2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

It wasn’t that long ago when the first rumors for a more powerful Porsche 911 GT3 RS version began and now we have the official specifications for that model that map out a more powerful engine (duh) and improved aerodynamics. The vehicle will debut in July 2011 and prices will start at 178,596 euro including 19 per cent value added tax and country-specific equipment, or about $261,964 at the current exchange rates. Only 600 units will be made.

Details were so sketchy at first that we didn’t know if Porsche was for real, or just playing a really sick joke. Thankfully, this is as real as it gets with the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 utilizing a 4.0 liter engine producing an incredible 500 HP and 339 lb-ft of torque. This engine will be mated to a six-speed sports transmission optimized for low weight and high efficiency.

Weight is always an issue when wanting to make fast cars go faster, so Porsche made sure that was addressed with the GT3 RS 4.0. Many changes were made to the interior of the vehicle to drop weight, including the deletion of the air conditioning system and the addition of carbon fiber.

UPDATE 05/08/2011: The more powerful GT3 RS 4.0 has gotten even cooler with a new online configurator from Porsche. The new sports car gets options like carbon ceramic brakes, a front axle lifting system, lightweight headlamps, and a lithium-ion battery.

Exterior and Interior

The future 911 GT3 RS 4.0 will need a few more elements to be further distinguished from the standard GT3 RS. For starters, the GT3 RS 4.0 will come in a white exterior paint job as standard and will feature an enhanced aerodynamic body with a new set of wheels painted in either GT Silver Metallic or Black. It will sit wide and low, and will use lateral front air deflection vanes called flics to increase downforce on the front axle. This is the first time flics will be used on a production vehicle. The aerodynamic quality will be further optimized with the use of a large rear wing with adapted side plates. Finalizing the look of the GT3 RS 4.0 is the typical central twin tailpipe.

Weight is always a big deal when it comes to a high performing sports cars, so Porsche has managed to knock some of it off with a carbon fiber bonnet and front wings. Porsche’s attack on the two-seater’s weight continued for the interior with bucket seats, plastic rear windows, and weight-optimized carpets. The air conditioning system will also be removed to facilitate further weight reduction.

Special packages will also be available to further distinguish the 9611 GT3 RS 4.0.

Engine

Under the hood, Porsche will use a naturally aspirated 4000 cc version of the engine used in the standard GT3 RS. This engine will deliver a total of 500 HP at 8,250 rpm and 339 lb-ft of torque, which is a 50 HP and 22 lb-ft increase over the current GT3 RS model. This added power will allow the GT3 RS 4.0 to get to the 62mph mark in a killer 3.9 seconds and up to 124 mph in under 12 seconds. The lap around the famous Nurburgring track clocked in at 7:27, which is still 40 seconds away from the record held by the Pagani Zonda R.

The engine will be combined with a six-speed sports transmission and Porsche Ceramic Composite Break PCCB. All of these components combined allow the 2,998lb GT3 RS 4.0 to obtain a power to weight ratio of 6.6lb/hp.

Prices

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 will make its grand appearance in Germany in July 2011. European prices will start at 178,596 euro including 19 per cent value added tax and country-specific equipment, or about $261,964 at the current exchange rates. No words on the US prices just yet. That’s just the beginning, however. There are plenty of options to choose from that will surely spike that price higher than you can imagine. Check them out in the tables provided.

Exterior Options

Option	Price EUR (no tax)	Price EUR with 20% VAT
Special Color	2230 Eur	2676 Eur
Dynamic Cornering Lights	590	708
Lightweight Battery	1600	1920
Rear Lights w/Clear Glass Look	425	910
Gray Top Tint on Windscreen	85	102
Automatically Dimming Int/Ext Mirros w/Rain Sensor	460	552
Painted Headlight Cleaning System Sensor	170	204
Wheels Painted in Black	200	240

Engine Options

Option	Price EUR (no tax)	Price EUR with 20% VAT
Porsche Ceramic Composite Break	7320	8784
Chrono Package	480	576
Chrono Package Plus	480	576
Front Axle Ride Height Lift System	2500	3000

Interior Options

Option	Price EUR (no tax)	Price EUR with 20% VAT
6-Point Seat Belt Passenger Side	350	420
Home Link	240	288
Cruise Control	370	444
Prep for Vehicle Tracking System	150	180
Heated Seats	365	438
Fire Extinguisher	125	150
Floor Mats	90	108
Rear Section of Center Console in Ext Color	420	504
Steering Column Casing in Leather	275	330
Rear Section of Center Console in Leather	735	882
Lid of Storage Bin w/Porsche logo in Alcantara	285	342
Extended Int Package in Carbon	1450	1740
Rear Section of Center Console in Carbon	895	1074
Belt Outlet B-Pillars in Carbon	260	312
Footrest in Sports Look	150	180

Audio Options

Option	Price EUR (no tax)	Price EUR with 20% VAT
Porsche Communication Management w/Nav	2455	2946
Sound Package Plus	490	588
Universal Audio Interface (iPod, USB, Aux)	95	114
Universal Audio Interface (iPod, USB, Aux) i.c.w. PCM	280	336
Telephone Module	660	792
Preparation for Mobile Phone	550	660

 

 

Competition

There is no doubt in our minds that when Porsche was thinking of a better way to spruce up the 911 GT3 RS, they were absolutely thinking of which competitors they could stick it to. There are plenty of sports cars out there that will surely feel threatened when the new GT3 RS 4.0 comes out, including the GT-R EGOIST Edition. The Egoist is a model powered by a 3.8-liter V6 twin turbo engine with 530 HP that sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 3.046 seconds and can hit a top speed of 195 mph. The performance numbers between the two cars are undoubtedly similar, but with limited numbers, not many will actually be enjoying them.