2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

With effect from October, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany, will be launching the new 911 GT3 RS on the European market. This purist variant of the GT3 is particularly suited for use on the track. The GT3 RS is distinguished by its performance capability and the unadulterated driving experience enjoyed with a racing car, but also meets all requirements for road-legal sports cars.

The exceptionally meaty engine boasts a displacement of 3.6 liters to generate 305 kW (415 bhp) at 7,600 rpm. Maximum revs are reached at 8,400 rpm. The power output per liter of engine capacity is 115.3 bhp. These figures correspond to the present GT3. But the RS puts in an even better performance. Thanks to a close-ratio six-speed transmission with a single-mass flywheel and the 20 kg lower vehicle weight, the engine revs up even more freely, thus enabling the 911 GT3 to sprint from zero to 100 km per hour in 4.2 seconds. That's one tenth of a second faster than the GT3. It takes just 13.3 seconds to hit to 200 km per hour. Maximum speed is 310 km per hour.

The reference 'RS' will quicken the pulse of Porsche connoisseurs. Models such as the legendary Carrera RS 2.7 of 1972 and the type 964 911 RS (1991) were also sports cars that stood out on account of an extreme degree of maneuverability and handling. That tradition is continued with the new 911 GT3 RS. In common with its predecessors, it provides a basic and pre-approval model for use in a range of racing series.

One characteristic of the new 'RS' is the body, which is 44 mm wider at the rear (a legacy from the Carrera 4 models) by comparison with the 911 GT3. The muscular-looking rear end conceals a wider track that not only improves directional stability but also increases the transverse acceleration potential of this two-seater coupe.

Despite its specialized body, the 'RS' is 20 kg lighter than the GT3, weighing in at just 1375 kg. This weight-saving was achieved by the use, amongst other solutions, of an adjustable carbon fiber wing, the use of a plastic rear lid and a lightweight plastic rear window. The corresponding weight-saving is 4.5 kg/kW.

With a view to the registration regulations for the important Gran Tourismo championships as future fields of application, the road version of the GT3 RS has resorted to technical solutions that will also feature in the racing version. These solutions will include the entire wheel carrier and split wishbones on the rear axle, in addition to the carbon fiber components of the body.

And the interior lives up to the vehicle's sporting aspirations: 2 lightweight bucket seats made of carbon fiber composite materials come as standard and in the club sports package. There is a bolted roll cage and the pre-wiring for the battery main switch. A six-point seatbelt for the driver and a fire extinguisher are also provided. Internal trims are black, with the roof lining, steering wheel and gear stick trimmed in high-quality Alcantara leather.

The available finishes are Arctic Silver metallic or black; as an option, the GT3 can also be obtained in orange or green. All vehicle insignia and the wheels themselves are styled in orange or black to contrast with the body paintwork.

by Porsche

Coupe

Not since the venerable 1973 911 Carrera RS has such a production Porsche been available in this market. The Carrera RS was a special, lightweight 911 produced as a cross between a race car and a street vehicle.

Modifications made to the 911 GT3 RS begin with the bodywork. The rear is 1.7 inches wider than its predecessor; and based on the fuller-bodied 911 Carrera 4 models. The wider track improves directional stability and increases the potential for lateral grip. Its lightweight is achieved through the use of carbon fiber composite components.

The quick-revving nature and peak output of the Porsche 911 GT3's 3.6-liter flat-six, with the highly-tuned Boxer mill, generates 415 horsepower at 7600 RPM.

Coupe
Chassis number: WP0AC29997S792463

This 2007 PORSCHE 997 GT3 RS 3.6 is powered by a 3,600cc DOHC flat six-cylinder engine with a Bosch Motronic fuel management system and delivers 415 horsepower at 7,600 RPM. There is a six-speed manual transaxle and four-wheel ventilated carbon ceramic disc brakes. There is Porsche's Active Suspension Management, and zero-lift aerodynamics.

Porsche built 230 examples for the U.S. market in 2007. This example was delivered new through Porsche Tysons Corner in Vienna, Virginia, finished in Black over a black full leather interior with contrasting orange wheels and accents. The car received over $5,400 in exclusive options including Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, Bi-Xenon headlights, Sport Chrono Package Plus, Carbon Interior Package, and myriad leather, carbon fiber, and deviated stitching embellishments.

Currently, this Porsche has 2,250 miles on its odometer.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: WP0AC29957S792766

This 2007 Porsche 997 GT3 RS 3.6 is equipped with a 3,600cc DOHC flat six-cylinder engine with a Bosch Motronic fuel management system and delivers 415 horsepower at 7,600 RPM. There is a six-speed manual transaxle and four-wheel ventilated carbon ceramic disc brakes.

Porsche's first GT3 was introduced in 1999, based upon the 996 platform, and named after the FIA racing class. It was a track-focused model that was devoid of unnecessary items in an effort to maximize performance. The second-generation 997 GT3 followed for 2006 and was equipped with a 3.6-liter flat-six engine with 415 horsepower. Additionally, it utilized Porsche's active PASM suspension system and zero-lift aerodynamics. The RS variant reduced weight even further and increased grip and stability.

This particular GT3 RS is finished in Orange and is one of 90 examples wearing this color. It has black leather and Alcantara-trimmed interior and came with extra-cost options that included Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), Porsche Communication Management 2.1, bi-xenon headlights, and Sport Chrono Package Plus.

This 997 GT3 RS 3.6 was delivered new through Porsche of Hawaii and was acquired by the current caretaker in 2016. Currently, it has 1,521 miles on its odometer.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: WP0AC29977S793160

The Porsche GT3 RS was built in 2007 and 2008 with 452 examples sent to the North American market. This example was delivered new via Jim Ellis Porsche in Atlanta, Georgia, finished in Black with contrasting orange accents over a complementing black leather interior. It left the factory with bi-xenon headlamps, Sport Chrono Package Plus, and Porsche Communication Management (PCM) 2.1 with navigation.

Acquired by a private collection in Georgia, this GT3 RS was sold in 2010 to a Colorado-based enthusiast who drove it sparingly. Currently in a Chicago-based collection, this Porsche currently has 2,350 miles on its odometer.

by Dan Vaughan