2003 Porsche 911 GT3

Lower weight, even more fun to drive Continuing the tradition of the 'RS' models

Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG of Stuttgart continues its new-model offensive with a further version of the 911: due in Autumn 2003, the 911 GT3 RS is an extremely sporty model with the power and purist qualities of a thoroughbred circuit racer, but legally qualified in every way for road use.

The 911 GT3 RS is a homologation model intended to serve as a basis for motor sport activities in accordance with the new international GT rules. The 'RS' in the model name will cause the hearts of all Porsche enthusiasts and motor racing fans to beat faster. Models such as the Carrera RS 2.7 of 1972 and the 911 SC RS (1984) were also built under the homologation rules, and not only represent proud chapters in Porsche's heritage but often rewrote motor-sport history as well. The new 911 GT3 RS is intended to continue this tradition.

In the development of the 'RS' the emphasis was on achieving the best possible power-to-weight ratio. A figure of 4.86 kg/kW has resulted – a further improvement of four per cent compared with the Club Sport version of the GT3. The new model is 50 kilograms lighter, and tips the scales at 1,360 kilograms with a full load of fuel (64 litres) in the tank.

The 'RS', like its motor-sport predecessors, is only available with a full roll-over cage installed. All cars have a white paint finish, with the inscriptions only in blue or red, also in the tradition of its famous forebears. The road version of Porsche's new sports car has various technical features that will also appear on the racing version; for example the complete wheel hub assemblies, divided front-and rear lateral suspension control arms, optimised rear-axle geometry, a special weight-saving rear window made of acrylic material and a carbon-fibre reinforced front hood and rear wing.

The engine is an extremely free-revving unit that develops 280 kW (381 bhp) at 7,300 revolutions per minute from a swept volume of 3.6 litres. The maximum engine speed is 8,200 rpm and the specific output 105.8 bhp per litre. An air collector located under the rear wing uses pressure build-up there to supply extra intake air to the engine at high speeds, so that the 'RS' reaches its maximum power output even more easily, as borne out by its performance figures. For the classic sprint from 0 to 100 km/h the GT3 RS needs 4.4 seconds, and goes on to reach 200 km/h in 14 seconds. Its top speed is 306 km/h. This abundant power is transmitted via a close-ratio six-speed gearbox. Between the engine and the gearbox the 'RS' has a single-mass flywheel with a lower rotating mass than the double-mass version.

The new GT3 RS is expected to be priced in the region of £85,000.

Source - Porsche

Carrera® GT3 Makes North American Debut at New York International Auto Show

Porsche Cars North America will bring the ultra highperformance version of its 911 Carrera Coupe sports car to the 2003 New YorkInternational Auto Show for the cars North American debut. The new model, namedthe 911 GT3, represents the most powerful non-turbocharged Porsche ever offeredfor street use in the Únited States and Canada.Based on the previous 911 GT3 that was not available in North America, the2004 Porsche911 GT3 features a 3.6-liter, flat- six cylinder engine producing 380 horsepower (SAE) and 285 pound-feet of torque. With a power output of an impressive 105 horsepower per liter, the engine propels the 911 GT3 from 0 to60 mph in 4.3 seconds, from 0 to 100 mph in 9.4 seconds, and to a top trackspeed of 190 mph. T o handle this increased performance, the 911 GT3s transmission is fitted with transmission oil cooling and injection oil lubrication and has undergone some additional reinforcements.The most striking visual feature of the new 911 GT3 is its unique rear wing thatis largely responsible for excellent directional stability at high speeds and increaseddownforce for fast cornering. Combining a redesigned front apron, the GT3achieves an outstanding drag coefficient (Cd=0.30) for a car in its class.The GT3s handling is further enhanced by a sports suspension, wider and lighterwheels, and wider tires. Front wheels are 8.5 inches wide fitted with 235/40 ZR18 tires, and rear wheels are 11 inches wide with 295/30 ZR 18 tires.Brakes on the GT3 have been improved as well. Front brakes now feature six-piston,rather than the previous four-piston monobloc brake calipers and larger discs fittedwith Porsche-patented cooling ducts. The ABS brake system was also modified.The new system (ABS 5.7) has a faster and more sensitive control response. It isalso lightweight and provides greater stability for ABS braking. Porsche CeramicComposite Brake (PCCB) discs, standard on the 911 GT2, can be fitted on request.Priced at $99,900 in the Únited States and $139,900 in Canada, the 2004Porsche 911 GT3 will be in North American Porsche dealerships in May 2003. Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., and its subsidiary, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., are the exclusive importers of Porsche vehicles for the Únited States and Canada. A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary ofDr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs approximately 200 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, marketing and training for its 203 Ú.S. and Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.

Source - Porsche