Get Hotcars Premium. Start your free trial today

The new 911 GT3 RS is built without compromise to be the most thrilling Porsche you can take on the track.

The previous generation 911 GT3 RS was a popular model for Porsche. It was a great track weapon wrapped in a versatile package that made it welcoming to drive on the road. The upgrade for the previous generation RS has been eagerly anticipated, and the wait is finally over.

The new 911 GT3 RS is based on the current generation Porsche 992. However, Porsche has delivered no regular 911 GT3 RS; it’s a customized model that pays homage to the 70s 911 Carrera RS 2.7. The RS 2.7 was a poster car for many enthusiasts, and the new 911 GT3 RS helps Porsche bring alive a large part of its heritage.

Owners of the 911 GT3 RS will be glad to get a chronograph from Porsche’s watchmaking operation in Solothurn, Switzerland. This mechanical watch is based on a glass bead-blasted case made from black or natural titanium.

The chronograph will have a screw-down crown. Inside the watch will be the mechanical Porsche Design chronograph calibre WERK 01.200, which is COSC certified for its high accuracy. The chronograph will feature a flyback function allowing the owner to use a single hand action to start, stop, and reset the second hand.

The 911 GT3 RS has a central radiator concept, Porsche’s basis for a significant performance boost. This idea was first used in the 911 RSR, the Le Mans class-winning Porsche, and the 911 GT3 R. Instead of having the standard three radiator concept like the previous 911 models, the 911 GT3 RS uses a large, angled center radiator.

It’s placed in the car’s nose and positioned where the luggage compartment is in other 911s. This unique radiator concept helps create a way for better aerodynamics for the 911 GT3 RS making it a great track weapon.

Related: Here's Why The 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 R Is The Sports Car GOAT

Porsche claims to have used the freed space in the luggage cabin to integrate some active aerodynamic elements. These elements include continuously adjustable wing elements in the front and on the two-part rear wing.

Combined with other aerodynamic measures, these elements offer 902 lbs of downforce at 124 mph. Therefore, the new 911 GT3 RS offers twice as much downforce as its predecessor and three times as much as the 911 GT3. The total downforce at 177 mph is 1,896 lbs.

The 911 GT3 RS also features a drag reduction system (DRS) like that found in Formula 1. It’s the first production Porsche to utilize DRS, and it’s meant to offer low drag at higher speeds on the straight sections of a track.

At the push of a button, the driver can activate DRS. This flattens out the wings within a specific operating range. The 911 GT3 RS also has an airbrake function that can be activated during emergency braking. This sets the wing elements at the front and rear to the maximum, helping create aerodynamic deceleration.

Related: How The 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 R Plans To Dominate The Race Track

The 911 GT3 RS has a revised suspension setup that helps with its aerodynamic attention. Because the wheel arches are subject to powerful airflows, the 911 GT3 RS has teardrop-shaped profiles for the components of the double-wishbone front axle.

These revisions help increase downforce at the front axle by around 88 lbs at top speed and are mostly used in high-end motorsport applications. The double-wishbone front axle links are also longer because the 911 GT3 RS has a 29 mm wider track than the 911 GT3. Porsche's engineers have also reworked the suspension to reduce pitching under braking.

The 911 GT3 RS offers drivers three driving modes; Normal, Sport and Track. Track mode offers individually adjusted basic settings, including rebound and compression damping. These settings are adjustable in several stages.

The rear differential is also adjustable through the rotary controls on the steering wheel. This is another concept that’s been borrowed from motorsport and allows for intuitive and quick operations.

Related: Ferrari 296 GT3 vs Porsche 911 GT3 R: The Ultimate Track Car

The 911 GT3 RS steering wheel has four individual rotary controls and a DRS button. These controls are well displayed when making adjustments using graphics in the instrument cluster. The 911 GT3 RS also has a track screen, like the one in the 911 GT3.

The screen allows the driver to reduce the digital displays at the touch of a button. This helps display essential information while the driver remains focused on the track. The 911 GT3 RS also has the GT3 gearshift indicators to the right and left of the analog tachometer.

The 911 GT3 RS uses a high revving 4.0-liter naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine. It shares the powerplant with the GT3 but is further optimized to produce 518 hp. The power increase is achieved via new camshafts with modified cam profiles.

The 911 GT3 RS further gets motorsports-derived rigid valve drive and single-throttle intake systems. All the power is transmitted through Porsche’s 7-speed PDK with a shorter overall gear ratio than the 911 GT3. This helps the 911 GT3 RS accelerate to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 184 mph.

Related: Porsche Goes To Great Lengths To Make The 2023 911 GT3 R A Track-Focused Beast

Porsche resulted in using aluminum monobloc fixed caliper brakes to stop the 911 GT3 RS. The brakes have six pistons each, and the brake discs have a 408 mm diameter at the front axle. Compared to the 911 GT3, the diameters have increased from 30 to 32 mm. In addition, the thickness of the discs has risen from 34 to 36 mm.

The rear axle is fitted with four-piston fixed caliper brakes and 380 mm brake discs. The 911 GT3 RS has Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) as an option on both the front and rear axles. All this is hidden behind forged light alloy center lock wheels.

The new 911 GT3 RS interior is finished in typical RS style; carbon weave finishes, black leather, and Racetex. They help characterize the sporting ambiance of the 911 GT3 RS. Owners of the 911 GT3 RS also get the Clubsport package at no extra cost.

This includes the six-point seat belts for the driver, a hand-held fire extinguisher, and a steel rollover bar. In addition, the 911 GT3 RS is available with the Weissach package at no extra cost. It includes a carbon-weave finish for the front lid, parts of the rear wing, roof, and the upper shell of the exterior mirrors.

Brian is a husband, father and freelance writer. He's also a tech and automotive junkie passionate about cars and motorcycles. Brian is also an F1 fan - team Mercedes (LH). When he's not writing, Brian goes for impromptu drives and walks.