2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a more hardcore version of the 911 GT3 developed with racing in mind. The track monster represents a significant leap over the regular GT3 in terms of weight reduction and overall performance.

The heart of the beast

Power for the 911 GT3 RS comes from a naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine that makes 520 horsepower at a stratospheric 8,250 rpm and 346 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm.

The GT3 RS is exclusively offered with rear-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that can be left in drive or shifted manually using paddles. It hits 60 mph from a stop in three seconds flat, and it goes on to a top speed of 193 mph. Six-piston calipers up front and four-piston units out back bring the GT3 RS to a stop.

Of course, the GT3 RS is about more than straight-line speed, with a lowered, stiffened chassis complete with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adaptive dampers ensuring impressively quick responses to control inputs.

Looking the part

The GT3 RS receives an array of aerodynamic enhancements, including a wide body borrowed from the 911 Turbo, large air scoops, air vents on the front fenders, and -- of course -- a massive rear wing.

Weight has been saved by switching to a magnesium roof panel, and by building the engine cover and the trunk lid out of carbon fiber. Not only does this combination save weight over the standard GT3, it also results in a lower center of gravity. The trunk lid also features a unique indentation which continues through the roof and onto the engine cover, recalling the styling of air-cooled 911s.

Inside, Porsche has added carbon fiber-backed bucket seats whose design is inspired by the ones found in the 918 Spyder. Buyers who want to travel more comfortably can swap the buckets out for adaptive sport seats at no extra cost.

Since the GT3 RS was developed for the track, the list of standard equipment includes a bolt-in half cage, battery kill switch preparation, a mounted fire extinguisher, and six-point safety harnesses.

Standard and optional features

The list of standard features includes an Alcantara-upholstered steering wheel, dual-zone automatic A/C, a pollen filter, green-tinted glass, a 4.6-inch driver information display in the instrument cluster, LED tail lamps, cruise control, power windows, a seven-inch touch screen, a four-speaker sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, a HomeLink transceiver, three 12-volt power outlets and an AUX input.

Equally long, the list of options includes a lithium-ion battery, a front axle lift system, ceramic composite brakes, the Sport Chrono package, Porsche's Dynamic Light System, clear tail lamps, white instrument dials, carbon fiber floor mats with leather edging, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Occupant safety

The 911 GT3 RS comes with dual front, side, and head airbags. It also features a tire pressure monitoring system with a race circuit mode.

Key competitors

Looking for a street-legal race car that can hit the track in a moment's notice? At this price point, there are precious few other options to choose from.

The Lamborghini Huracan LP 580-2 is a little bit more expensive, while the brutally quick Nissan GT-R Nismo is cheaper but not as refined. Similarly-priced sports cars like the Acura NSX and the Audi R8 are fast in a straight line but they aren't as quick as the 911 GT3 RS around a track.