(continued from above)
The motorsport-derived 4.0-liter engine, already the highest displacement 911
engine ever, also features the highest per-liter output - 125 horsepower (hp)
per liter - from a naturally aspirated Porsche flat-six engine. The engine uses
forged pistons, the connecting rods are fashioned from titanium, and the
crankshaft has been lifted unchanged from the 911 GT3 RSR race car. It achieves
its maximum power of 500 hp at 8,250 rpm. Maximum torque of 339 lb-ft is reached
at 5,750 rpm.
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 offers truly impressive performance,
lapping the famed Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 27
seconds. Available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, the 2012 911 GT3
RS 4.0 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds, and with its gearing
designed for the race circuit it reaches the 124 mph mark on the race track in
under 12 seconds.
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0's outstanding driving dynamics come
from numerous, meticulously coordinated details. In addition to using suspension
components typically encountered in motor racing, weight reduction is also of
supreme importance. Equipped as standard with lightweight components such as
light but strong carbon fiber sport bucket seats, carbon fiber front fenders and
luggage compartment lid, and weight-optimized carpets, the two-seater's
ready-for-action weight is just 2,998 lbs with a full fuel tank. The 911 GT3 RS
4.0's power-to-weight ratio is 5.99 lbs/hp.
The limited edition 2012
Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is
painted Carrara White as standard and emphasizes its proximity to motor racing
by its dynamic appearance. Signature characteristics are the wide track, the low
vehicle position, the large rear wing with side plates, central twin tailpipe,
and the aerodynamically optimized body. Air deflection vanes mounted on either
side of the front bumper - called 'flics' or dive planes - make their first
appearance on a production Porsche. They create increased downforce on the front
axle, and together with the steeply inclined rear wing, provide aerodynamics on
par with its performance capabilities. As a result, at the 193 mph top track
speed, aerodynamic forces exert an additional 426 lbs of downforce, thus pushing
the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 onto the road.
With a manufacturer's suggested retail
price starting at $185,000 (excluding destination), the 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
4.0 goes on sale in the United States in late 2011.
