In the rarified air of the high-performance sportscar, the normally-aspirated engine is still something to be desired. It’s an element purists vaunt highly, though with the way things are going, the ‘originals’ are getting fewer as the more modern turbocharger comes more into use.
The Porsche GT3, in this regard, can be considered one of the last true originals, with its high-revving four-litre straight six that in-house tuners at Flacht have just given an extra 15kW to bring output to a serious 383kW in the new GT3 RS.
That’s right, the Porsche 911 GT3 can be expected to do the zero to hero in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 312 km/h and a seven-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox being the only option. No manual gearbox on offer.
While most cars in this category rely on turbos to achieve performance, the Porsche makes do with a seriously screaming 9000 rpm redline and a linear power band that is best achieved with natural aspiration.
The RS has had some of the extra weight ripped out, sound deadening in this case, which just gives more opportunity to enjoy that close-to-redline audio vibe. Then you can opt for the Weissach package that drops the weight to 1430 kg with magnesium wheels and other small alterations.
The interior is not much different to before, except that you get a set of proper racing seats with carbon fibre backrests. It is for racing, after all.
The car runs on a staggered wheel set up, with 20-inchers up front and 21-inch wheels at back.
You can trot down to the dealer and order your GT3 RS already. Just have a spare R3 220 000 on hand and the most powerful GT3 yet is all yours.