Perhaps the most noticeable visual change is the repositioning of the new car’s radiator to where the luggage compartment would usually be on other 911 models. This frees up space for new aerodynamic elements integrated into the sides of the car, and continuously adjustable wings at the front. Combined with a two-part hydraulically adjustable rear wing, the new aerodynamic measures provide a total of 409kg of downforce when travelling at 200km/h – three times as much as the outgoing GT3!
And if that’s not enough to inspire confidence when attacking corners, further aero revisions that include larger front fender louvres, a new door design enabling greater airflow from the front wheels, an active slat system in the front splitter, redesigned rear diffuser, as well as front suspension wishbones with a teardrop cross-section also contribute to increase downforce by an added 40kg at the car’s top speed.
Powering forward progress is a naturally aspirated, 4.0-litre boxer six-cylinder engine, now boasting a higher peak power figure of 525 hp at 8,500 rpm along with 465 Nm of torque at 6,300 rpm. Output is channelled to a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission driving the rear wheels via an electronically controlled differential lock with fully variable torque distribution, featuring ratios shorter than those on the 992-generation 911 GT3. The 0-100 km/h benchmark is done in 3.2 seconds, and its top speed is 296 km/h.
In the cockpit, chassis management on the GT3 RS now includes four rotary dials on the steering wheel to control compression and rebound damping for the front and rear axles, along with the amount of differential locking as well as for control of the DRS. Lightweight construction measures see the use of CFRP for the doors, front fenders, roof and front lid, while the interior also employs CFRP in the bucket seats. In standard trim, the 992-generation GT3 RS tips the scales at 1,450 kg DIN.
Key optional kit for the track day-going crowd are also all on offer in the Clubsport Package. This features a steel roll cage, fire extinguisher and six-point harnesses as its key components. Then, there’s also the Weissach Package that specifies the front bonnet, roof, parts of the rear wing and door handles in carbon fibre for serious weight-saving measures, along with front and rear anti-roll bars and rear coupling rods for optimum speedway handling.
Finally, the new car comes shod with 20-inch wheels on 275/35 tyres in front and 21-inch wheels on 335/30 tyres at the rear, housing cast-iron composite discs measuring 408 mm in front and 380 mm in the back, while piston diameter is up to 32 mm from 30 mm on the previous GT3. Optional are PCCB ceramic-composite brakes, which bring larger discs of 410 mm in front and 390 mm at the rear.