If the 911 is undoubtedly in the collective imagination, THE Porsche. But among the different versions there is a legend that exists now almost 60 yearsone of them is even more iconic: the GT3RS. And although Porsche has just introduced a new generation of this radical tracker, it’s time to go back to long career Carrera RennSport !

New #Porsche 911 #GT3RS made its first public appearance today at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. Modeled after the GT Model Line and Style Porsche, the show car pays homage to the 1972 911 Carrera RS 2.7. More: https://t.co/45x11J7LAw pic.twitter.com/33dHeTVgVx

— Porsche Newsroom (@PorscheNewsroom) August 19, 2022

Porsche 911 “Classic” Carrera RS (1973)

To see the origins of the 911 GT3 RS range, you need to return to 1973. And while the GT3 name doesn’t yet exist at Porsche or elsewhere, the spirit of the track racer is alive and well. A bit like Ferrari with its GTO, Porsche is looking homologated for racing innovation and a more radical model. The Porsche 911 Carrera RS was born. At that time, the regular 911 was equipped with a 2.4-liter six-cylinder engine with a maximum power of 190 hp. for the 911 S. But in the Carrera RS he went to 210 hp and 2.7 liters ! The body has been widened, especially at the rear, and now accommodates a spoiler that has become iconic. Weight is maintained about a tonand about 1,600 cars were produced.

In 1974, the Carrera RS 3.0 was produced, offering even better performance (230 hp), and is getting closer to the world of racing. The Carrera RS 2.7 and 3.0 are among the most sought after collectors’ cars today.

Porsche 911 (964) Carrera RS (1992)

It took to wait almost 20 years to see the RS badge reappear on the 911! Again, no question about the GT3. But the spirit is the same: a maximum sportsmanship and race references. The 911 964 generation then received many modifications. Power goes to 264 hp against 250 hp for the regular Carrera. But the main thing is something else. WITH disassembled interior (there are no power windows, air conditioning, power steering, rear seats, etc.), Carrera RS saves about 150 kg ! Other changes are aimed at optimizing use on the track, such as a high friction differentialadjustable anti-roll bars and revised chassis.

There is an even more powerful Carrera RS 3.8 version limited to 55 copies and manufactured using all the know-how of competitors. Then it had the wide chassis of the 911 Turbo, and now it reaches 300 hp. Ultra collector!

Porsche 911 (993) Carrera RS (1995-1996)

The 993 generation is the last Porsche 911air-cooled engine, a must for purists. The Carrera RS version is based on the achievements of the 964 Carrera RS 3.8, as it takes a large part of the engine, which is also developed. 300 hp. The weight of the cabin is again reduced to 1280 kg, i.e. one hundred kilos saved compared to the Carrera 2. On the outside, a fixed spoiler and special rims make a show in combination with reduced ground clearance. The Carrera RS doesn’t pretend!

On the other hand, compared to the previous generation, this 993 Carrera RS shows a little more comfortable for life. But to satisfy the most demanding customers, an ultra-radical version is planned: Carrera RS Clubsport. This is a real racing car that will not allow it to be registered in France.

Porsche 911 (996) GT3 RS (2003-2004)

Porsche 911 generation 996 the first to use the name “GT3”, which symbolizes his connection with the race and the category of the same name. This generation also introduces a water-cooled system, which together with an appearance close to the recently launched Boxster, makes the 996 the most unloved 911. But that doesn’t stop GT3 from proving itself. Thanks to its minimal weight and, above all, the 381 hp extracted from its six-cylinder engine, it throws a stone in the water. And because that’s never enough for enthusiasts, Porsche gave it a layer in 2003 with the very first 911 GT3 RS.

This more radical version chases the kilos it sheds from plastic glass, carbon body panels and even carbon-ceramic brakes, extremely rare at the time. The exterior is reminiscent of the first 2.7 RS with painted rims and large “GT3 RS” decals. on the flanks.

Porsche 911 (997) GT3 RS (2006-2011)

The 997 generation of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS has undergone the most changes over the years. Released in 2006, it is based, as it is now accepted, on the classic 911 GT3. She loses 20 kg compared to the last to achieve 1370 kg. The engine is accelerated to 435 hp. First of all, it inherited the wide chassis from the Carrera 4, which cannot be said about the GT3. What better way to plant it, thanks to the extended undercarriage and more worked aero.

After the restyling (generation 997.2), the GT3 RS takes over 450 hp, and its aerokite becomes even more aggressive, especially at the level of the rear wing. But the real event will come in 2011 with the GT3 RS 4.0. As the name suggests, its engine is increased to 4 liters with a total power of 500 hp! The GT3 RS 4.0 it’s a celebration of the ‘Metzger’ engine, legendary at Porsche, living here in its latest iteration. The chassis is developed to the limit of its capabilities, but has a slightly lower weight (1360 kg) and aerodynamic elements at the front.

Porsche 911 (991) GT3 RS (2015-2029)

It’s fixed, the GT3 RS is based on the 911 GT3 of this new generation. We recognize it by its holes on the top of the wingsto increase aerodynamic downforce at the front and its air intakes on the rear wings, until then a distinctive feature of Turbo models. The gearbox is now engaged only with double clutch : This is the end of manual transmissions on RS models. The engine, as in the old generation 4.0, 4 liters for 500 hp, but thisnew block. To further increase the dynamism, the 991 GT3 RS is equipped steering rear wheels for the first time.

The restyling version of the 991.2 GT3 RS increases power by 20 hp. up to 520 hp, and it can be recognized by the air intakes on the front hood. She was remembered for two things. First, it reassures fans who see the entry-level 911 using a turbo but not the GT3 and GT3 RS models. She goes above and beyond below 7 minutes on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife track. This is a minute full of victories compared to the 996 GT3 RS!

Porsche 911 (992) GT3 RS (2022-…)

Porsche presents the 911 GT3 RS! Extreme aerodynamics, carbon body, powerful engine leave nothing to chance. See you on the track! https://t.co/WhhuTc5cQt

— AutoPlus (@AutoPlusMag) August 18, 2022

And here we are in front of the barely presented current generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Visually, it differs from its predecessor in that huge aerodynamic work. The body is open everywhere: behind the front wheels, in front of the hood, the diffuser under the nose… As a result the pressing force exceeds 800 kg, impressive! The shock absorbers are adjusted directly from the steering wheel, and the air suspension is active according to the driving modes. Admittedly, it gains little in pure performance (525 hp at 1,450 kg), but its ultra-precise chassis should allow it significantly exceeds service records with 991. The case to follow!