Porsche launches GT3 RS 4.0 29 | 04 | 2011

PORSCHE HAS beefed up the performance of its already very pacy 911 GT3 RS by adopting the new naturally aspirated 4.0-litre version of the company’s venerable horizontally opposed flat six-cylinder engine.

The new powerplant increases the output by 50bhp over the current 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine used in the existing 911 GT3 RS; that takes it to a mouthwatering 493bhp, equalling that of the 911 Turbo. The new 911 GT3 RS 4.0 now boasts the highest displacement engine ever offered in a road-going version of the 911.

Porsche claims it will cover the 0-62mph sprint in 3.9sec , 0.1sec inside the time quoted for the old model. It also quotes a 0-124mph (200km/h) time of under 12sec. The old 911 GT3 RS's equivalent was 13.3s.

The new car also gets new aerodynamic package that features downforce-enhancing deflector vanes, called flics, on the outer edges of the front bumper. There's also additional developments which are claimed to increase the maximum downforce acting on the rear axle to over 190kg. In its standard setting, the rear wing permits a top speed of 193mph.

Only 600 examples of the new 911 GT3 RS 4.0 will be built at Porsche’s traditional Zuffenhausen manufacturing plant. The car will be sold old exclusively in an all-white paint scheme at a price of £128,466.

CLICK HERE to see more photos of the 911 GT3 RS 4.0

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Jim McGill