Porsche 911 GT3 RS (2010) CAR review

This is Porsche's new 911 GT3 RS, a harder and faster version of the already hard and fast GT3. Traditionally it's the best Porsche 911 variant - the GT2 is often too extreme and the turbo'd engine lacks aural delight - so what's the new one like? Read on for CAR's first drive review.

So it’s a Porsche 911 GT3 that’s even more extreme?

Oh yes. The 3.8 flat-six – up from 3.6-litres in the previous 997 RS – produces 444bhp at 7900rpm, an increase of 15bhp (at 300rpm higher) over the GT3. That means 117bhp/litre, and while the torque output of 317lb ft is unchanged, it too is produced at higher revs.

And what an engine. It chunters at idle, like a mechanic has left a few bolts in each cylinder, but clears its throat as the revs rise. There’s a glorious resonance through the cabin between 4 and 5000rpm, and after that the note gets louder and harder, and an aggressive howl drives you to thrash it to 8000rpm over and over. It's a proper race-bred engine, and quite why the GT2 RS needs another 167bhp we can't imagine.

Presumably a double-clutch PDK ‘box is not an option?

Of course – the GT3 RS is only available with a motorsport-derived six-speed manual, which means a heavy clutch and the need to be very deliberate with your shifts. However, while it can be a little awkward when you’re trundling around, it’s much better when you need to bash through the gears. And keep up with that incredible engine – there’s revised transmission ratios so although the top speed is 1mph down on the GT3 (does that matter?) the acceleration is even more ferocious.

What are the other measures designed to make this GT3 RS harder and faster than ever?

Look closely and you’ll spot the flared front wheelarches, which hide a wider front track – the GT2 RS shares the same hardware. Plus there’s a massive carbonfibre rear wing, that fills your doors mirrors and blocks out your rear-view mirror – unless there’s a BMW behind, you won’t see who is following. There’s a titanium exhaust too, which saves weight from where it counts in a 911 – at the back.

I’m not sure about the colour scheme though.

We’d agree. The Mk1 997 GT3 RS looked brilliant in bright orange or a green Kermit would be proud, complete with retro RS stickers, but the new treatment is a bit OTT. A basic white paint is free, a rather nice blue is £730, and the grey/black of our test is £1768. The contrasting red (or white gold) is free – hurrah! (sarcasm) – though silver wheels are a no-cost option, and if you ask Porsche nicely they’ll delete the graphics. After all, your business is worth £100k-plus.

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