www.QV500.com - Porsche 996 Part 5: 996 GT3 MkII RS
 

911 (996) GT3 MkII RS
To homologate a series of special parts for racing use, Porsche launched the GT3 RS at the Frankfurt Motor Show in October 2003. A batch of just over 300 cars was built, all of which were painted white with garish blue or red graphics and matching wheel centres. As had been the case with the MkI GT3's, these latest derivatives were not legal for sale in the US or Canada. Various technical features that would appear on the racing version were introduced on the GT3 RS, for example, the complete wheel hub assemblies, divided front and rear lateral suspension control arms and optimised rear axle geometry.
   

Porsche also paid a good deal of attention to realsiing the best possible power-to-weight ratio, and as output would be remaining unchanged at 381bhp, a variety of special parts had to be installed. These included a plastic rear window and single mass flywheel, carbonfibre being used for the front lid, rear spoiler, engine cover and wing mirrors. All this equated to a 50kg weight saving over the standard MkII GT3. The interior was equipped in much the same fashion as any Club Sport; competition Recaro bucket seats in flame-retardant fabric, six-point harnesses, a roll-cage and fire extinguishing system. Alcantara was used to trim the steering wheel rim, the stitching of which (along with the seatbelts) matched the choice of either blue or red exterior graphics. Uniquely, all RS variants came with a series of three vents carved from the nose to improve cooling and a special close-ratio six-speed gearbox.

 

911 (996) GT3 MkII RS
Although peak power remained unchanged at 381bhp, it was now delivered at 7300rpm, 100rpm lower than the standard MkII GT3. This was achieved by installing a bigger air collector under the rear wing that used pressure build up there to supply extra intake air to the engine at high speeds. It allowed the RS to reach its maximum output a little more easily. With a free-revving engine, lightweight body panels and suspension improvements, the RS was unsurprisingly the fastest normally-aspirated 911 Porsche built on the 996 platform. Top speed remained 190mph whilst 0-60 dropped from 4.5 to 4.4 seconds.
 

911 (996) GT3 MkII RS