Confirmed: Porsche 911 GT3 RS Has a 4-Liter Engine Making 500 HP

The new GT3 RS does indeed have a brand new 4-liter flat-six engine that will set standards for naturally aspirated six-cylinder units. The official output has been decided at 500 PS at a screaming 8,800rpm and 460 Nm (340 lb-ft), which is amazing when you consider in 2011, a 911 Turbo also had 500 PS from its 3.8-liter twin-turbo, considered revolutionary at the time.

According to the "secret" documents obtained by Axis of Oversteer, only the PDK gearbox will be available on this hardcore track tool. Considering it's designed to set lap times, the twin-clutch is the logical way to go, as is Porsche's Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) system and an electronically-controlled rear differential lock with 100% available torque split.

Not impressed? How does 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 seconds strike you?

But the RS badge doesn't simply mean that they stuck a bigger engine in there and that's that. No, the tracks are a massive 50 mm wider than the already monstrous GT3. The brakes have also been upgraded by a six-piston front system with 380 mm vented and cross-drilled rotors. For the sake of lightness, carbon fiber reinforced plastic is used to make to make the bucket seats, rear wing and engine deck lid. Instead of regular glass, polycarbonate is used to make the side and rear windows.

”Performance has to be the main objective. Customers love the current GT3. The RS has to be the peak. The 991 GT3 was very much a surprise for everybody because it’s a very useable car for every day. The GT3 RS will be more extreme," said Porsche R&D boss Wolfgang Hatz in an interview last month.

The GT3 RS has already been delayed by about half a year, so the debut is likely only a few days away from happening at the Geneva Motor Show.