Porsche Unleashes a 700-HP Track Monster: The 911 GT2 RS

CARS.COM — Porsche unveiled the updated 2018 911 GT2 RS at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom, revealing the most powerful, most outrageous 911 the automaker has ever crafted. Porsche focused on the 911 GT2 RS’ powertrain and construction, creating an absolute track monster thanks to the combination of more power and less weight.

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It starts with modifications to the twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine that sits out back. It’s been boosted to 700 horsepower now, with 553 pounds-feet of torque. That’s 80 more hp and 37 more pounds-feet of torque than the last GT2 RS — the 2011 — made. The motor is partnered with the Porsche’s GT seven-speed dual-clutch Porsche Doppelkupplung transmission. And that means that it will run from zero-to-60 mph in just 2.7 seconds and tops out on the track at 211 mph, according to Porsche. That’s supercar fast.

How did it get so fast? The GT2 RS is rear-wheel drive — no all-wheel drive to weigh it down — and it’s been subjected to an extensive lightweighting program to shave off pounds. Porsche calls it a race-bred chassis, and given its construction, that’s not far off the mark. The front fenders, wheel housing vents, mirrors, air intakes, front luggage compartment hood and parts of the back end are all made from carbon fiber, while the roof is stamped magnesium. The GT2 RS tips the scales at a relatively svelte 3,241 pounds with a full tank of gas, thanks to those weight-saving measures and a titanium exhaust system that’s 15 pounds lighter than the one in the Porsche 911 Turbo S.

Want to shave off another 40 pounds? Opt for the Weissach Package, which brings magnesium wheels and more carbon fiber bits, such as the roof, anti-roll bars, axle end links, and forgoes paint on items such as the luggage compartment lid and roof.

It also looks the part, for sure. The interior gets a makeover in a sportier vein, with an interior done up in red Alcantara (faux suede), black leather, carbon fiber and aluminum. There are only two seats in the GT2 RS, allowing a roll bar to be fitted behind the front passenger seats. Full bucket seats with carbon fiber reinforced backrests are standard, as is a GT2 RS sport steering wheel.

And if you want everyone to know that you’ve bought a GT2 RS while you’re not actually in the car, you can wear the new wristwatch from Porsche Design that’s delivered along with your car. The watch was developed by Porsche Design, which developed its movement in-house, a first for the company. It features carbon fiber and tungsten design elements meant to evoke the GT2 RS, and is only available to buyers of the car.

The Porsche 911 GT2 RS may be supercar fast, but it’s also supercar pricey — the cost of entry for this track-focused exclusive beast will be $294,250, including destination, when it arrives at U.S. dealers in early 2018. Add in another $31,000 if you want the exclusive Weissach Package. But don’t wait for it to arrive at your dealership. If you want one, you better get on the phone with your favorite Porsche salesperson now, as these are sure to get snapped up by collectors quickly.