While many are still intrigued by the details of the newest Porsche 911 GT3, the spokes of speculation are beginning to gather speed as to what the 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 RS will entail.
The 991-generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS is expected to arrive in the later half of 2014 and will wear the wide bodywork of the Porsche 911 Turbo. This means the road-racer will be around 71 mm wider than the standard 911.
The GT3 RS has always been a stripped out version of the GT3 and the precursor for Porsche’s 911 GT3 Cup and 911 RSR racing cars. To this end the interior is likely to feature the Porsche Clubsport package, which includes a roll cage and lightweight carbon fibre seats. The GT3 RS typically entertains no luxuries, with an air conditioner as an optional extra and pull straps instead of door handles. The modular design of the 991 911 Carrera means a carbon fibre roof could be on the cards.
Like the GT3, the GT3 RS will not be available with a manual transmission, favouring the lightweight, compact and efficient 7-speed PDK transmission. Adding weight to the PDK argument is that its hydraulic pump is said to be necessary for additional components in the car.
The 911 GT3 RS will no doubt also use active rear-wheel steering in combination with fully adjustable suspension. Below 50 km/h the rear wheels turn in the opposing direction to the front wheels, improving manoeuvrability, while above 80 km/h they turn in the same direction, improving stability.
The engine remains an uncertainty, but as with previous GT3 RS generations, it is likely to remain unchanged from the GT3 RS, with 335 kW and 440 Nm of torque coming from the 3.8-litre flat-six. The new engine already weighs 25 kg less than the previous GT3′s unit and features a GT3-specific crankshaft, valve gear, titanium connecting rods and forged pistons.