Porsche 911 GT3 RS 2023 makes speed faster

The 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS debuted online on Wednesday, but this tougher version 911 GT3 won’t hit US dealerships until spring 2023.

As with previous RS models, the 992nd generation GT3 RS adds downforce and reduces weight to improve lap times. Engineers have taken into account the lessons learned from 911 GT3 R racing car, including a single, large, angled radiator in the nose of the car, which replaces the previous three-radiator setup. This frees up space for more complex aero elements on the sides of the car, Porsche said in a press release.

In fact, the traditional vents in front of the rear wheels are now used solely for aerodynamic purposes, rather than drawing air into the engine, according to Porsche. Other elements include vents in the front wheel arches and inlets to reduce pressure in the arches, roof ribs, blades and air intakes on the rear wheel arches, and large nostrils in the front hood to remove air from the radiator.

The expected rear wing now consists of two elements — a main wing and a hydraulically adjustable vane — on swan-neck mounts. It sits above the roof—a first for a production Porsche—and features a Formula 1-style Drag Reduction System (DRS) that allows the driver to adjust the rear wing. A front splitter and rear diffuser are also included.

All of these elements combine to create more than 900 pounds of downforce at 124 mph, double that of the 991.2 GT3 RS and three times that of the current 992 GT3, Porsche claims. The automaker says the new GT3 RS can also generate 1,895 pounds of downforce — equivalent to the curb weight of a 1956 Porsche 356 A — at 177 mph.

Even the suspension components have been aerodynamically optimized. Teardrop profiles for the front suspension components help create 88 pounds of downforce at “top track speed,” Porsche claims. The front track has also been widened by 1.14 inches, and engineers have made some changes to reduce the angle under braking.

2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

To reduce weight, Porsche used carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the doors, front quarter panels, roof and front hood, as well as some interior components such as the leather-trimmed seats. That drops the curb weight to 3,268 pounds, and the available Weissach Package can shed an additional 17.6 pounds with forged magnesium wheels, carbon fiber exterior parts, and carbon fiber anti-roll bars, rear tie rods, and a rear axle shift panel. It also adds magnetic petals for a more precise feel.

Power comes from the standard GT3’s naturally aspirated 4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine. New camshafts with modified cam profiles increase power by 16 hp, for a total of 518 hp. A 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission is standard; Porsche didn’t mention a manual option, as on the standard GT3. Porsche quotes a 0-60 mph time of 3.0 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than the standard GT3) and a top speed of 184 mph (no doubt limited by all that airfield).

2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Porsche also didn’t discuss the Nürburgring lap time, but it probably will. For reference, the GT3 with the Manthey Performance Kit showed a time of 6:55.737 earlier this year.

Stopping is done by 6-piston monobloc calipers with a larger piston diameter than the standard GT3, as well as fatter rotors. Carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option. The GT3 RS also gets Normal, Sport and Track drive modes, where everything from compression damping for the front and rear axles to the rear differential can be adjusted.

Pricing for the 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS starts at $225,250 with destination. Buyers will be lucky to get one at this price.