Track Ready: Meet the lighter, faster Porsche 911 GT3 RS

During last year's Geneva International Motor Show, Porsche introduced the updated 911 GT3. Aside from the highly anticipated manual transmission option and bump in power, it also received updated styling to improve handling and aerodynamics. That said, it was only a matter of time until the more hardcore GT3 RS would also receive an update, likely with similar styling and more power.

A year has since passed and now, Porsche has officially introduced the updated 911 GT3 RS. As expected, the 991.2 GT3 RS adopts a design similar to that of its tamer GT3 sibling. In order to set it apart, the GT3 RS comes with equipped with a large fixed rear wing, a different set of wheels and GT3 RS livery on the side as standard. New on this 991.2 is the vented hood, which appears to have been taken from the GT2 RS.

While the external changes appear to be subtle, Porsche engineers have been busy tweaking the powertrain and suspension of the new GT3 RS. It still retains the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat six engine, but now produces 520PS and revs to 9,000 rpm. Unlike the GT3 however, there is no manual option. It is available only with a 7-speed PDK trasmission that has specially calibrated for the GT3 RS. That said, Porsche claims this updated model can do 0-100km/h in just 3.2 seconds and can reach a top speed of 312 km/h.

Other updates includes a recalibrated rear-axle to further improve handling. Porsche engineers have also ditched elastokinematic bearings and used ball joints on the suspension arms instead to provide 'greater precision'. To help shed weight, Porsche claims to have benefited from all kinds of weight reduction such as carbon fiber seats, lightweight door panels and a new carbon bootlid. There are also new lightweight wheels which measure 20-inch up front and 21-inch at the rear wrapped wider tires.

For those who want a truly hardcore GT3 RS, buyers may opt for the optional Weissach package which adds more carbon fiber parts to the interior and exterior along with magnesium wheels. In this configuration, the GT3 RS is said to only weigh 1,430 kg. Track-oriented buyers can also have the Clubsport package as a no-cost option which adds a roll bar, fire extinguisher, preparation for a battery disconnect switch and a six-point harness.