2015 Porsche 911 GT3 RS new details

We know the next-generation, 991-series Porsche 911 GT3 RS is due out next year, and that it will almost certainly come exclusively with Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch transmission.

Now we have some fresh details on the latest in a line of outlandish 911s that date back to the legendary Carrera RS 2.7 of 1973 and have served many a track enthusiast well. Automobile is reporting that the next 911 GT3 RS won't land in showrooms until the second half of next year, making it a 2015 model.

DESIGN

While the 2014 911 GT3 chassis already adopts the wider body of the all-wheel-drive 911 Carrera 4, RS trim will see an upgrade to the extra-wide body of the recently revealed 2014 911 Turbo. This body adds an extra 30mm of girth to the body of the 911 GT3, which is already around 43mm wider than the regular 911.

Carbon fibre and an even more spartan cabin will be used to lighten the chassis of the already lithe 911 GT3, which weighs in at 1430kg. Other performance tweaks are said to include a shorter final drive ratio, improved aerodynamics and stiffened suspension.

TRANSMISSION

We’ve already outlined why Porsche is no longer offering a conventional manual on its ‘purist’ models, but there’s more to it than just performance. Engineering the car for two transmissions necessitates added complexity and cost, and the PDK’s hydraulic pump is said to be necessary for the car’s other components. Porsche’s new four-wheel-steering system is also expected to feature.

ENGINE

As for the engine, it’s still not clear what route engineers will take. One possibility is using an enhanced version of the 911 GT3’s 354 kilowatt 3.8-litre flat-six. Another possibility is using a production version of the 4.0-litre engine featured in Porsche’s latest 911 RSR endurance racer, a class winner at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. The latter, however, may be reserved for something special like 2012’s 911 GT3 RS 4.0.

ON THE WAY

Note, there are two other extreme Porsche 911s still in the works. They include a new 911 GT2, which was recently spied and is also due out next year, and a new 911 GT2 RS, which we’re expecting sometime in 2015.

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