Porsche GT3 Editorial 27/11/07 15:29 Page 092
Homologation special Behind the wheel
So be it then. The RS, a homologation special, is 20 kg lighter The new RS is more cutting edge, and more refined than its
than the standard GT3 and 44 mm wider at the rear, (it has the predecessor. Yet the tight racing harnesses remind you
Carrara 4 body shell). Additional weight saving was achieved, instantly that you are in an ultimate performance Porsche.
in part, by the use of a plastic engine cover and a lightweight The carbon fibred cabin confirms the raison d'Etre, yet the
plastic rear window. There's a big adjustable carbon fibre wing muted growl of engine and exhaust somehow dampens that
at the back too, the fatter rear end contributing to both initial expectation. A quiet GT3 RS? Hell No! The noise comes
directional stability and rear end grip. when you tease those revs up to around the 5,000 rpm mark
Inside, there are two lightweight bucket seats made of which the RS loves; and then you're on the sweet spot.
carbon fibre composite, which come as standard, together with Two destinations mark the highlights of our test: Millbrook
a bolt-in roll cage and pre-wiring for a master battery switch. Proving Ground in Bedfordshire and the Snetterton race circuit
The interior package includes a six point seat belt for the driver, in Norwich. At Millbrook our GT3 RS is piloted by 'Ben',
and a fire extinguisher. The roof, steering wheel, and gearstick a Porsche Driving Experience instructor and racer. As we ease
are trimmed in Alcantara leather. onto Millbrook's high speed bowl, in what feels like 15 seconds
The normally aspirated 3.6 litre engine is a dream, good for or so, the speedo on the RS is reading 200 mph! Look again,
415 bhp at 7,600 rpm, red-lining at 8,400 rpm. Whilst power surely its 100 mph? No, it's actually reading 200 mph.
output per litre is about the same as the standard GT3, Mr. Racing Driver Ben thought our true speed was more like
drive train tweaks give the RS the edge. Thus, the 0-62 mph 185 mph 'ish', but that's not the point. What is the point is that
figure of the freer revving RS is improved by a tenth of a second this car is capable of topping that kind of speed in what felt like
over the GT3 at 4.2 secs. Maximum speed is officially 187 mph no time at all! - no gradual build up, just pressing hard,
- which is enough for most. feeding speed precision - like through the gears, and the
As we write, every UK model of the RS is sold - a total of just GT3 RS just sits at nearly 200 mph. Totally unperturbed.
under 100 were produced, and now they're all gone. Do a That's almost arrogant, crazy - and wrapped tight in our racing
refined internet search and you'll see a few 'delivery mileage' harnesses, we're sitting absolutely rock solid at that speed,
examples running for silly premiums over the 'standard' for the car feels so safe. “It could do this all day, says Ben…
£95,640 for a new one - including Tracker, and a performance and you could probably race it competitively exactly as it
driving course. That driving course is needed by the way. is now - even with these tyres if you wanted to.” Wow.
Yet the RS is the jewel in the 911's crown, seeming almost We are impressed, yet we soon demonstrate the finer points
a bargain over its rivals, for it is uncompromisingly competent, of new RS performance credentials on Millbrook's handling
tough and strong, with precision like handling and performance circuit. Professional Touring Car racer Mark Ticehurst was out
to match. It's that magic blend of ultimate hardcore there punting a gobsmacked passenger through the circuits
performance that you'll get excited about, regardless of twists and curves in a race spec Mazda RX 8, whilst we
whether you're writing about it, talking about it, or even - who joined the circuit with Mark almost a full lap ahead of us
thinking about it - but the tool itself, releases it’s own brand - with traction off and sideways, were going flat out through the
of excitement when committed to road, and track. bends (for drama rather than speed of course) and gaining on
torque | 092
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