Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Specifications
Model tested: Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Price as tested: £104,841
Date tested: February 15, 2010
Road tester: Adam Towler

The RS badge has achieved iconic status for Porsche over the years, and the introduction of a new one is always hotly anticipated. The latest version is once again based on the GT3, building on that model's already superb qualities to achieve an even more extreme package. It also acts as a homologation model to Porsche's racing 911s, and is developed under the auspices of the Motorsport department.

For the RS, Porsche uses the bodyshell from the Turbo and four-wheel drive Carrera, with its wider rear arches and wider rear tyres. In addition, front wheelarch extensions allow wider front tyres too.

The 3.8-litre naturally aspirated engine is sourced from the GT3, but with a completely new induction system and breathes through two, enlarged 'ram air' intakes on top of the engine cover.

With an electronic remap, the result is 450bhp, with 317lb ft of torque. An additional 26lb ft can be deployed by pressing the Sport button on the centre console; this opens up the exhaust, releasing a terrific roar.

Weight has been reduced with a plastic rear window, composite engine cover and (huge) carbon fibre rear wing; even the soundproofing in the roof has gone. With the much lighter optional carbon ceramic brakes, the RS weighs 1,370kg - 25kg lighter than a stock GT3.

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Despite the introduction of PDK - Porsche's twin-clutch transmission - the RS is available in manual, rear-wheel drive form.

The interior is comfortable but basic: there are (optional) fire retardant, lightweight buckets seats, an alcantara steering wheel, and a roll cage where the rear seats might have been, but no gimmicks. Fire up the engine and the sound dominates the car, the rich gurgle overlaid with the metallic clatter of the lightweight flywheel until you've engaged the clutch.

Once you're underway it's quickly apparent that the RS is taut, crisp and unerringly responsive. It has shorter gear ratios than a GT3, so the engine feels even more punchy; the ride is very firm as you might expect, and the gearbox and clutch require a fair amount of effort - both physically and mentally - to be smooth.

Nevertheless, the RS isn't harsh: it's no worse than a GT3. The engine too is tractable, so you don't need to make many allowances for the car in traffic.

The steering has fabulous feedback and accuracy, and the way you can point the nose into a turn so precisely, and then rely on the huge lateral grip around a corner is as rewarding as it is effective. The RS covers ground at a tremendous rate, accelerating, stopping and cornering with exhilarating verve.

At £104,841 you've got to be committed - and wealthy - to spend £18,777 over a standard GT3, when that car is so good. With ceramic brakes and lightweight seats that price rises to £115,000, but for a car so finely honed, it's money well spent.