The GT2 RS was the second Porsche road car to crack the 7 minute barrier at the Nordschleife. Lars Kern wrestled the 700 horsepower turbocharged monster around the track, besting Lamborghini’s record by five seconds. With 180 fewer horsepower, you’d expect the GT3 RS to be slower. It is truly shocking how little separates the two cars over more than 20 kilometers. Nine seconds separate the ultimate turbocharged 911 from the ultimate naturally aspirated car. At the hands of Kévin Estre the new GT3 RS bested its predecessor by a shocking 24 seconds.
Setting the Record
This lap benchmark was set in a joint effort by Estre and current ‘Ring record holder Lars Kern. According to Andreas Preuninger, director of the GT line, “all four lap times of both drivers were below seven minutes, and only tenths of a second apart. This proves not only the outstanding power of the GT3 RS, but also its extraordinary drivability at the limit.” He goes on to say “a perfectly composed overall system allows for highly dynamic performance even with relatively modest engine power.”
Yes, modest engine power. A naturally aspirated car with 70 more horsepower than the first water-cooled GT2 is now “modest.” That truly speaks to how far we’ve come.
Kevin Estre has been a Porsche Works driver since 2016, and currently races the 911 RSR in the FIA World Endurance Championship, and a 911 GT3 R in the ADAC GT Masters. According to Estre “through the fast corners, and on the brakes in particular, the GT3 RS is unbelievably close to our racing car GT3 R.” The newest generation flat-six’s prodigious scream at the 9,000RPM redline features heavily in the record video.
The record attempt began at 11:40 in ideal conditions, with 14 degree celsius ambient and 18 degree celsius track temperatures. The record Porsche GT3 RS was equipped with the latest generation of Michelin Pilot Sport tires, the Sport Cup 2 R. The tires measure 265/35ZR20 at the front and 325/30ZR21 at the rear, and the tires will soon be available at every Porsche Center.
Though not stated expressly in the release for the record, the Porsche used appears to be a Weissach Package equipped GT3 RS with the optional Magnesium wheels which recently debuted at NYIAS.
