Extreme Porsche 911 GT3 RS arrives in Geneva

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS has made its debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. This more focused and extreme roadgoing racer gets a new 493bhp 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine, and it packed with track-focused kit - making it quicker around the Nurburgring than the old Porsche Carrera GT hypercar.

With the know-how and teach behind Porsche's motorsport success behind it, the GT3 RS is the most powerful 911 ever to feature a naturally aspirated engine. Engine displacement has increased from 3.8 litres in the standard 911 GT3 to 4.0 litres, with power going up by 25bhp to 493bhp.

The engine comes paired with a specially developed seven-speed PDK gearbox, catapulting the GT3 RS from 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds, and from 0-124mph in 10.9 seconds.

A wider stance sets the GT3 RS apart from the standard GT3, with Porsche borrowing the wide-arch bodyshell from the 911 Turbo. RS-specific features include a new front splitter, front wheelarch air vents and a huge fixed rear wing. A nod towards air-cooled 911s of yesteryear comes in the subtly embossed carbon fibre bonnet and roof. 

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Porsche states that the GT3 RS has been equipped with the maximum amount of motorsport technology possible in a street-legal 911. It features the same rear-axle steering system and limited-slip differential as the standard GT3, but has wider front and rear tracks and wears the widest rear tyres of any 911. 

Inside, Porsche has borrowed the carbon sports seats from the hybrid 918 Spyder, with a fixed roll cage, six-point safety harness and fire extinguisher mounting bracket also being added as part of the standard Club Sport Package.  

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As ever, Porsche will offer buyers the optional Sports Chrono Pack, featuring integrated timers, and a new Porsche Track Precision smartphone app, which allows drivers to access vehicle data on the go.

Available to order now, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS will cost from £131,296, with first deliveries scheduled for May 2015.