Is This Die Cast Model Porsche’s 2015 GT3 RS?

By now you may have seen the leaked picture of Porsche’s newest model, the 991 generation 2015 GT3 RS. By model, I don’t mean a variant of their current motor car lineup, I mean a 1:43 scale die cast model. The model itself, judging by the packaging and the font used on the base, appears to be one of the officially licensed ‘Porsche Design Driver’s Selection’ models, but it hasn’t been officially released yet.

The original photo showed up on the Instagram page of a UK-based PR personality, a private user that goes by @stellafuja, lending some credit to the idea that it could be the real McCoy. Of course, Porsche has remained silent and has neither confirmed nor denied the existence of said model, and whether or not it is indicative of a production spec 991 GT3 RS. That said, it sure looks like a production ready car.

So, what can we tell from this model, and how will that translate to a 1:1 scale car on the showroom floor?

There are a few things that are instantly noticeable about this car, but the first and most eye-catching aspect has to be the color. It’s been reported elsewhere to be “Java Orange”, and is likely to be the new signature color of the RS model at its launch.

The second thing you notice is the absolutely wild front fender vents. The front fender vents are intricately shaped, and look quite striking. They are traditionally used to extract air out from underneath the front of the car, which both helps with aspects of cooling (be it radiators or brakes), and also assists with the efficiency of the front downforce. While not noticeable at around-town speeds, the added front downforce will certainly help at on-track high speeds. The interesting thing to note here is that these vents are almost exactly where the car’s fuel filler door is on the passenger fender. Perhaps Porsche will be moving the filler further back on the fender, or perhaps they deemed the GT3 hardcore enough to be filled through the front trunk.

Your eye darts quickly to the by the gaping rear quarter panel inlet.That rear quarter panel vent is also a first for a Porsche GT3, and looks more at home on a GT2. Usually, in Porsche world, that type of inlet was used to direct air to a pair of air-to-air intercoolers on turbocharged models. I would venture that it would be unlikely for the GT3 to be turbocharged, and much more likely that these inlets would be feeding perhaps an auxiliary oil cooler on one side, and a transmission cooler on the other.

Outside of those details, everything else appears to be standard GT3 RS fare

You’ve got a set of bespoke centerlock wheels in a large diameter. You’ve got a large rear wing that both cuts an imposing figure, as well as provides appreciable rear downforce. From the image on the box, the front bumper looks like a slightly modified version of the one currently found on the GT3, adding a nose vent similar to the one found on a 997 GT3 RS, and a deeper front splitter. The interior of the model appears to be accented in a color-matched Alcantara, which is probably optional in traditional black or charcoal as well.

The car’s technical specifications have not been confirmed, but everyone seems to be expecting power to lie somewhere in the 500 horsepower ballpark. There is debate as to which transmission the RS will be offered with. Personally, I’d be surprised if a more track-oriented version of the 7-Speed manual isn’t at least available as an option. Regardless of power and transmission spec, expect the 991 RS to be a monster of a good time behind the wheel, and more than a little capable on track. Say hello to Porsche’s Ferrari 458 Speciale beater.

Perhaps we’ll even see this car take its introduction bow at the Shanghai or Tokyo auto shows later this year. As usual, only time will tell.

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