2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Specs, Price, Photos, & Review

This Porsche 911 is strictly for speed.

The Porsche 911 GT2 RS takes the incredible Porsche 911 sports car DNA and brings it to the absolute maximum. With incredibly lightweight construction that brutally refuses to compromise in the name of pure performance, dynamics, and speed, and a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine that has been brought up to a mind-blowing 700 horsepower, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS is a fearsomely capable performance car that will invariably impress on any road or track.

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Price

If you are looking to purchase a new example, the most prominent Porsche 911 GT2 RS specs is the suggested retail price of 293,200. For that amount, you will have a curb weight of 3,236 lbs and a power-to-weight ratio better than a fighter jet. Given the volatility of the Europen Union, Germany’s major banks are suggesting their clients invest in Porsche’s most powerful model, as it will offer better returns than stocks or bonds. Imagine buying a 964 or 930 a few years ago, if you have the means this car will appreciate to a healthy profit. Porsche is not limiting the 911 GT2 RS production numbers, so hopefully, mine is on the way.

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Review

The 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS specs do not disappoint. In fact, it is the most powerful 911 that Porsche has ever created. Allow us to review this mean machine so you can make an informed purchase. The source of this power is the same twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat-six engine founds in the 911 Turbo S. However, Porsche has turned up the power exponentially. When compared to the 2011 GT2 RS, the 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS horsepower number is 80 more horsepower and 37 more lb-ft of torque. It stands as the flagship for their motorsports (RennSport) division, sending all of its power to the rear wheels. The GT2 class doesn’t allow 4WD or AWD, so this is the modern Widowmaker.

In an ideal world, every Porsche 911 would be All-Wheel Drive. However, purists who enjoy oversteer can use the accelerator to simply overpower the rear tires. Technically known as “Throttle Induced Oversteer”, it is known as a power slide, or simply drifting. What really makes the Porsche 911 GT2 RS specs so much fun is rear-wheel steering. Without driveshafts or a front differential, the rear wheels are programmed to turn opposite of the fronts by 2.8 degrees. This effectively shortens the wheelbase by adding 45 degrees of steering input below 30 miles per hour. On the contrary, above 49 miles per hour, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels. In this mode, they only move by 1.5 degrees which makes a world of difference on high-speed tracks. Having such a small turning circle is like having an ACME rocket with a go-kart attached.

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Engine

The latest in turbo technology results is an astonishing 700 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The VarioCam system constantly alters the timing of all 4 cams to make the optimal use of 22 lbs of boost. Mated to the proven engine is a customized seven-speed double-clutch transmission Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK). With the efficiency that this transmission provides, the new Porsche 911 GT2 RS rockets 0-60 mph in just 2.7 seconds, reaching a top speed of 211 mph (The 911 Turbo S has a 0-60 mph time of 2.8 seconds).

Bigger is better in most areas, but the Porsche 911 GT2 RS top speed needed strength instead of size. That is why it uses a 3.8L engine instead of the 4.0L found in the naturally aspirated Porsche 911 models. It reaches maximum power at 7,000 rpm and offers a combined 17 MPG.

MUST READ: Porsche 911 GT2 RS Smashes The ‘Ring Record

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Design

Weighing in at 3,241 lbs, the car is already very lightweight. However, the optional Weissach package ($31,000) can drop the weight by an additional 40 lbs. This package includes magnesium wheels (25 lbs reduction), carbon fiber components (roof, antiroll bars, and end-links on both axles). Another feature in the Weissach package is the carbon fiber weave of the luggage compartment lid that is left mostly exposed, with a decorative strip in the vehicle color running centrally along with it. The 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS is available to order with a base MSRP of $293,200, not including the $1,050 delivery fee. Styling is where the Porsche 911 GT2 RS specs allow it to stand apart from lesser models. Aerodynamics are the main focus, with spoilers, vents, and intakes keeping it glued to the track.

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Transmission

It takes a beefy gearbox to handle 700 horsepower. We love manual transmissions, but they simply can’t handle this level of power. Even and odd numbered gears have their own clutch. While one is engaged the other is already shifted into the next gear. In PDK Sport mode, every shift happens in the twinkling of an eye. The Porsche 911 GT2 RS specs include a transmission that is loaded with hardened steel parts & shot-peened shafts. It shifts in milliseconds and it does so with authority. Unlike lesser models, engine power and ignition timing are not cut during the shift so you will have uninterrupted power to 211 mph. The ratios are very close to keeping the turbos in boost. The last 3 gears are overdrives which might seem counterintuitive, but this car has more than enough power to overcome the mechanical disadvantage. Bolted to a 3.96 differential it offers a quarter-mile time of 10.5 seconds. We cant wait to see it in the half-mile and top speed shootouts

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Top Speed on the Autobahn

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Brakes

Something this fast needs to stop on a dime. So the Porsche 911 GT2 RS specs include 16″ carbon-ceramic rotors up front. They are 1.4″ thick and are gripped by six-piston monoblock calipers. The rears are 15.3″ and just as thick. The rotors are drilled and have turbine vanes between their faces to help in cooling. The calipers are fixed and their pads are commanded by Porsche Stability Management. It combines ABS and Traction Control along with torque vectoring. The best part of the system is that it has several modes, with completely off being the most fun. They were pushed to their limits to achieve a Nurburgring time of 6:47.30, five seconds faster than the previous production car.

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Interior

Remember when Air Conditioning was an option? Well, Porsche remembers. The interior arrives ready to race, the only standard equipment is the TrackPrecision package and power windows. Navigation, A/C, and the radio can be added for no cost, but who needs the extra weight? If you opt for the Weissach Package, you will have the 918’s carbon fiber seats, and an Alcantara steering wheel. The wheel has no controls to distract the driver. Another great Porsche 911 GT2 RS specs is the analog instrumentation. Digital displays are pretty, but they are hard to read when you are focused on the track. The Sport Chrono package is standard equipment along with a roll cage. It has plenty of headroom for your helmet and the seats are ready for your racing harness and HANS device.

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Standout Features

This car is loaded with unique parts from the dive planes in front of the wheels to the winglets on the spoiler. But allow us to blow your mind with some of the features you might not be expecting. The electric power steering is a variable ratio. From 17:1 on center to 13:1 at full lock. But that is not limited to the front wheels. The rear wheels have 2.8 degrees of steering that turn with or against the fronts depending on speed. Speaking of those rear wheels, they are 21″ x 12.5″ wide and have 325/30/ZR21 rubber. One of the best Porsche 911 GT2 RS specs is that maximum torque is available from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. Nobody is getting the drop on you because you don’t even need to downshift- apply the skinny pedal and leave them behind.

Caveat Emptor

Should you choose a Porsche 911 GT2 Weissach, know that it is not for the inexperienced. One must first undertake to learn how the car reacts in its various driving modes. From there, it is essential to corner-weight the car to your preference. Keeping the fuel level consistent will also hold the nose down. Once you get the hang of it, start dialing up your sway bars front to rear to find the limits of your rear tires. Should you still want more, Porsche offers carbon fiber wheels from their Exclusive department. Even lighter than the magnesium, you will learn how to achieve a perfect line through each corner. Allow stability and traction control to teach you because ignoring them can only be achieved after years of rear-engined experience. Porsche will never again allow the Turbo to have such power, so the GT2 RS for sale is your only choice for Rear-Wheel drive perfection.

Images Sourced From Porsche