STUTTGART, Germany — Turns out Porsche will unveil not one, but two fresh editions of the evergreen 911 at the upcoming 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. In addition to the new 911 Turbo revealed recently , the company is updating the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, which it describes as "the definitive track-ready, street-legal 911."
A new normally aspirated 3.8-liter flat-6 kicks out 450 horsepower, an increase of 15 hp over the standard GT3. The six-speed manual gearbox has shorter ratios and shorter gearshift travel — ideal for the track. The engine also sits on dynamic mounts that automatically adjust damping and stiffness to speed and driving conditions and exits through a titanium exhaust system.
Another track-oriented detail: a purpose-built, specially tuned version of Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) that lowers ride height. Ultra-wide wheels — 9 inches in front, 12 in the rear — make for a wider front and rear track, so the bodywork has been modified accordingly. Porsche fits 245/35ZR19 sport tires in front and whopping 325/30ZR19s in the rear.
To drive the point home, the car gets an oversize carbon fiber rear wing and is plastered with in-your-face exterior graphics.
U.S. customers will see the new 911 GT3 RS show up in dealerships next spring, priced at $132,800.
Inside Line says: Lose the decals. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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