The article was originally produced on March 26, 2011, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS Mk2

Motorsport is the translation of the German word RennSport, which RS stands for. And that is exactly what Porsche has had in mind when they built their RS models since the 70s. The ingredients in the RS models are stronger engines, weight reduction, cage, shell seats and a lot of other things that make the cars into full-fledged racing machines that thrive best on the track. 

With the addition of Mk2, the GT3 RS has undergone an update since Mk1 in the form of a bored-out engine from 3.6 liters to 3.8 on the boxer six which is now at 450 horsepower, 15 horses more than its predecessor. The weight has also been reduced with the help of a lithium ion battery which reduces the weight by 10 kilos, the rear wing is now fixed with aluminum braces. And an extra lightweight titanium exhaust system also helps keep weight down.

What is also synonymous with Porsche's RS models is that they threw out all comforts such as radio, air conditioning, door opening handle and instead made the car uncompromising and very aggressive in its emphasis. This is something you quickly realize when the key is turned and the car starts. The sound that comes out of the two middle-mounted titanium pipes at the back is sharp and raspy but very good-sounding. 

Hard driving with rock hard clutch is what you might expect in this type of super sports car, but instead you are surprised by the total opposite behavior of the GT3 RS. The car is light-footed and no problems at all to drive in dense German morning traffic. To get a real racing feeling, we will visit the old Solitude racing track, which is located just outside Stuttgart. The track that was used between 1924 and 1965 and has a length of just over 1.1 miles. The dream had of course been to drive to the Nürburgring, but the distance there is too far and the car is only on loan for the day from Porsche. 

However, Solitude offers a series of lovely curvy sections that really let the car show what it's good for. And it is with real pleasure that you get through each curve, the GT3 RS is so incredibly well balanced and does exactly what you direct it to. This is partly thanks to an active engine mount that can adjust the position of the engine laterally in hard cornering to always have the best weight position for the engine in all positions.

The Porsche GT3 RS Mk2 is a true joy machine and all the hours of work put in by the technicians at the factory in Zuffenhausen are clearly noticeable when you drive the car. This is a dream on four wheels and it begs its driver to go faster and harder every time you start it. This could arguably be one of the best cars in the world for its purpose, to have 100 % fun the whole time it's running.