Introducing the GT3 RS with Weissach Package

Porsche’s recent weight loss kick has been a game of inches. The current crop of 911s are already very light, as I’ve noted a few times many current 911s and their equivalents from the 964 generation are pushing around the same amount of weight. When the 911 Carrera T debuted, it showed just how far this weight-loss game has come thanks to its 3,143 lb curb weight. The 991.2 GT3 RS with Weissach package may not be as light as the T, but at 3,153 lbs it isn’t far off. We were on-site when this Porsche debuted at NYIAS, and we can say with certainty that this 911 is a stunner. Much of the GT3 RS with Weissach package is unchanged from the GT3 RS as it debuted in February, so let’s focus on what makes the Weissach Package unique.

Carbon, Carbon Everywhere

The Weissach Package ads $18k to the GT3 RS’s base price, and brings a large selection of carbon fiber and magnesium parts with it. The Weissach Package includes a carbon fiber roof, rather than the standard magnesium item, carbon fiber shift paddles and steering wheel trim, and optional Magnesium wheels. The carbon fiber bonnet features NACA ducts, just like the GT2 RS. The pictured wheels are not included in the Weissach Package, and will be available for an additional $13k. These items save around 30lbs compared to the standard car, with most of the weight savings coming from the wheels. These changes reduce both overall weight and unsprung weight. The changes to this model are more than skin-deep, however.

The GT3 RS uses a wider wheel and tire package than the standard GT3, with 265/30 tires at the front and monstrous 325/30 tires at the rear. The wheels measure 20″ in diameter at the front and 21″ at the rear. Curiously, the demo car for NYIAS had conventional brakes, though Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes are available as an option.

With more than 500 horsepower on tap from its 4.0-liter flat-six, control is deeply important to the GT3 RS. In addition to the visible components, the Weissach Package adds carbon suspension components not used on the standard car. The stabilizer bars and suspension link rods are now made of carbon fiber, reducing weight while increasing stiffness. Ride height, camber, caster, toe and sway bar settings are all adjustable to driver preferences.

Yes, it makes 520 horsepower, and it’s awesome.

Yes, it revs to 9,000 RPM. Like the standard RS, and the 911R/GT3 powerplants that preceded it, this is an all-new engine unrelated to earlier Mezger-derived GT3 engines.The 4.0-liter flat-six is unchanged from the standard RS, and only the PDK gearbox is available in the RS. The car incorporates a torque vectoring differential (PTV+) as well as PASM. The exhaust is made of titanium, and features titanium outlets. The PDK gearbox in the RS is specially tuned for track use. Top speed is achieved in 7th gear, rather than 6th as in other 911 variants.

The cabin features full-bucket seats with carbon fiber-reinforced backrests and color-matched centers. The steering wheel measures 360mm in diameter, and sports an Alcantara rim. As with all Porsche GT models, a yellow marker is located at the 12 o’clock position. The Porsche also includes lightweight carpets, reduced sound deadening, lightweight door panels with opening loops, a rear roll bar, and lightweight glass.

Pricing for the RS will start at $187,000, with the Weissach Package adding $18k, and the magnesium wheels an additional $13k. A gallery of images featuring the new car, as well as the Carrera T parked alongside, is attached below.