Porsche 911 GT3 RS prototype caught testing with aggressive aero
Spy shots reveal Porsche's upcoming 911 GT3 RS with a wider track, larger rear wing and hints of increased power ahead of its expected 2015 debut.
Porsche’s next 911 GT3 RS has been photographed in testing, revealing a prototype with a wider track, prominent rear wing and larger front splitter than the standard GT3. The car is being readied for a public debut expected in the coming months.
The 911 GT3 RS builds on the already potent 991-generation GT3, which has earned a reputation for sharp handling and track ability. The test car’s wider arches and pronounced aerodynamic addenda suggest Porsche is pushing for greater downforce and cornering grip, even at the expense of a slight reduction in top speed. The rear wing and front splitter seen on the prototype are larger than those on the current GT3, though Porsche may still adjust these details before final production.
Powertrain and performance expectations
The new GT3 RS is expected to receive a modest power hike, with output likely to approach 500bhp. This would be an increase over the standard GT3’s 475bhp, keeping the RS at the top of the naturally aspirated 911 range. Porsche is also understood to be fitting different gear ratios to improve acceleration. Early estimates suggest the car will sprint from 0 to 100km/h in about 3.5 seconds.
The increase in downforce from the new aero package is likely to trim the car’s top speed slightly compared to the regular GT3, but should deliver faster lap times and greater stability at high speed. The RS is expected to remain rear-wheel drive, with no indication that Porsche will offer all-wheel drive for this model.
Transmission and enthusiast appeal
There is speculation that Porsche may offer the new GT3 RS with a manual gearbox option, responding to demand from purists after earlier models were PDK-only. However, this has not been confirmed by the company. The standard GT3’s seven-speed PDK remains the likely default at launch.
The RS badge signals the most focused, track-oriented 911 in the range, sitting above the regular GT3. Porsche has a tradition of using the RS to showcase its most advanced chassis and aerodynamic developments for road cars, often drawing on lessons from its GT racing programme. For context on the development of the GT3 line, see our report on the earlier2012 Porsche 911 GT3 R.
What to expect next
Porsche has yet to announce a formal debut date, but the GT3 RS is expected to be revealed within months. The final production version may see some adjustments to the prototype’s aggressive aero, but the focus on track performance is clear. More details on price, specification and availability will follow as Porsche prepares the car for launch.
For a look at the RS’s eventual production form, see our coverage of the2015 Geneva Motor Show debut.
