GIMS 2018: Porsche 911 GT3 RS Gets New Tricks For 2019

Porsche has welcome news for ardent fans of the iconic 911 at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show. Joining all other cars at the display was a new iteration of the 911 GT3 RS, new for 2019.

With the 911, it's a never-ending game of constant development and refinement, which is why we keep seeing newer and sharper versions of the legendary sports car. The Stuttgart-based automaker is unceasing in its endeavor to keep the 911 up to date and came up with multiple variations for the road, race track and everything in between. One of the more popular versions is the 911 GT3 RS, which has its own niche fanbase in the world of souped-up road cars. And the company does not rest on its laurels when it comes to the RS. Each and every facelift and new generation brings with it new tricks and gimmicks, that help the car gain just a bit more speed, traction, acceleration, and grip.

For 2019, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS gets a host of mechanical as well as electronic upgrades. The RS builds on the recently refreshed 911 GT3's new architecture and gets a lot more track-focused in the process. The company claims it is the most powerful naturally aspirated 911 ever produced. And we concur with the statement, for the car develops 520 hp and 470 Nm at 9,000 RPM out of its 4.0-liter flat-six engine, an increment of 20 hp and 10 Nm over the stock GT3.

Porsche has carried over the engine internals from the GT3 for the RS, which includes plasma-coated cylinder liners. larger-diameter bearings for the crankshaft, larger con-rod bearings, and rigid valvetrain shims. The GT3 RS will come equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which has been recalibrated to handle the extra ponies the engine spits out. With the mechanical mods, the company estimates the RS will hit the ton in 3.2 seconds, with the top speed limited to 310 kph.

The RS gets a carbon-fiber frunk lid and rear fenders while the roof is all magnesium. Like its big brother GT2 RS, the 911 GT3 RS gets NACA ducts in the frunk lid for efficient brake cooling and a larger front spoiler which gives it twice the downforce as a GT3 at 200 kph. Porsche also offers two weight reduction packages that further boost the performance of the car. The Weissach package for $18,000 reduces the weight of the car by almost 6 kg using carbon-fiber front and rear anti-roll bars and coupling rods, a carbon-fiber roof and steering wheel trim, and carbon-fiber paddle shifters. Buyers can further lighten their 911 GT3 RS by almost 12 kg by opting for magnesium wheels which cost $13,000 for the set.

The 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS will go on sale in late 2018 and will cost $188,550 including destination charges.