The History of Porsche 911 GT2 RS The many variants of the Porsche 911 are all designed to appeal to different drivers. Often the GT3 and GT3 RS are the most loved due to their naturally aspirated engines combined with their fine-tuned chassis and lightweight constructions. The Turbo and Turbo S are the most complete offering hypercar levels of performance in a genuine all-round package. And the GT2 is often considered to be the “911’s Magnum Opus”, the ultimate 911. Since the first generation 993 variant debuted over 32 years ago in 1993, the recipe for the GT2 has remained the same. The same lightweight construction as the GT3 but with a modified more powerful turbocharged Flat-6 previously used in the 911 Turbo. The results were cars that were fast but also terrifying. The GT2 was often codenamed, the “widow maker of the 911 range” with the 2010 997 GT2 RS considered the most terrifying. Following this however, was the 911 GT2 RS that adopted many things onto the car that had previously not been present such as rear-wheel-steering and a PDK gearbox. The result was, whilst with 691 horsepower (let’s say 700), 553 lb-ft of torque and 211 mph top speed, this car was the complete opposite of a widow maker. Sure it was scary and borderline psychopathic but thanks to all the advancements one could corner a 991 GT2 without being flung off the track as with the previous variants. In fact, thanks to its Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s, the 991 GT2 RS averaged around 1.17g in the corners. The result of all this was the lap record at the fearsome Nürburgring of 6:47.3 in 2017. A record held until Porsche sent around their more potent GT2 RS Manthey Racing which set a lap record of 6:38.8 around the Green Hell Ring. Read More Porsche 911 (991) GT2 RS vs McLaren 765LT – Twin-Turbo Rear-Wheel Drive track-focused, race-derived Monsters, go head to head to determine which is superior? What the Spy Shots reveal for the 992 GT2 RS So it should be no surprise that after nearly a decade Porsche will be building an all-new GT2 RS of the current 992 variation. This new car has been spotted multiple times at the Nürburgring and now thanks to some inside sources, we’ve learnt a bit more about the Ultimate 911 variant. For starters, the spy shots show that this new GT2 RS features wider arches, an updated rear bumper, a redesigned front bumper, a clamshell bumper, a unique centre-lock wheel design, a massive fixed wing and a revised exhaust layout that Porsche says will double as an aerodynamic diffuser. In addition, the 992 GT2 RS is said to feature next-gen adaptive dampers with multi-axis adjustability from the GT3 RS which is said to offer unprecedented tuning of bump, rebound and e-diff lock-up. In addition, the GT2 RS will likely feature carbon fibre panels, advanced DRS elements, and innovative venting systems to enhance aerodynamic performance. But perhaps the most innovative feature of this new 992 variant will be its all-new engine. It will utilise the hybrid system used in the 2024 992.2 Carrera GTS t-Hybrid. Essentially it’s a 3.6l boxer turbo Flat-6 with an electrically driven turbocharger and an electric motor within the transmission, all supported by a compact high-voltage battery. This setup not only reduces turbo lag and aids responsiveness but with a weight gain of only 50kg, it maintains the 911’s pin-sharp delicacy. Porsche haven't stated the official figures as of yet but most predict the car to have well over 750 horsepower. And to add to this potency, Porsche are said to launch a Manthey Racing version that could deliver up to 1000kg of downforce in the corners. Pricing, The Nürburgring Record and the Ferrari 296 Speciale Porsche obviously haven’t revealed the launch date nor the price of the new GT2 RS but given the history of the vehicle plus inflation, it’s likely to cost at minimum $300,000 and be limited run. Or at the very least limited run enough by Porsche’s standards so they can decide who to sell allocations to. Obviously, the Nürburgring spy shots do indicate one factor, that as with this car’s predecessor, the 992 GT2 RS will be gunning for a Nürburgring Lap Record. In fact, considering the last car was quicker than the hybrid-powered Porsche 918 around the ring, we could likely see the new car set a faster lap record than the 6:29 set by the AMG ONE hybrid hypercar. But as well as a record at the Ring, this car will also aim to best its chief Italian rival, the Ferrari 296 Speciale. Ever since the 40s, Ferrari and Porsche have been locked in a deadly battle regarding who makes the better performance driver car and even today, that rivalry remains strong. The last 991 GT2 RS infamously was the chief rival of the incredible 488 Pista, so it only makes sense this new take on the new lightweight 880 horsepower 296 variant. Both cars are hybrids, both are lightweight variants of incredibly fast cars, both are limited in production and both will ultimately be sold to who the dealer deems worthy. Hopefully, when both these monsters land in Dubai, we at F1rstMotors will be able to carry out what we never could with the 488 Pista and 991 GT2 RS, a comparison test. But until then, be in no doubt, that the new GT2 RS is one hell of a car. It’s once again the ultimate 911, a serious player, not to be underestimated. Fingers crossed, it outshines its incredible predecessor. Source: Autocar
