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Description

Porsche offered an RS version of the 997 GT3. In common with its predecessors, it provided a homologation model for use in a range of racing series. The 997 GT3 RS was released in Europe in October 2006 and in North America in spring 2007.

The GT3 RS is 20 kg lighter than the 997 GT3, weighing in at 1,375 kg. This weight-saving was achieved by the use of an adjustable carbon fiber wing, a plastic engine cover, and a lightweight plastic rear window. The weight savings gives the GT3 RS corresponding engine power to curb weight ratio of 300 bhp (220 kW) per tonne.

The body of the GT3 RS is 44 mm (1.7 in) wider at the rear than the 997 GT3. The muscular-looking rear end conceals a wider track that not only improves directional stability but also increases the potential cornering grip. However, drag is increased and top speed reduced. In addition to the new technology, the paint scheme and body panels are all designed specifically for this car. For the RS version, the limited edition orange colour was mixed specially for this car.

Production of this first generation 997 GT3 RS (997.1 GT3 RS) ended in 2009. An estimated 1,909 vehicles were delivered worldwide.

Porsche test driver Walter Röhrl had intended to enter the 2010 24 Hours of Nürburgring on a standard road legal GT3 RS, but had to withdraw due to health reasons from the team that comprised racers Roland Asch and Patrick Simon, plus journalists Horst von Saurma and Chris Harris. The car, entered in cooperation with sport auto is registered as S-GO 2400, and was driven from Weissach to Nürburg. The RS was modified according to safety requirements, which included a larger roll cage and fire extinguisher. As no race tyres were available for 19″ rims, the 18″ wheels of the Cup racers were used. Asch finishing 6th, with the road legal car doing 145 laps, only 9 less than the winning car. It supposedly had to cover another 306 km, on the Autobahn back home.