From Carrera RS 2.7 to GT3 RS – a brief history of Porsche RS cars (2024)

The most significant Porsche RS cars

Five decades since it first appeared, the Porsche RS badge continues to enthral 6 February 2023

From Carrera RS 2.7 to GT3 RS – a brief history of Porsche RS cars (1)

Consumption and emission information 718 Cayman GT4 RS (WLTP): Fuel consumption combined: 13,2 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 299 g/km; CO₂ class: G. 911 GT3 RS (WLTP): Fuel consumption combined: 13,4 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 305 g/km; CO₂ class: G.

Just two letters, but so much meaning. Let’s take a look at the most significant RS cars Porsche has ever produced

What does Porsche RS stand for?

RS is short for ‘rennsport’, which means racing in German. The Porsche RS story started back in 1957 when the name was applied to the 718 RSK race car, six years before the first 911 was even launched. Since then, the name has become synonymous with innovation and high-performance – and it’s a designation that continues to thrive today. Here are the most significant cars to ever wear the RS badge.

From Carrera RS 2.7 to GT3 RS – a brief history of Porsche RS cars (2)

1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7

Conceived as a hom*ologation car to allow Porsche to go racing with it, the Carrera RS 2.7 was released to the public in 1973 as a road car. To call it a significant car for Porsche would be an understatement – even today, the legend of the Carrera RS 2.7 continues. It was the first Porsche fitted with the famous ‘ducktail’ spoiler, and it pioneered lightweight innovations that meant the Carrera RS 2.7 delivered a raw, thrilling driving experience. Even by modern standards, its performance figures impress – 210PS, 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 245km/h from a car that weighed 960kg. Imagine that 50 years ago? Originally planned as a limited run of 500 cars, the Carrera RS 2.7 was so successful that Porsche ended up selling 1,580. Today, it remains one of the most collectible Porsche models.

From Carrera RS 2.7 to GT3 RS – a brief history of Porsche RS cars (3)

1991 Porsche 911 (type 964) RS

In 1991 another RS legend was born – the 964 RS. This model, built on the 964-generation of 911, was the road version of a car built for GT racing and once again impressed with its weight-saving regime. Porsche paid particular attention to stripping out as much weight as possible, from introducing thinner windows to removing sound-deadening materials and even stripping out luxuries like air-conditioning, electric windows and cruise control. Power from the air-cooled engine was raised to 264PS as well as mechanical upgrades such as a limited-slip differential and a lightweight flywheel. The suspension of the 964 RS was also lowered by 40mm and stiffened for more dynamic handling.

From Carrera RS 2.7 to GT3 RS – a brief history of Porsche RS cars (4)

2003 Porsche 911 (type 996) GT3 RS

When the 996-era 911 was introduced, air-cooled engines were replaced with water-cooled powerplants for the 911 range. But that wasn’t the only significant news for this particular sportscar. In 1999, the 996 also welcomed the debut of the GT3 name. Like previous RS models, the GT3 cars majored on weight saving and a certain rawness, but the new badge didn’t spell the end of the RS moniker. In 2003, the 996 GT3 RS was launched, an even more track-focused car that brought with it carbon brakes, a polycarbonate window, carbon hood and rear wing. The styling of the GT3 RS also harked back to the Carrera RS 2.7, with GT3 RS decals and red or blue wheels.

From Carrera RS 2.7 to GT3 RS – a brief history of Porsche RS cars (5)

2011 Porsche 911 (type 997) GT3 RS 4.0

The 997 911 was launched in 2004 as the sixth generation of the model and replaced the 996. Eventually, there were GT3 and GT3 RS versions, but it was the 2011 GT3 RS 4.0 that would act as the swansong for the range. For the first time an RS car’s engine displacement exceeded 3.8 litres. Quickly garnering the name GT3 RS 4.0, the engine was a 4.0-litre flat six with the crankshaft from the RSR race car, pushing the power up to 500PS and a top speed of 310.6km/h.

From Carrera RS 2.7 to GT3 RS – a brief history of Porsche RS cars (6)

2018 Porsche 911 (type 991) GT2 RS

The fastest road car to lap the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife. Most powerful 911 ever made at the time of its launch. Forza Motorsport cover car. Even by 911 standards, the 991-generation GT2 RS was really rather special. Unveiled at the 2017 Goodwood Festival of Speed, this rear wheel-drive, twin-turbocharged beast produced 700PS. The accompanying performance was suitably dizzying: 0-100km/h took just 2.8 seconds and the car’s intensity didn’t ease up until it hit its 340km/h top speed. As ever with RS cars, the GT2 RS was all about its low kerb weight. There was plenty of carbon fibre as well as polycarbonate windows and a titanium exhaust. In 2018, a year after setting the Nürburgring lap record for a production car in a GT2 RS, Porsche test driver Lars Kern piloted a specially prepared Manthey Racing version to further shave time off that record, bringing the car across the finish line in 6:43.300 minutes.

From Carrera RS 2.7 to GT3 RS – a brief history of Porsche RS cars (7)

2022 Porsche 911 (type 992) GT3 RS

Lighter, more downforce, more power, the 992 GT3 RS proves once again that Porsche has perfected the formula when it comes to producing the ultimate performance car. In creating the 992 GT3 RS, Porsche spent more than 250 hours in the wind tunnel – the result is 40kg more downforce than before. Porsche also added a host of new tech, including Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus to heighten the driving experience but not at the expense of weight: the GT3 RS tips the scales at a lean 1,450kg. Its 525PS, 4.0-litre naturally aspirated engine will see the car sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 296km/h.

From Carrera RS 2.7 to GT3 RS – a brief history of Porsche RS cars (8)

2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

Meet the most powerful mid-engine car Porsche has ever produced – and the fastest ever Cayman. Following hot on the heels of the acclaimed 718 Cayman GT4, the GT4 RS launched in 2022 to much fanfare and is the first Cayman to get the Rennsport treatment. The recipe is a tried and tested one. Lightweight construction, more downforce, higher engine power and even more direct handling. With 500PS of power available, it’s 80PS more powerful than the standard GT4 – and half a second faster to the 100km/h mark too in just 3.4 seconds. In fact, it’s so fast, it was only 9.4 seconds off the time that the 991 GT2 RS achieved around the Nürburgring. And that was a car that broke the lap record for a production vehicle.

From Carrera RS 2.7 to GT3 RS – a brief history of Porsche RS cars (9)

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FAQs

What is the history of Porsche RS? ›

The Porsche RS story started back in 1957 when the name was applied to the 718 RSK race car, six years before the first 911 was even launched. Since then, the name has become synonymous with innovation and high-performance – and it's a designation that continues to thrive today.

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What is the history of the Porsche GT3? ›

History of the Porsche 911 GT3

The GT3 was introduced in 1999 as a race car for the FIA GT3 Championship. It quickly became a fan favorite and went on to win many races and championships. In 2003, Porsche introduced the first production GT3, which was based on the 911 Carrera.

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What are some facts about the Porsche GT3 RS? ›

At 177 miles per hour, the new GT3 RS produces 1,896 lbs of downforce. Even at 124 mph, it produces 895 lbs of downforce which is more than the 991.2 GT3RS did at 177 mph. At its full downforce setting, the car produces the same level of downforce as Le Mans GT3 911 Cup cars.

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What years did Porsche make the GT3 RS? ›

Specifications (road cars)

Car	Years of Production	Torque
997.2 GT3 RS	2009–2011	430 N⋅m (317 lbf⋅ft)
997.2 GT3 RS 4.0	2011	460 N⋅m (339 lbf⋅ft)
991.1 GT3	2013–2016	440 N⋅m (325 lbf⋅ft)
991.1 GT3 RS	2015–2017

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What is the difference between GT3 and GT3 RS? ›

In terms of width, the GT3 RS has a greater dimension, measuring 1880 mm, compared to the 1852 mm of the standard GT3. This difference influences lateral stability and the ability to tackle curves at high speeds, where greater width can contribute to increased grip and control.

What does GT3 RS stand for? ›

Basically, GT3 labels the watercooled, normally aspirated sports versions since 1999, which comply to the regulations for the GT3 racing series. RS is short for "Rennsport" (racing sports), declaring an upgraded version of the already quick car.

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What makes the GT3 RS special? ›

The GT3 RS and S/T models get tuned up to 518 horsepower and come with more aero elements to increase downforce to stick them to the road. The GT3 RS comes with an outrageous rear wing that incorporates a drag-reduction system similar to those on Formula 1 race cars.

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How many GT3 RS are made? ›

Porsche 911 GT3 Production Build Numbers

Car	Years of	Units Built
997.2 GT3 RS 4.0	2011	600
991.1 GT3	2013–2016	6,300
991.1 GT3 RS	2016–2017	4,500
991.2 GT3 - PDK	2017–2019	9,500

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How much does a Porsche GT3 RS cost? ›

2024 Porsche 911 Features & Specs

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$241,300
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	16 MPG
Cost to Drive	$361/month
Seating	2 seats

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What is the top speed of the Porsche GT3 RS? ›

As soon as the lights give the starting signal, the new 911 GT3 RS delivers unbelievable performance of up to 342 lb-ft on the racetrack. With up to 518 hp, taking you from 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds, it can reach a top track speed of 184 mph.

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What engine is in the GT3 RS? ›

A 4.0-litre high revving naturally aspirated 525 PS (386 kW) engine. Fully automatic adjustment of the front diffuser and rear wing. Drag Reduction System (DRS) rear wing.

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Is the GT3 RS a supercar? ›

For 20 years now, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS has been the track-focused super sports car to beat.

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What is the history of the GT3? ›

The GT3 category was initially created in 2005 by the SRO Motorsports Group as a third rung in the ladder of grand touring motorsport, below the Group GT1 and Group GT2 categories which were utilized in the SRO's FIA GT Championship, and launched its own series in 2006 called the FIA GT3 European Championship.

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Is the Porsche GT3 RS fast? ›

Porsche 911 GT3 RS (type 991.2)

Its 4.0-litre, naturally aspirated, flat-six engine revved to 9,000rpm and delivered a thumping 520PS. Combined with outstanding aerodynamics, that translated to a 0-100km/h time of just 3.2 seconds.

What are the different types of GT3 RS? ›

The GT3 RS production number data is interesting, and we will present it as a chassis breakdown here:

996 GT3 RS (~2004 model year) ...
997.1 GT3 RS (~2007-2008 model year) ...
997.2 GT3 RS (~2010-2011 Model Year) ...
997.2 GT3 RS 4.0L (~2011 Model Year) ...
991.1 GT3 RS (~2016 Model Year) ...
991.2 GT3 RS (~2019 Model Year)

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What was the poor man's Porsche? ›

They even earned the nickname, “The Poor Man's Porsche.” The Corvair was manufactured in a number of body styles, including 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, convertible, station wagon, passenger van, commercial van, and pickup.

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What does RS stand for on 911? ›

911 Carrera RS (1973 and 1974)

RS stands for Rennsport in German, meaning race sport. The Carrera name was reintroduced from the 356 Carrera which had itself been named after Porsche's class victories in the Carrera Panamericana races in Mexico in the 1950s.

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What does RS mean on a car? ›

Many believe Ford RS stands for 'Racing Sport', but this isn't the case. The acronym actually stands for 'Rallye Sport', and refers to a time when classic Fords were dominating rally driving. There are plenty of modern Ford RS models for you to get your hands on.

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How many Carrera RS were built? ›

The 964-based Carrera RS was unveiled in 1991 as a limited-production, lightweight high- performance version of the Carrera 2 production car. Porsche produced a total of 2,276 examples of the 964 RS; 1,910 of those were the standard stripped out version with bucket seats and thin carpet.

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