New GT2 RS is Porsche’s most powerful 911 yet

Porsche’s Motorsport division unveiled the new hardcore GT2 RS at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.  The new rear-wheel-drive coupé is powered by a heavily reworked version of the 3.8-litre, flat-six, twin turbocharged engine used in the latest 911 Turbo. The revisions crank its peak power up to 700hp – a considerable 329hp over the standard 911 Carrera and 80hp more than the 2010 GT2. Along with 750Nm of torque, the power is sufficient to propel the 1,470kg 911 GT2 RS from 0-100kph in a claimed 2.8sec, which is 0.1sec inside the official time quoted for the quickest-accelerating 911 to date, the 911 Turbo S. A claimed 339kph top speed also enables it to match the top speed of the plug-in hybrid 918 Spyder. That makes the new 911 GT2 RS not only the quickest-accelerating but also the joint-fastest road-legal series-production Porsche model yet. The design of the new 911 GT2 RS closely follows that of the two-year-old 911 GT3 RS. In a bid to trim weight, the bonnet, front wings, exterior mirror housings and many of the air duct surrounds are made of carbon-fibre. In line with weight-saving initiatives used on the 911 GT3 RS, the new 911 GT2 RS also has a magnesium roof. Mirroring the strategy taken with the 918 Spyder, Porsche is offering a Weissach Package that spares an extra 30kg from the car’s overall weight through various measures, including the adoption of carbon-fibre for the roof and roll bars, and magnesium for the wheels. Among the powertrain developments are larger turbos with water-to-water intercoolers to reduce the exhaust gas temperature at high revs. There’s also a titanium exhaust system that is 7kg lighter than the standard unit and has a new routing that is claimed to enhance the exhaust note. The car uses a revised version of Porsche’s ZF-sourced seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and mechanical locking differential as well. Porsche has also confirmed that the model retains the four-wheel-steering system from the 911 Turbo and comes as standard with carbon ceramic brakes. In addition, the stability management system has been uniquely calibrated and features a Sport mode described by Porsche as being “tailored to provide optimal driving dynamics”. Inside, the 911 GT2 RS uses a combination of black leather and red Alcantara upholstery as well as carbonfibre trim elements. There is a sports steering wheel with paddle shifts and carbonfibre-backed motorsport-spec seats. Standard equipment includes a Porsche Communication Management system, which groups infotainment functions – including Porsche Track Precision, a circuit telemetry app – into a central touchscreen-based unit. An optional Chrono Package expands the Porsche Communication Management system’s functions to include a performance display, which can be used to show lap times.