[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Standard equipment specifications for the new 991-generation Porsche GT3 RS Euro model have been leaked/revealed on FerrariChat.com (must be registered to view), and the draft PDF document confirms it’s another RS 4.0. The document also states sales of the Euro model start on March 3, 2015.

Though it shares the same 4.0-liter displacement and 500 horsepower as the last RS 4.0, the naturally aspirated flat six is all new. As of now, the spec sheet indicates it will come with a short-ratio seven-speed PDK automatic (no mention of a manual), a new, wide body, and feature lightweight materials and features.

The empowered, widened, and lightened GT3, standard in either White or GT Silver Metallic paint, is identified with an aluminum decklid badge displaying “RS 4.0”. This is a changeup from past GT3 RSs, which had sticker badging to save a little weight.

Lift up the decklid and you’ll find the new engine, the architecture of which will be used in the upcoming all-turbocharged 911 Carrera lineup. It has direct fuel injection, and because this version’s atmospheric, it makes its peak of 500 hp somewhere near the 8800 rpm redline. Torque tops out at 339 pound-feet, the exact same as the last RS 4.0. Dry-sump lubrication with a separate oil tank keeps the engine properly lubricated in high-g corners, and an “on-demand electronically controlled oil pump” is also fitted, according to the spec sheet, a feature usually reserved for race cars.

Also usually reserved for race cars are “Pit Speed” buttons, which limit their speed to what’s mandated by the track for pit lane. The RS 4.0 has one of those too.

Big, 380 mm front and rear brake discs are clamped by six-piston front calipers and four-piston rears. The electric parking brake remains.

The body has 50 millimeter wider fenders up front and 30 mm wider at the rear compared to the GT3. The fronts are fitted with wheel housing vents covered with black plastic vanes, which improve aerodynamics and reduce front-end lift. A front lip spoiler, underbody paneling, rear diffuser, and massive carbon-fiber rear spoiler balance out the aero package. The GT3 RS 4.0 now has integrated side air-intake openings, similar to the 911 Turbo. The hood is carbon fiber as well as the decklid. The roof is magnesium. And the spec sheet says the front and rear side windows are polycarbonate, though we’re not sure if those will be equipped on US market cars.

The adjustable chassis has been thoroughly revised to increase performance, responsiveness, and we assume driving fun. Ball-joint chassis bearings will make steering and throttle inputs sharper, and 36 mm wider front track (compared to GT3), an integrated auxiliary spring in the rear multilink suspension, lower ride height, and front and rear anti-roll bars should keep the RS 4.0 cornering flat and stable. Speed-sensitive electromechanical steering makes its first appearance on a GT3 RS model with the 991-generation 4.0, aided by sport-tuned rear-wheel steering and a torque vectoring system. Adjustable PASM dampers feature sports tuning, and if you’re feeling up to exploring the 4.0’s assuredly immense capabilities on your own, the Porsche Stability Management system can be turned off in two stages.

The RS 4.0 rides on 20- and 21-inch forged alloy wheels with central locking. Up front, the 20s are 9.5 inches wide and wrapped in 265/35 ZR-rated rubber. At the rear, the 21s are 12.5 inches wide with 325/30s.

Inside, carbon-fiber race buckets with seat faces covered in leather and Alcantara are standard, and include electric height adjustment and manual levers to slide them forward and backward. Alcantara is used generously, covering the door grab handles, door panel armrests, center console lid, rear center tunnel trim, and the roof lining including the C-pillars. The lightweight door panels have door-opening straps in GT Silver.

Also questionable for the US market is the optional Clubsport package listed, which equips a bolt-in rear roll cage, battery disconnect switch preparation, six-point harness for the driver, and a fire extinguisher mounted to a bracket.

Please note that this draft of the 991 GT3 RS 4.0 standard specifications list is just that: a draft. This specifications list is subject to change until the it’s finalized.

https://www.pca.org/news/2015-02-22/...cations-leaked

[aajami]

No word on the supposed ram-air effect of this new engine?

[Black Gold]

center lock wheels are kind of silly on a non race car

center lock 20s are extremely silly on a track oriented road car

center lock 21s are downright retarded

how is anyone supposed to get a decent selection of track tires for 21 inch wheels? I mean holy shite this isn't an escalade, its a track focused 911....:facepalm:

[///MCFC]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

center lock wheels are kind of silly on a non race car

center lock 20s are extremely silly on a track oriented road car

center lock 21s are downright retarded

how is anyone supposed to get a decent selection of track tires for 21 inch wheels? I mean holy shite this isn't an escalade, its a track focused 911....:facepalm:

would you consider a 918 spyder to be "track oriented"?

p.s. 918 - F: centerlock 20", R: centerlock 21".

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

center lock wheels are kind of silly on a non race car

center lock 20s are extremely silly on a track oriented road car

center lock 21s are downright retarded

how is anyone supposed to get a decent selection of track tires for 21 inch wheels? I mean holy shite this isn't an escalade, its a track focused 911....:facepalm:

No. Big car = big wheels.

[Savory]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

center lock wheels are kind of silly on a non race car

center lock 20s are extremely silly on a track oriented road car

center lock 21s are downright retarded

how is anyone supposed to get a decent selection of track tires for 21 inch wheels? I mean holy shite this isn't an escalade, its a track focused 911....:facepalm:

I'm with you on that one. There really is no good reason besides aesthetics to have 21s in the rear unless the brakes don't fit. Also, PDK only is expected, but disappointing

[Cloud9blue]

Pilot sport cups 2 come in 20" and 21" wheels. Are they expensive? Yes, but they are also some of the best R-comp tires out there.

The tire profiles on the 991 are actually very generous even in 19" and 20" inch wheels, so it is not like they are riding on rubber bands; Porsche most like went with such large wheels for larger tire-ground contact surface and bigger brake fitment. There is nothing silly about that!

The truth is, if you are worrying about finding cheap track tires in 17", you probably can't afford the various other costs associated with tracking a GT3RS... Sure, those centerlock wheels are bit of gimmicks and hassles to deal with in real life, but oh well!

Personally, I am very happy that Porsche went with PDK only for a track focused 911 like this again. Manual gearbox is simply outdated in a modern performance car. So sick of hearing people hating on the lack of manual transmission in any modern ultra performance cars... I always wondering, how many of them are just internet whiners complaining about something that they will never be able to buy...

[attila]

Few false info in the article makes the rest questionable as well. The badges were not stickers on the 997.1/2 GT3RS nor on the 991 GT3. The redline is confirmed at 9k just like in the 991 GT3.
Anyway, the RS will be a great car (likely). Expect a significant price increase - at least according my contact.