Porschenews 04/2009 Unleashed. The new Boxster Spyder.

The new 911 GT3 RS
No illusions. No compromises.
The new 911 GT3 RS features consistent
lightweight design.
A new RS? But hadn’t the pinnacle already been
reached in the most recent development phase?
Ah, but we simply couldn’t let it lie. Driven by
ambition, we set ourselves a lap time that seemed
to be unattainable even for a 911 GT3 RS. Or so
we thought.
The starting-point: the 911 GT3. The very best
preconditions. Our engineers had a clear-cut task.
More power. Higher performance. Lower weight.
To slash lap times even further.
But performance and precision weren’t the
only reigning ideas for the new 911 GT3
RS: lightweight construction was also
paramount. Let’s start by looking at the
result: a specific power-to-weight ratio
of a mere 3.0 kg/hp. Achieved by using
materials that are commonplace in motor
sports, such as titanium, aluminium and
carbon. In addition, the new 911 GT3 RS has
lightweight door panels with loop-type openers
and plastic rear window.
The engine of the 911 GT3 models also jettisoned
unnecessary pounds. The lightweight sports exhaust
system comprises 2 presilencers, 2 catalytic
converters and a rear silencer ending in a central
twin-flow tailpipe. The rear silencer and the twin
tailpipes are of lightweight titanium. The high-volume
exhaust system reduces exhaust backpressure,
thus enhancing performance. In addition, ultra-light
titanium connecting-rods and weight-optimized
pistons lower oscillating mass and boost dynamic
speed development. Ultra-light lifters activate the
inlet and outlet valves. For circuit driving, Porsche
now offers an optional lithium-ion battery, which
saves over 10 kg in weight in comparison with
the conventional standard battery.
The light manual
transmission delivers high transmission efficiency
and boosts performance to outstanding levels. As a
further advancement to save weight, the new 911
GT3 RS features a single-mass flywheel, unlike the
dual-mass flywheel of the 911 GT3 – a design that
is lighter in weight to maximise engine dynamism.
The engine thus powers high speeds even more
effortlessly – albeit with a somewhat higher noise level.
Although the chassis of the new 911 GT3 RS is
tailored to the advanced requirements of motor
sports, the consistent application of lightweight
construction and materials keeps the total weight
and the weight of the unsprung mass low. Delivering
exceptional manoeuvrability, high driving safety and
stable handling, especially when cornering.
The new 911 GT3 RS is optionally available with
a braking technology that has already proven its
mettle in the toughest racetrack challenges: Porsche
Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB). The key to this
ceramic braking system is the ultra-low weight of the
brake discs, around 50% lighter than standard grey
cast-iron discs. In addition, the front and rear axle
brake cups in the 911 GT3 models are of aluminium,
allowing additional weight savings. In this way, a
further 4.8 kg or so per vehicle can be saved in
comparison to models with brake cups of stainless
steel. All these factors not only impact positively on
performance and fuel consumption, but also – the
primary concern – reduce the unsprung and rotatory
masses of the vehicle.
Naturally, this consistent use of lightweight
construction and materials is continued in the interior.
Optional extras include lightweight CFK carbon-fibre
bucket seats, offering exceptional lateral support at
minimum weight. They weigh in at approximately 24 kg
lighter than sports seats and around 10 kg
lighter than sports bucket seats.
Even the lighting concept was revised
to shave a few grams. For uncompromising
racetrack performance,
lightweight halogen headlights
are available at no extra charge,
excluding headlight cleaning system
and headlight levelling. After all,
fielding the lowest possible weight
is a given if the lowest lap times
are the aim.
To sum up: more performance.
More driving dynamics. Less
weight. Not a simple task. And all
that for those critical few tenths of
a second. Because they mean the
world to you – and us.
Find out more in the Web special at:
www.porsche.com/gt3rs