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2008 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 3.6

Porsche unveiled the second generation of the GT3 in February of 2006 and in keeping with company tradition, its 3.6 liter flat-six engine punched well above its weight class, capable of outperforming cars with much larger engines. Since the introduction of the original 901 in 1963, Porsche has produced a line of six-cylinder rear-engine sports cars infused with performance, capable of competing with much more powerful cars thanks to their superior handling and low weight. The 911 continued this pedigree, birthing a breed of iconic marchings that married performance and handing, with rivaled driving experience. The 911 has continuously evolved into a more sophisticated, powerful, and capable driving machine, as well as a reliable and usable car.

The 996 GT3 was introduced by Porsche in 1999 to homologate the 911 in the FIA GT3 sports car racing class. It was essentially a 'Carrera Cup' car for the road with a few creature comforts added back in, and a spiritual descendant of the iconic 911 Carrera RS. On the track, the GT3 enjoyed considerable success with class wins at LeMans, Daytona, and Sebring.

The Carrera RS (rennsport or 'racing sport') family began with the 2.7 variant that laid the foundation for track readiness, power, prowess, and precision. Styling characteristics included a distinctive rear wing, aerodynamic enhancements, and large side sill graphic blended with a potent engine and a minimalistic interior. Throughout the succeeding generations of 911s, the 'RS' badge remained reserved for only the most hardcore, purpose-built road cars in Porsche's portfolio.

The 997.1 GT3 RS of 2006 continued to wear the large rear wing, large intakes, graphics, and a wide track. The naturally aspirated 6-cylinder engine motivates the GT3 RS to 60 in about 4 seconds, while the stiff springs, solid mounts, and many manually adjustable settings allow it to easily handle any twist or turns it may encounter. It received front and rear adjustable control arms in addition to progressive—rather than linear—springs, while the dampers were 10 to 15 percent stiffer than the units fitted to the GT3. Through these manual adjustments and playful 6-speed mechanical gearbox, the GT3 RS forms a formidable track weapon but is equally suited for daily driving duties.

The 3.6-liter horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine produces 415 HP, translating to 1.88 HP per cubic inch in naturally aspirated form. Under the guidance of Andreas Preuninger, Porsche's Chief Development Engineer, the entire setup on the GT3 was reconfigured with larger brakes, sculpted body pieces to add aerodynamic downforce, recalibrated suspension, and lowered ride height. Distinguishable features included the wide rear fender body which it shared with the Carrera 4, allowing it to accommodate the wider wheels and tires. Weight-saving features included an adjustable carbon-fiber rear wing, plastic engine cover, and a thin-gauge glass rear window.

Zero-to-sixty mph was accomplished in 4.3 seconds and had a factory-rated top speed of 193 mph.

Porsche built 452 examples of the 997 GT3 RS 3.6 for the North American market from 2007 to 2008. A total of 917 examples of the 997.1 GT3 (including the 3.6L, 3.8L, and 4.0L) were sold in the United States and 46 in Canada.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: WP0AC29998S792268

This Porsche 997 GT3 RS 3.6 is equipped with a naturally aspirated 3,600cc flat-6 engine with dual overhead camshafts, Bosch Motronic fuel management system, and delivers 415 horsepower at 7,600 RPM. There is a six-speed manual transaxle, four-wheel carbon ceramic disc brakes, and an independent suspension with coil springs and monotube dampers. It was delivered new to its first owner through Jim Ellis Porsche of Atlanta in December 2007. This 997.1 GT3 RS left the factory wearing an extra-cost RS Green, one of 53 examples so-equipped, and configured for the North American market. The original owner specified it to be built devoid of graphics or stripes and fitted with a black full-leather interior with contrasting green trim. Notable options include PCCB, bi-xenon headlamps, Chrono Package Plus, Porsche Communication Management with navigation, Interior Carbon package, and a host of other Exclusive Department enhancements in carbon fiber and Alcantara that brought the MSRP to $156,820.

This Porsche currently has less than 12,500 miles on its odometer.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: WP0AC29938S792296

This 2008 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is finished in Viper Green with bold black 'GT3 RS' graphics emblazoned along the sides. The interior is done in black leather and Alcantara with deviated Viper Green stitching on the seats, dash, and side panels. There are a Viper Green rollbar and thin-shell racing seats. The naturally aspirated horizontally opposed 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine delivers 415 horsepower, has dry sump lubrication and titanium connecting rods, and is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. It has power steering, an independent suspension system, center-exit exhaust, four-wheel carbon ceramic disc brakes with yellow calipers, and the Sport Chrono Package. There is an adjustable carbon fiber rear wing, lightweight rear window, air conditioning, and RS lightweight Black alloy wheels.

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS was capable of sprinting from zero-to-sixty mph in 4.3 seconds and had a top speed of 193 mph.

This Porsche has 8,571 miles on its odometer.

by Dan Vaughan