Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Yes, we made fun of the GT3 RS's pink lips when we saw the PR shots. But in person the Guards Red accents look, well, Guards Red. However, even in these hot off the show floor photos, Guards Red comes off pink against the slate gray body. So, the photos are tinted pink, but trust us, in reality they ain't. Got it? Good! Now, as for the rest of the car, it's truly, incredibly wonderful.
Now more than ever we wish we were fabulously wealthy, because we would so buy this car. From the carbon fiber seats to the built in roll cage to those intensely sexy wheels, we're just smitten. Big time, wreck your life, drain your 401K, run-off-to-Argentina-with-your-mistress-at-the-expense-of-your-family-and-political-career smitten. To refresh your memory banks a bit, the new RS has a 3.8-liter flat-six that pumps out 450 naturally aspirated horses. And it only comes with a stick, which makes it that much dreamier. Plus, for the hardcore amongst you, there's the optional lithium-ion battery that saves 22 pounds
PRESS RELEASE:
Delivering even more engine power, lower weight and shorter transmission ratios, as well as upgraded body and suspension components than all previous GT3s, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS sets the foundation for homologating the race version of the 911 GT3 and will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show September 17-27, 2009.
The heart of the new, uncompromising GT3 RS is the power unit. Like the engine featured in the 911 GT3, the naturally-aspirated RS power unit now displaces 3.8 liters and delivers even more power, while revving up even faster to its 8500 rpm redline. It now delivers 450 horsepower, 15 more horsepower than its 911 GT3 counterpart. Even with a specific output of more than 118 hp per liter from the six-cylinder boxer engine, the power unit in the new GT3 RS remains fully suitable for everyday use.
The new 911 GT3 RS comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox optimized for short gearshift travel, low weight and high efficiency. To enhance the level of performance throughout the entire range of engine and road speed, the transmission comes with shorter ratios than found in the 911 GT3, deliberately conceding an even higher potential top track speed.
Dynamic engine mounts are standard and serve to improve the car's handling to an even higher level. Depending on driving conditions, the mounts change in their stiffness and damping effect, improving the connection between the engine and the body when driving under very lively conditions, yet allow for more comfortable conditions during everyday street use.
Porsche is also introducing another new option in 2010 for the GT3 RS, a lithium-ion battery. Delivered with the car and, when replacing the conventional lead-acid battery, it reduces the weight by more than 10 kg or 22 lb and is mainly intended for the track.
To further improve its sporting behavior, the new 911 GT3 RS comes with a purpose-built and specially set up PASM suspension, a wider front and rear track and corresponding bodywork.
The front axle comes with nine-inch-wide wheels running on 245/35 ZR 19 sports tires while the rear axle features twelve-inch-wide wheels incorporating 325/30 ZR 19 sports tires.
The new 911 GT3 RS shows its close connection to motorsport through its dynamic looks, in particular by its low ride height, the new, extra large carbon-fiber rear wing and titanium exhaust system.
The 2010 911 GT3 RS goes on sale in the U.S. in early spring of 2010 and will be priced at $132,800.
