Spy Shot
Spy Shots: 2008 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Track-inspired 911 revealed
Although Porsche unveiled two new variations of the 911 already this year, our latest spy photos show there's more to come. First up will be the 2008 911 GT3 RS, a lightweight version of the GT3, itself a stripped-down, high-powered version of the standard Carrera. RS models have traditionally been homologation specials, street cars built to qualify Porsche for specific classes of international racing.
Our spy shots from Germany show a 911 GT3 test mule with a few variations which appear to follow the RS formula. A roll cage is clearly visible just behind the seats; and with what looks like eight mounting points it's not there for show. The prototype also appears to have the wider rear clip used by the Carrera 4 models with its extended wheel arches and a wider rear track. It's topped off by an even more aggressive rear spoiler we're told is made of carbon fiber to save weight.
Other sources of weight savings include lightweight glass and more extensive use of composite materials throughout the car. Coupled with a flat-six engine that may produce even more power than the standard 415-horsepower GT3, the RS should be one of the fastest production 911s ever.
It may not be the fastest, however, as our spy photographers also caught what looks to be a next generation of Porsche's 911 GT2. Last offered in 2004, the rear-wheel-drive, turbocharged GT2 was the most powerful 911 in the lineup at the time with 477 horses and 472 pound-feet of torque.
There's no way to tell what this prototype was cranking out, but a number well over 500 is expected given the new Turbo's 480-hp rating. Standard carbon ceramic brakes, wider rear bodywork and a revised rear spoiler can all be seen on this prototype. And it's going to need it all as this could be the first-production 911 with a top speed in excess of 200 mph.
Look for the GT2 to debut this fall with U.S. sales beginning early next year. Although the last version of the GT3 RS was never sold in the U.S., we're told this version may be available for sale in the States.
Our spy shots from Germany show a 911 GT3 test mule with a few variations which appear to follow the RS formula. A roll cage is clearly visible just behind the seats; and with what looks like eight mounting points it's not there for show. The prototype also appears to have the wider rear clip used by the Carrera 4 models with its extended wheel arches and a wider rear track. It's topped off by an even more aggressive rear spoiler we're told is made of carbon fiber to save weight.
Other sources of weight savings include lightweight glass and more extensive use of composite materials throughout the car. Coupled with a flat-six engine that may produce even more power than the standard 415-horsepower GT3, the RS should be one of the fastest production 911s ever.
It may not be the fastest, however, as our spy photographers also caught what looks to be a next generation of Porsche's 911 GT2. Last offered in 2004, the rear-wheel-drive, turbocharged GT2 was the most powerful 911 in the lineup at the time with 477 horses and 472 pound-feet of torque.
There's no way to tell what this prototype was cranking out, but a number well over 500 is expected given the new Turbo's 480-hp rating. Standard carbon ceramic brakes, wider rear bodywork and a revised rear spoiler can all be seen on this prototype. And it's going to need it all as this could be the first-production 911 with a top speed in excess of 200 mph.
Look for the GT2 to debut this fall with U.S. sales beginning early next year. Although the last version of the GT3 RS was never sold in the U.S., we're told this version may be available for sale in the States.
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