We’ve been anxiously consuming every rumor that comes down the line regarding the 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, and today the internet hit the mother lode: Axis of Oversteer has three pages of official-looking (but unverified) specs on the upcoming track-attacking RS. Here’s what we learned from a perusal of the leaks:
First, according to the documents and as we suspected, the new GT3 RS will indeed be powered by the 4.0-liter, naturally aspirated flat-six. The alleged spec sheet claims that engine will put out a full 500 horses and roughly 340 lb-ft of torque and spin up to an astronomical 8800-rpm redline. It’s an all-new, all-aluminum, dry-sump, direct-injected mill, one that we’re told will provide the basis for the upcoming turbo engines that will come to the 911 lineup later this year. For the record, the last GT3 RS featured a version of the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter, although rated for “only” 493 horses.
Unfortunately for three-pedal dance fans, the spec sheet seems to indicate the auto-shifting seven-speed PDK dual-clutch as the only transmission option. This flies counter to Porsche R&D boss Wolfgang Hatz’s mention that a true manual ’box was under “serious consideration” when we spoke with him at the Detroit auto show. It’s possible that a three-pedal option could be added at a later date, but no manual is mentioned in the documents we see today. True to form, however, the new GT3 RS will remain rear-wheel-drive only, featuring an eLSD with fully variable torque split and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus.
The RS will be like the amazing regular GT3, except, like, way better.
Chassis-wise, the leaked spec sheet points out a 1.4-inch wider track for the RS as compared to the regular GT3, as well as electric-assist power steering and some form of rear-wheel steering. Porsche Stability Management, in addition to ABS, can be turned off in two stages, the document claims. The new RS will get center-lock wheels all around, with the fronts measuring 20 by 9.5 inches and wrapped in 265-section rubber and the rears coming in at 21 by 12.5 inches with 325-width tires. Fixed brake calipers with six pistons in the front and four pistons at the rear pinch 15-inch composite brake discs at all four corners.
As confirmed by numerous spy shots, the newest GT3 RS will wear some of the most aggressive bodywork we’ve ever seen on a 911. As such, the alleged specs show the car will get fender flares widened by 2.0 inches in front and 1.2 inches out back, plus a vented front trunklid, rear engine cover, and front fenders. The rear spoiler is to be made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. The roof of the new RS is magnesium, the rear fenders are aluminum, and the side windows are polycarbonate, all in the name of weight savings.
Inside, the ounce-shaving continues, with manual-adjust CFRP bucket seats and lightweight door panels with fabric loop interior door handles. An optional Clubsport package brings a bolt-in rear roll cage, wiring for a battery quick-disconnect, an interior-mounted fire extinguisher, and driver’s six-point restraints. Notably, the document also points out a very track-focused (and frankly awesome) center-console button labeled PIT SPEED, “for local speed restriction at the push of a button, e.g. in the pit lane of a race circuit.”Again, it’s hard to confirm the provenance of these documents: While they feature Porsche’s familiar font and organization, and confirm some of the rumors we’ve heard before, we’re still not ready to call them 100-percent confirmation. But if what these pages contain is true, the upcoming GT3 RS will be every bit the finely honed screamer for the street and track we expect it to be. Let’s just hope a three-pedal transmission option finds its way back on the spec sheet at some point.
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