Porsche keep pushing the performance envelope and this time it?s the 911 GT3 RS that gets the attention. The track-inspired production car with a new 4.0 designation will be offered in a limited edition of 600 vehicles worldwide.
The motorsport-derived 4.0-liter engine, already the highest displacement 911 engine ever, also features the highest per-liter output — 125 horsepower per liter — from a naturally aspirated Porsche flat-six engine. The engine uses forged pistons, the connecting rods are fashioned from titanium, and the crankshaft has been lifted unchanged from the 911 GT3 RSR race car. It achieves its maximum power of 500 hp at 8,250 rpm. Maximum torque of 339 lb.ft. is reached at 5,750 rpm. The 911 GT3 RS 4.0 has lapped the N?rburgring-Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 27 seconds.
The 4.0 is available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, which shifted properly should deliver a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.8 seconds, and with its gearing designed for the race circuit it reaches the 124 mph mark on the race track in under 12 seconds.
The 911 GT3 RS 4.0 uses light weight suspension components typically encountered in racing cars. It is also equipped as standard with lightweight components such as light but strong carbon fiber sport bucket seats, carbon fiber front fenders and luggage compartment lid, and weight-optimized carpets.? With a full tank of fuel, the 4.0 weighs in at just 2,998 pounds and has a power-to-weight ratio is 5.99 lbs/hp.
This limited edition 911 is painted Carrera White. ?Signature characteristics are the wide track, the low vehicle position, the large rear wing with side plates, central twin tailpipe, and the aerodynamically optimized body. Air deflection vanes mounted on either side of the front bumper ? called ?flics? or dive planes ? make their first appearance on a production Porsche. They create increased down force on the front axle, and together with the steeply inclined rear wing, provide aerodynamics on par with its performance capabilities. As a result, at the 193 mph top track speed, aerodynamic forces exert an additional 426 pounds of down force, thus pushing the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 onto the road.
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 goes on sale in the United States in late 2011 with a suggested retail price starting at $185,000 (excluding destination).
