Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (2008): first official pictures

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

13 February 2008 11:42

Porsche today unveils a new, more powerful version of its 911 racer. The GT3 RSR competes in GT2 long-distance races, including Le Mans, Spa and the 24-hour Nurburgring event and will benefit from new aero aids and engineering tweaks.

Additional front ‘flicks’ spoilers are added to the front apron and extra air ducts pepper the steel bodywork, while the huge rear wing is carried over from last year’s racer. Porsche has changed the suspension settings, letting owners adjust the height, camber and track for each circuit.

Gentlemen racers won’t fancy driving this hardcore GT3 down the shops, though; there’s a bucket seat and six-point racing harness and not much else in the way of creature comforts. All the regular toys are stripped out in the name of saving weight – the RSR comes in at a flyweight 1200kg.

The RSR is powered by the 3.8-litre boxer six-cylinder engine, now delivering a hefty 459bhp and 317lb ft at a heady 7250rpm. Drive is sent to the rear wheels through a new sequential six-speed gearbox, whose internal friction has been greatly reduced to minimise power loss, and a limited slip diff.

Hauling the RSR back from high-speed runs are bespoke racing brakes, with manual adjustment of the front-rear bias. Six-piston callipers grab the huge 380mm front discs, while the rears are grabbed by four-pot callipers.

You’ll need deep pockets to bag one of the 35 RSR models being made in Weissach. Privateer racers will have to stump up £288,000.

By Tim Pollard