How is that for a superlative? When the first 911 Turbo Carreras came to the United States in 1975, they produced 234 horsepower. In 1975, that was the most potent street legal 911 money could buy. Fast forward to 2017, and the most powerful street legal 911 produces 700 horsepower. Let that sink in for a moment. Near-as-makes-no-difference that is triple the power of the original Turbo Carrera. The 2011 GT2 RS made 620 horsepower. The first GT2, the 993, made 444 horsepower. Of course, the GT2 is not solely about hilariously excessive power. In true Porsche fashion, the GT2 RS promises to be a proper driver’s car. The new model, which was unveiled without details earlier this month at a video game conference, made its official debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which runs from June 30th-July 2nd.
The 700 horsepower heart of the GT2 is based on the 3.8L, twin-turbocharged flat-six found in the current 911 Turbo S. Compared to the Turbo S, the GT2 RS features larger turbochargers, improved cooling system with intercooler sprayers, and a 7-Speed PDK transmission. The powertrain is capped off by a lightweight titanium exhaust system for a 15 lb weight reduction over the 911 Turbo. Listen to the video, in addition to the weight-savings, the new exhaust produces a particularly evocative sound.
A Highly Developed Chassis
It takes a very sophisticated chassis to take advantage of 700 horsepower. Working up from the tarmac, getting this monster of an engine under control begins with the wheels and tires. The wheels are notably large and wide, and mount 265/35ZR20 tires at the front, and 325/30ZR21 tires at the rear. The rear-end features rear-axle steering, currently used on the 991.2 GT3, and first seen on a Porsche in the 928. The GT2 RS also features a specially calibrated PSM with Sport mode.
Unique Aerodynamics and Bodywork
The GT2 is visually distinguished by its large, tall rear wing, which is very similar to the unit used on the GT3. The front wings, wheel housing vents, rear quarter panel intakes, mirror housings, and parts of the rear fascia are all made of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic. The bonnet is also made from carbon fiber for weight savings, and the standard GT2 roof is made of magnesium. Both the roof and front decklid have recessed center sections, a feature also seen on the 2016 GT3 RS.
The Weissach Package
As if the GT2 RS wasn’t already an exercise in superlatives, Porsche is offering a Weissach Package for the model. Like the Weissach Package offered on the 918 Spyder, this package is focused on weight reduction. Compared to the standard car, the package reduces weight by 30 kilograms thanks to additional carbon fiber and titanium components. The upgraded parts include carbon fiber roof, anti-roll bars and axle coupling rods. The optional wheels are Magnesium for a reduction of both overall and unsprung weight. Both the luggage compartment lid and roof show a carbon-weave finish, with body color center sections.
A Sporting Interior
The cabin is extremely vivid, with a combination of red Alcantara, black leather, and carbon fiber trim as standard. The GT2 RS Sport steering wheel is included as standard, and includes shifter paddles for the PDK gearbox. The fixed-back bucket seats feature carbon fiber reinforced backrests, for a high level of comfort, weight savings, and lateral support. Porsche’s standard PCM unit is still in place, and offers control of audio, navigation and communication functions. Porsche Connect Plus and the Track Precision app are standard, and offer data recording, along with the ability to display and analyze driving data on your smartphone.
The optional Chrono package bumps up the functionality of the PCM, and includes a performance display for logging and assessing your track performance and lap times. A dash-mounted stopwatch is also included, with both analog and digital displays, and can be tied in to a lap trigger available through Porsche Tequipment.
The Porsche Design 911 GT2 RS Chronograph
Each 911 GT2 RS will be delivered with a bespoke, matching Chronograph. This item is the product of a partnership between Porsche Design and Porsche Motorsport, and features a titanium housing. This finely calibrated unit includes a flyback function, load-path-optimized movement bridge, and a COSC certificate of authenticity. The watch is styled with numerous details to evoke the car, including a Tungsten winding rotor modeled on the GT2 RS’ wheels, and a carbon clock face which matches the instrument cluster and tachometer.
Pricing for the Porsche 911 GT2 RS
The GT2 RS and the watch are available exclusively at Porsche dealers worldwide, and each vehicle and watch are produced in tandem and delivered together. The 2018 911 GT2 RS is available to order, with a base MSRP of $293,200 in the United States and from $334,000 in Canada. The Weissach package adds $31,000 in the United States and $35,370 in Canada.
