Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is pretty dang sweet
2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS - click above image for hi-res gallery
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. Sigh... Full press release after the jump.
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.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Turall 7:35PM (9/15/2009)
Good thing I have an extra kidney.
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2004m3driver 7:33PM (9/15/2009)
but it has lipstick on!
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vkchu 10:59PM (9/15/2009)
much like the aston martin dbr9 gt1, but the aston looks way better.
Conrad.TDI 7:46PM (9/15/2009)
If someone did that to a Civic wouldn't it be called "rice"......
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Kevin 7:52PM (9/15/2009)
That's because it's a civic. And civics aren't fast.
Shiftright 7:58PM (9/15/2009)
Well, I'm not necessarily a Civic fanboy, but the Si is not exactly slow, and l'm not even talking about the tuned ones. I've seen street legal Civics that do the quarter in the low 11s.
Hike15 8:04PM (9/15/2009)
Because no matter what you do to a civic, it is still a civic. I don't care if it flies, it's still a civic.
FitFan 8:04PM (9/15/2009)
Kevin, there are Civics that would destroy this Porsche in every imaginable performance category. Not your average Civic of course.
Anyway ... I love the car. I would blend the front fender piece and lose the GT3 stickers.
FitFan 8:08PM (9/15/2009)
Now that I think about it I would replace all of the red accents with black.
ccdoggy 8:12PM (9/15/2009)
and there are 911s that walk over tuned civics. you cannot argue heavily modified cars as there is always something a bit better and faster from some obscure group.
the fact is that many people (me included) see civics all over. so i dont think its that special to have one. Same goes for a corvette, sure its a great car, but i see them here and there, way more then any german/british/italian sports car. i would rather have a 911 carrera then a civic that does a 9 second 1/4 mile street. because i perceive the 911 to be better then something i see all the time.
Alpha 10:00PM (9/15/2009)
Any "fast" Civic I've been in is a car I wouldn't want to spend more then 15 minutes in at highway speed or stop and go traffic. Off the line speed means very little in real life, I highly doubt you could find any Civic that could hit the rink and then drive home without your ears bleeding like this Porsche could.
FitFan 10:27PM (9/15/2009)
I understand your point. There are a lot of hacks out there who turn out crappy tuner cars.
JDM Life 10:30PM (9/15/2009)
Please stop talking about Civics and for the LOVE OF GOD stop comparing them to Porsche......You people bring shame to Porsche....HOW DARE YOU.
click_playaz 12:07AM (9/16/2009)
To 911 headlights, Civic is n.th. lolzzz
Not THAT Matt 12:07AM (9/16/2009)
Durr durr durr, see me compare a fifteen thousand dollar Japanese econobox to a one hundred thirty three thousand dollar race car.
Durr durr durr.
FitFan 6:16PM (9/16/2009)
@ Not THAT Matt:
"Durrr"? Are you in elementary school?
I was merely responding to Kevin's comment about Honda Civics not being fast, which is an absurd statement. Stock Civics, with the exception of the Si, are economy cars and are slow by design. Aftermarket Civics can be as fast as you want them to be provided that you've got the funds to build them up.
naturalyshocked 7:47PM (9/15/2009)
nice color scheme and wheels.
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joe_thousandaire 7:48PM (9/15/2009)
meh, I'd like it so much more as a four door hatchback
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Shiftright 7:59PM (9/15/2009)
or as an SUV...
MajorGeek 7:53PM (9/15/2009)
Porsche usually rules in subtle sexy, so I forgive them.
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