In autumn 1963, the Porsche crew saw the world in need of a fast, two-door sportscar, so it released the now iconic 911. And it was good. Fast forward to 2007, and the world needed a rear-wheel drive, hardcore version of the 911, so the Stuttgart team released the 911 GT2. And it was better. But in 2010, the team decided to finish the genesis of one of the most complete supercars out there, and released the 911 GT2 RS. And it (arguably) is the best.
How can you improve what many believed to be next to perfection? Simple! Increase power and decrease weight. This is the magic recipe that is responsible for the plethora of special editions that the 997 generation saw up until now.
For the 911 GT2 RS, the recipe was taken to its absolute limit, with 620 HP being squeezed out of the 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six cylinder engine and 154 lbs being shaved off the curb weight, now at just 3,020 lbs. The end result, at least according to Porsche, is a power-to-weight ratio of 4.9 lbs/HP, “by far the best in its class” and, like we’ve said above, the most powerful road-legal Porsche ever made. In comparison, the regular GT2’s power output, 530 HP, and its weight, 3,174, make it look pushover.
Among the other technical improvements the 911 GT2 RS boasts are things like the six-speed manual gearbox, which sends that massive power to the rear wheels, the upgraded Porsche Composite Ceramic Brakes, which makes sure that power is kept in check, or the suspension, which uses a wide array of systems to make sure Stuttgart’s fastest 911 stays on track. The cherry on the GT2 RS cake is an interesting little tidbit of information: the car sits on unique tires, 245/35 ZR 19 at the front and 325/30 ZR 19 at the rear, custom made for this road-legal German rocket.
The result of all these systems working together with that powerful engine? A 0 to 62 mph time of 3.4 seconds, a top speed of 205 mph plus a Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time of just 7 minutes and 18 seconds.
In terms of style, the Porsche design crew sacrificed form over function, as almost all of the body panels are made from carbon fiber, to keep the weight down. Among the things setting it apart from the regular GT2 are the enlarged wheel arches, housing 19-inch light alloy wheels, as well as GT2 RS decals on the sides and in the rear. Making sure it sticks to the road are aerodynamic improvements like the carbon fiber front and rear spoilers.
Don’t expect to see any big luxuries on the inside of the GT2 RS either. Lightweight carbon fiber bucket seats, door panels with fabric straps to open them and a black and red Alcantara trim are the only things present, reminding you where the car belongs: on a track.
The total cost of this bare bone, street legal racer? “Just” $245,000. The Porsche 911 GT2 RS will only see 500 units made, so you’d better get your checkbook ready and pay a visit to your local dealership.
