New details have just emerged regarding some of the features and specs of Porsche’s upcoming track-centric monster, the 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Regarded by some fans as the ultimate Porsche when it comes to setting staggering lap times, the GT2 RS even trumps the monstrous GT3 RS when it comes to going around race tracks.
Official specs
The head of the GT development team at Porsche, Andreas Preuninger, recently revealed a slew of new exciting details regarding the new model. The company also brought out a prototype version of the 911, which was used for various demonstrations.
Under the hood, the GT2 RS utilizes the same engine as the 911 Turbo S. However, Porsche has gone to great lengths to beef up the engine’s output, making it almost indistinguishable from its original form. The twin-turbo charged 3.8-liter flat six Cylinder Engine from the Turbo S now generates a staggering 641 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. That is a big jump from the 604hp engine that was found on the previous GT2 RS.
The new model is an ultralight vehicle that is expected to weigh under 3,300 pounds. Several components such as a titanium roll cage, magnesium wheels, and a carbon fiber roof all contribute to the weight savings. A Weissah package, which will shave off a few more pounds, is also expected to be offered.
Innovative technology
To achieve the immensely upgraded power output, Porsche fitted the six-cylinder engine with significantly larger turbos with increased boost pressures. The engine also sports custom made internals such as pistons, rods, crankshafts, and other components. Porsche also threw in a titanium exhaust system to let the engine breathe better.
The most interesting upgrade, however, has to be the new water spray intercooler system that has been installed on the engine. The system is similar to the BMW M4 GTS, where water is directly sprayed into the combustion chamber to both cool down the engine and to help with the combustion process. The biggest downside, however, is that drivers will be required to fill up an on board water tank from the time to time.
According to Porsche, the GT2 RS need to be filled up with water after three laps around the Nurburgring.
No manual transmission
One of the most disappointing news to Porsche purist would have to be the lack of a manual transmission option for the upcoming 2018 model. The vehicle will only be offered with a seven-speed PDK transmission. Porsche claims that the torque output from the newly upgraded turbo engine was just too much for a manual transmission, which is why they had decided to offer the new 911 as an automatic only vehicle. The new RS2 is expected to be available sometime this summer.
