Faster than most folks can get “2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0” out of their mouths, the Schwabian automaker’s “ultimate” normally-aspirated sports car will hit 60 – on the way to a top speed of 193 mph.
The appropriately named GT3 packs a new 4.0-liter flat-six in its rear engine compartment, the powerplant derived from 911 GT3 RSR race car, and borrowing such niceties as the forged pistons and titanium connecting rods. A six-speed manual is the only gearbox offered.
The new Porsche also borrows a variety of race-derived parts designed to shed weight, such as carbon fiber seat frames, front fenders and luggage compartment lid. Even the carpeting is “weight-optimized,” Porsche proclaims, trimming the 911 GT3 4.0’s total mass to just 2,998 pounds – with a full fuel tank.
That means a massive power-to-weight ratio considering the flat-six makes 500 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to launch the car to 60 in 3.8 seconds, and to top out at 193 mph. Porsche boasts that its naturally-aspirated offering has lapped the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 27 seconds.
To reach that speed and maintain stability, Porsche has added a variety of aero details, including a track-ready double wing. The GT3 RS 4.0 also is the first of the maker’s models to adopt new air deflection vanes, called flics. Mounted on both sides of the front bumper, they add another 426 pounds of downforce and improve overall stability.
Porsche plans to build only 600 copies of the 2011 911 GT3 RS 4.0, and will gladly bill you $185,000 if there’s one to be found at your local dealership.
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