor, as is the lightning quick PDK dual-clutch transmission, it’s a proper lapped run against its pre-update twin will be need to weed this out. Zuffenhausen has certainly learned plenty of aero wizardry from developing the new GT2 RS, a car that holds the title of fastest production car to lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife at the time of this writing.
Seeing past the Kermit green paint job and elements from the 911’s most recent facelift come into view. Though subtle, changes to the front and rear fascia does become evident to those who know what to look for. Other than that, the new wheel and tyre package (20-inches at the front, 21-inches at the rear - with 325mm section tyres).
As before, customers can request even more weight be removed from the GT3 RS via the optional Weissach Pack, which will tip the scales at 1,430kg. This will add things like additional carbon fibre components, and magnesium wheels to achieve that end. Presumably, Porsche will also present the choice to remove the air conditioning system and the 7-inch PCM infotainment system to save some extra crucial grams.
For more on Porsche cars, check out our Showroom.
