Driving Sports

Porsche has released a pair of CG images of the new 911 GT3 RS they will formally unveil at the Frankfurt Motor Show, September 17-27. The 911 GT3 is the car used worldwide for Porsche-only racing events. In the United States, that means the Porsche Club of America's Porsche Cup series - modeled after the European Porsche Cup. The new GT3 will boast  even more engine power, lower weight and shorter transmission ratios, as well as upgraded body and suspension components than all previous GT3s. Every Porsche Club racer worth his Gucci loafers is going to have to upgrade, because the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS sets the foundation for homologating the race version of the 911 GT3.

The naturally-aspirated RS engine now displaces 3.8 liters and delivers 450 horsepower at an 8500 RPM redline. That's 15 more horsepower than its plain-jane 911 GT3 counterpart. Surely you wouldn't want to be seen at the country club with just 435 ponies under your whale tail?

The new 911 GT3 RS comes exclusively with a six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox optimized for short gearshift travel, low weight and high efficiency. 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 22 pounds and is mainly intended for track use.

To further improve its sporting behavior, the new 911 GT3 RS comes with a purpose-built and specially set up PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) 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.

Finally - to be extra sure that it's not mistaken for the bargain 911, the RS flaunts a 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 an attractive $132,800. We readily admit we're envious.