It may have started out as an evolution of the already-hardcore GT3, but the Porsche 911 GT3 RS appears to be morphing into a completely separate model.
The next RS is already expected to get its own trick aerodynamic features, and now it appears it will get its own engine as well.
Speaking to Auto Express at the recent Detroit Auto Show, Porsche R&D chief Wolfgang Hatz confirmed the engine’s existence, saying it’s all about continuing to distinguish the RS from the “regular” GT3.
Exactly how the new engine will differ from the GT3’s 3.8-liter unit is unclear. It will also be a naturally-aspirated flat-six, but will probably produce more than the GT3 engine’s 475 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque.
Porsche is expected to turbocharge other models beyond the 911 Turbo, but the GT3 variants apparently won’t be among them.
Like the standard GT3, the RS will also be offered exclusively with Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch transmission.
While it seems like a car tailor made for a traditional manual, but Porsche thinks PDK’s superior performance and the lack of customer interest in manual cars makes foregoing a clutch pedal logical.
The GT3 and GT3 RS will probably differ the most in terms of attitude.
While previous versions were pitched as racecars with license plates, the current 991-generation GT3 is much more civilized. That leaves room for the RS to be a little (or, hopefully, a lot) crazier.
We can’t wait to see exactly how crazy.