500-hp Porsche 911 GT3 RS officially debuts at Geneva auto show

TRACK-SPECIAL 911 RS BESTS BASIC GT3 BY FIVE SECONDS AT THE ’RING

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS joined Stuttgart's lineup at the Geneva motor show boasting some impressive performance credentials: At the famed Nurburgring course it bested the "basic" 911 GT3 by a full five seconds -- an eternity in track time. According to Porsche, that makes it the fastest current-gen 911 at the ’Ring, and you can put one in your garage when the car goes on sale in the U.S. in early July.

The GT3 RS is powered by a 4.0-liter flat six making a nice, round 500 hp and 338 lb-ft of torque coupled to a seven-speed PDK transmission as the only gearbox, a fact we think is a bit of shame. We completely understand that the PDK is faster than a manual, but there are still some drivers out there who aren’t just looking for tenths on the track. Either way, the GT3 RS sprints to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, nearing the practical limit for a rear-wheel-drive car, and crosses the quarter mile in 11.2 seconds. The RS gets functions like "paddle neutral," akin to holding the clutch in on a manual, and speed limiting for pit lane.

The 911 GT3 RS gets some extra bodywork over the standard 911, in addition to that giant adjustable rear wing. The roof is made of magnesium, lowering the center of gravity, and carbon fiber is used for the engine and luggage compartment lids. The RS loses about 22 pounds compared to the GT3. It also gets a larger front spoiler lip.

Like all RS models, this 911 has been tuned for “maximum driving precision,” which means the ride on your pockmarked city streets won’t be great, but smooth-pavement handling should be mind-blowing. The RS gets rear-axle steering and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, as well as a wider track all around. The tires are also the widest of any 911 model.

Inside, the GT3 RS is standard Porsche 911 fare. That means Alcantara, a notch at 12 o’clock on the wheel and carbon bucket seats. The Sport Chrono package is optional and features the Porsche Track Precision app for smartphones. That app, along with the Chrono package, can time your laps, measure g forces and help you share your data with others.

The 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS will sticker for $176,895 when it goes on sale this summer.

Inside, the GT3 RS is standard Porsche 911 fare. That means Alcantara, a notch at 12 o’clock on the wheel and carbon bucket seats.