Porsche has officially unveiled the facelifted 2010 911 GT3 RS.
Designed to be the ultimate rear-wheel drive sports car, the RS features a modified version of the GT3's 3.8-liter boxer engine. Peak output climbs to 450 hp, which is 15 hp more than the standard GT3. Backed up by a short-throw six-speed manual transmission, the new 911 GT3 RS should accelerate from 0-100 km/h in four seconds, before hitting a top speed in excess of 314 km/h (195 mph).
Other performance tweaks include a wider front and rear track, a revised suspension management system, active engine mounts (which adjust their stiffness to reduce drivetrain shuffle), and an optional lithium-ion battery (it weighs 10 kg/22 lbs less than a conventional lead battery).
In terms of styling, the RS features a unique two-tone paint scheme, extended fender flares, 19-inch wheels, a center-mounted titanium exhaust system, and a massive carbon-fiber rear wing.
The GT3 RS will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month with sales starting in Germany in January 2010. The Euro base-price is Euro 122,400.- without value-added tax and national specifications. In the U.S. the 2010 911 GT3 RS goes on sale in early spring of 2010 and will be priced at $132,800.
New Porsche 911 GT3 RS
The Most Sporting Road-Going 911
Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is sending the new 911 GT3 RS to the starting line: Delivering even more engine power, offering lower weight, and featuring shorter transmission ratios as well as body and suspension elements upgraded to an even higher standard, the new 911 GT3 RS sets the foundation for homologating the racing version of the 911 GT3 and therefore offers everything it takes for ongoing success on the race track, continuing the series of absolutely uncompromising, sporting 911s homologated for the road.
The heart of the new 911 GT3 RS, the power unit, is based on the engine already featured in the 911 GT3. Like the latter, the RS power unit now displaces 3.8 instead of 3.6 litres, delivering even more power and revving up even faster and more dynamically.
The engine featured in the new 911 GT3 RS delivers 15 bhp more than its counterpart in the 911 GT3, that is maximum output of 450 horsepower from the fast-revving naturally-aspirated power unit. This means specific output of more than 118 bhp per litre from the six-cylinder, an extremely high figure for natural-aspiration technology even in the strictest worldwide comparison. And unlike many other high-performance engines, the power unit in the new 911 GT3 RS remains fully suitable for everyday use.
The new 911 GT3 RS comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox optimised for short gearshift travel, low weight and high efficiency. To enhance the level of performance throughout the entire range of engine and road speed, the gears come with a shorter transmission ratio than on the 911 GT3, deliberately making concessions in terms of even higher top speed.
To further improve its sporting behaviour, the new 911 GT3 RS comes for the first time with a purpose-built and specially set up PASM suspension, with wider track not only at the rear, but also on the front axle. Accordingly, the body of the new 911 GT3 RS is wider not only at the rear, but also at the front through the use of additional wheel arch covers.
The front axle comes with nine-inch-wide wheels running on 245/35 ZR 19 sports tyres, the rear axle features twelve-inch-wide wheels incorporating 325/30 ZR 19 sports tyres.
The dynamic engine mounts featured as standard also serve to improve the car's driving dynamics to an even higher level. Depending on driving conditions, the mounts change in their stiffness and damping effect, improving the connection between the engine and the body when driving under very dynamic conditions.
As yet a further point the car's aerodynamics develop even more downforce than on the GT3, again benefiting the qualities of the car on the race track. Racing qualities are also why Porsche is introducing another new option in 2010, a lithium-ion battery delivered with the car and, replacing the conventional lead battery, reducing weight by more than 10 kg or 22 lb.
The new 911 GT3 RS shows its close connection to motorsport also through the dynamic looks of the car borne out in particular by its low ride height, the new, extra-large carbon-fibre rear wing with its specifically designed wing supports made of aluminium, the characteristic dual tailpipes on the extra-light titanium sports exhaust, as well as special front and rear parts exclusive to this model.
Sales of the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS are starting in Germany in January 2010. The Euro base-price is Euro 122,400.- without value-added tax and national specifications. In the U.S. the 2010 911 GT3 RS goes on sale in early spring of 2010 and will be priced at $132,800.
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