2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Gets Weissach Package, Sub-7 Nurburgring Lap Possible

Following the introduction of the 2018 GT3 (don't forget the Touring Package) and the Nurburgring-taming 2018 GT2 RS, the 2019 GT3 RS now offers Porschephiles the complete pack.

And while you could say that the 991.2 GT3 borrows its engine from the GT3 Cup racecar, the RS model improves the formula, but the 4.0-liter flat-six at the back of the Neunelfer, which has gained 20 hp, is not even its top asset. That title goes to the circuit-friendly nature of the special, which is closer to a Porsche racer than ever before, with most of the credit going to the suspension and the downforce.

Not unlike in the case of other development, Porsche has looked at its parts bin with extreme care when honing the 991.2 GT3 RS. As such, the newcomer has learned quite a few tricks from the GT2 RS.

As far as the connection to the road is concerned, the usual rubber bushings have been replaced by solid mount ball joints, as is the case with the 911 GT2 RS.

Compared to the replaced car, the front and rear springs are significantly stiffer. Both axles get helper springs, new adaptive dampers and manually adjustable sway bars. As per the GT3 RS custom, toe, camber, caster and ride height can be adjusted manually.

The most important change comes in terms of body roll reduction. And if you're familiar with the way racecars behave, you know that most of the body roll on performance street cars is there to let the driver know what the car intends to do when cornering, since not all of us are as sharp as helmet bearers.

The 265-section front tires are borrowed from the GT2 RS, while the 325-section rear units come with a different profile, tailored to the naturally aspirated nature of the car. And while the standard units are Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, you can also have an optional setup that's even more suitable to the track (the latter is still street legal, but we wouldn't use it in the wet/cold)

The electronically-controlled locking rear differential and the rear-wheel steering have been recalibrated.

Returning to the engine, the extra 20 hp come from more a more aggressive ignition and camshaft setup, a new intake, and a titanium exhaust. And, unlike in the case of the 991.1 model, the extra muscle doesn't lower the 9,000 rpm redline.

And while torque is slightly up at 346 lb-ft, this figure is still no show-stopper in today's turbo-dominated world.

Nevertheless, thanks to a few changes to the seven-speed PDK tranny (Porsche told us there would be no manual option), the new GT3 RS can complete the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3 seconds flat, while delivering a maximum velocity of 211 mph.

The latter number not only means you could theoretically wave goodbye to 911 GT2 RS drivers on the Autobahn (the 700 hp model won't go past 193 mph), but also implies that the GT3 RS makes more downforce - both deliver a hefty 750 lbs at top speed, which means the GT3 RS is slightly better at this game.

Speaking of the aero, the brake-cooling NACA ducts on the hood, the side skirts and the manually adjustable carbon rear wing come from the GT2, while the chin spoiler is meatier than that of the previous model (the front apron is borrowed from the GT3, sans the said element). Oh and let's not forget the new diffuser.

Carbon fiber is also used for the frunk lid and the bucket seats (shared with the 918), while the roof is magnesium. Other standard lightweight features include the rear window and side rear windows, along with fabric straps replacing the door handles.

Another 918- and GT2 RS-borrowed move is the optional Weissach Package, which saves 13 lbs by using carbon for the roof, sway bars and coupling rods. And while this costs $18,000, you'll have to pay an extra $13,000 for the magnesium wheels, which undercut the standard alloys by a full 25 lbs.

Throw in the also-optional PCCB (Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes) and your GT3 RS will tip the scales at 3,153 lbs (curb weight). The base price of the car? $187,500, plus a $1,050 delivery tax.

The order books are already open, with the first examples set to land in dealerships this fall.

As for the most important number of the 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (Nurburgring, anybody?), this will arrive after the Green Hell opens its gates for the 2018 season next month. Given the 7:12.7 stopwatch number of the 2018 GT3, we could see the Rennsport model entering the sub-7 club.