Porsche 911 GT2 RS review
Flat out in the fastest 911 ever. EVO drives Porsche's 611bhp, 205mph rear-drive GT2 RS.
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What is it?<o
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A 164,107 Porsche 911, with 611bhp and 516lb ft. It is the fastest 911 ever to leave the factory. Its sole aim appears to be putting every Porsche tuner out of business I mean how much more power do you really need?
Technical highlights?
The base engine is identical to the 997 GT2 (which is no longer built), but runs different turbochargers, new intercoolers, new pistons and a new engine management system to run 1.6 bar of boost, over the last cars 1.4bar. Claimed performance is of the what-the-hell variety with 0-62mph in 3.5sec, 0-100mph in 6.8sec and a Ring lap of 7min 18sec.
The chassis is basically slightly up-rated GT3 RS, which is a pretty solid base. There are a few adjustments to fit this turbo application and for even better response the rear axle has more solid linkages than the GT3 RS.
Aerodynamically, its quite similar to the 997 GT2, but runs a new splitter, new rear diffuser and an extra gurney on the rear wing. Doesnt sound like much, but it nearly has as much downforce as the GT3 RS. All that carbon, plus plastic rear and side windows shave 70kg over the last GT2.
Whats it like to drive?
Comedy fast. I jumped out of a new 997 Turbo S into this thing and, at first, wondered what the fuss was all about. Being turbocharged, it doesnt make much noise and its so easy to drive at low speed, rides so well, that you treat it like any normal 911.
The fixed buckets are identical to the GT3 RSs, the dash is plain 911, theres far less induction noise than you get in the normally aspirated cars. Its actually all a little disappointing until you open the taps in third and the car drags the horizon onto your forehead.
Theres no PDK option, just a robust, short-throw manual. The clock would have you believe that a Turbo S is quicker to 62 and as fast to 100mph, but, as ever, the clock lies. This car is different-world fast to the Turbo S.
And of course its a challenge for the driver. No other turbocharged 911 comes close to offering the chassis balance that this car does. It has monster frontaxle grip and it doesnt set to that initial understeer that used to plague the 996 GT2. You turn, it grips, the motor lunges, the front axle grips more, then the crazy traction takes-over on the exit of turns. The steering is stunning. Drive it fast, use its potential for a few minutes and you have to back-away before the numbers get silly. The traction and stability control calibration is a masterstroke: you can use so much of the performance, so much of the time.
Its freakishly comfortable too. Occasionally a low speed bump elicits a creak from those rear rose-joints, otherwise it rides no more harshly than a Carrera on sports suspension. In fact it might just be more supple.
I saw 334kmh on the speedo, and it was still pulling like a mentalist.
How does it compare?
Its faster, more useable and far cheaper than a 599 GTO. But then it doesnt feel as special, isnt lathered in as much carbon and is virtually mute compared to the musical Fandango. Neither the Lamborghini LP670 SV or LP570-4 SL are as quick or as capable. But again they both trounce the GT2 RS for sheer drama.
Anything else I need to know?
Those front wings are new for this car. Instead of the GT3 RSs ugly extensions, theyre one-piece items, albeit an optional one. Its very expensive and doesnt sound as good as the GT3 RS, and they should be making 300, not 500. But this is a remarkable car. Veyron aside, its the fastest road car Ive driven but its completely useable and it still involves you in the process. Want.
evo RATING
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Performance, interaction
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Price, they're making too many, bit quiet for some
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evo SPECIFICATIONS
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Engine: </td> <td valign="top"> Flat 6cyl, 3600cc, twin turbo </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <table class="tableText" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" width="140">
Max power: </td> <td valign="top"> 611bhp @ 6500rpm </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <table class="tableText" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" width="140">
Max torque: </td> <td valign="top"> 516lb ft @ 2250-5500rpm </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <table class="tableText" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" width="140">
0 - 60mph: </td> <td valign="top"> 3.5sec (claimed) </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <table class="tableText" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" width="140">
Top speed: </td> <td valign="top"> 205mph (claimed) </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <table class="tableText" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="140">
On Sale: </td> <td valign="top"> September </td></tr></tbody></table>
[EVO]
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