Geneva Motor Show 2015: Porsche thunders in with 911 GT3 RS

Porsche is making the line between road car and race car ever more blurry with the unveiling of the new 911 GT3 RS in Geneva today. It’s got 500PS and 460Nm, will hit 62mph in 3.3 seconds, 124mph in 10.9 seconds, and is available to order now for £131,296 exactly.

Porsche is quick to garland this latest 911 with suitable Nurburgring credentials, boasting of a 7:20 lap time, some nine seconds quicker than the 7:29 posted by the ostensibly untouchable Carrera GT.

Power comes from a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat six engine with direct injection, coupled to a PDK automatic transmission specifically developed for the car. It’s this drivetrain, coupled with virtually no-expense-spared weight saving derived from Porsche’s motorsport experience, which makes the 911 GT3 RS so formidable.

The roof panel is made of magnesium, while carbon fibre is used for the lids covering the engine and luggage compartment (such as it is), so that all-in-all, 10kg is shaved from the weight of the bog standard 911 GT3.

The body comprises a specific rear wing and front spoiler, while the RS model utilises the wide body shell usually employed on the 911 Turbo. Inside, a standard-fit roll cage and bucket seats tell this apart as more than an executive’s daily driver. 

Despite its place as just about the most focused driving machine on sale today, sophisticated driving aids help the 911 GT3 RS pitch into corners at otherworldly speeds – technology like rear axle steering, torque vectoring, stability management and a variable rear limited slip differential. On a more basic level, it has the widest tyres fitted to any 911.

Standard kit includes 20-inch forged alloy wheels at the front, 21-inch at the back, a seven-inch colour touchscreen phone and media interface, xenon headlights, climate control and, probably for best, a vehicle tracker. Buyers also receive a free driver training course at the Porsche Experience Centre in Silverstone. Also probably for best.