Porsche 911 (2006) review

Although the 911 RS has been designed with performance purists and the seriously rich in mind, for the time being there is no faster Porsche on sale. It’s more driveable than any 911 before it, too. Previous versions of the RS have been far harsher and more track-oriented. However, the inclusion of the latest PASM suspension system has made an enormous difference on this car, and really improves things.

Based on the ‘standard’ 911 GT3, the RS is equipped with track-tuned suspension and brakes, and also features a stripped-out interior. A plastic rear window, lightweight gearbox and carbon fibre rear wing help to set the newcomer apart further from the stock GT3. In all, the modifications remove a further 20kg from the model’s already featherweight design.

The wraps were taken off the spectacular 911 at the recent Paris Motor Show, and we travelled to Germany to catch up with it. Not surprisingly, it didn’t disappoint. Although on paper the RS provides similar performance to the standard GT3, you don’t have to look at the car for long to spot that this is a very different beast.

Bosses at Porsche estimate 90 per cent of GT3 RS owners will use their car for some sort of competition, so as a weekend racer, it has extra cooling vents, plus larger aerodynamic aids.

Power is provided by the same flat six-cylinder engine as in the GT3, and here it also delivers 415bhp. However, a number of modifications have been made to give the new car a 0-62mph sprint time that’s a tenth-of-a-second quicker, at 4.2 seconds.

To see what all that means out on the road, we took hold of the Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel and headed for the twistiest, bumpiest stretch of tarmac we could find to put the RS through its paces. And whatever we threw at this ultimate 911, the stiff set-up – which is enhanced by the standard Porsche Active Suspension Management system (PASM) – shone through with its sheer versatility. Even though the ride is firm, the PASM set-up ensures that it never becomes uncomfortable.

The car generates huge amounts of grip, too. This is partly because of the competition-spec Michelin Cup semi-slick rubber, which is fitted as standard. However, the wider body (shared with the four-wheel-drive Carrera 4 variant) and the extra 34mm added to the rear axle also play their part here.

The slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission winds the storming unit to the 8,400rpm red line quickly. By using a lighter clutch and flywheel, the engine revs even more freely than in the standard GT3. Yet although this machine’s focus is clearly on performance, it hasn’t come at the expense of comfort; the RS does provide drivers with some degree of luxury.

Air-conditioning is a no-cost option, and the racy Clubsport extras package – which comprises a rollcage, six-point driver’s seatbelt, fire extinguisher and battery cut-off switch – is also included in the standard figure.

Deliveries of the new GT3 RS begin in the UK this month, with prices starting from £94,280. However, Porsche doesn’t exactly need to go hunting for sales; there’s already a healthy waiting list for the 700 or so examples in the company’s first batch off the production line. It seems driving enthusiasts everywhere can’t wait to go green!