SEPANG, Sept 5 — The fifth generation of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS was officially launched today in a simple unveiling ceremony at the Sepang International Circuit by Arnt Bayer, Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the local importer of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia.
The launch of the new 911 GT3 RS was in conjunction with the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2015, which will be having its 9th and 10th round at SIC this weekend.
First premiered at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show earlier this year, the new 911GT3 RS is a street-legal race car, more powerful and more agile than the regular Carrera, but with all the comforts necessary for everyday commuting, and on weekends, will make a great car for that outing into the countryside, and of course at a race track as well.
Extensive modifications to its drive system, aerodynamics and lightweight design enhance performance even more than in the 911 GT3, which, because it is mainly for motorsport usage, is stripped down. The new car laps the North Loop of the Nurburgring is just under 7 minutes and 20 seconds, the new GT3 RS is a good nine seconds faster than the previous record held by the Carrera GT super sportscar.
“The 911 GT3 RS models have always stood for top sportiness and emotional appeal. Its direct correlation with motorsports makes possible uncompromising driving dynamics and an intensive driving experience. Never before has a ‘GT Street Vehicle’ been closer to its Cup and RSR cousins, both visually and functionally.
The new 911 GT3 RS is powered by a four-litre six cylinder engine with 500 horsepower and 460Nm of torque, and fitted with a 7-speed PDK transmission. Zero to 100km/h is easily done in 3.3 seconds despite the fact that it is naturally aspirated, and it hits 200 km/h in 10.9 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 12.7 litres/100 km, but that is purely academic, for a car like this.
The 911 GT3 RS is what Porsche calls a ‘masterpiece of intelligent lightweight design’. For the first time, the roof is made of magnesium; carbon fibre is used for the engine and boot lids, and many other components are made of lightweight materials. The RS model is actually 10 kg lighter than the GT3. The lightweight roof lowers the centre of gravity, while the body comes from the wider 911 Turbo.
Base price of the 911 GT3 RS starts at RM1,750,000, which includes a 4-year factory warranty. This price includes all applicable duties, but excludes registration fee, road tax and insurance.
