World Auto News & Reviews

The New 911 GT3 RS Forms a Basis for Motorsport

In October 2006, Porsche will launch the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS on the European market. The GT3 RS is distinguished by its performance capability and an unadulterated driving experience similar to that of a racing car. But while particularly suited for use on the track, the car also meets all requirements for road-legal sports cars.

The reference “RS” will quicken the pulse of Porsche connoisseurs. Models such as the legendary Carrera RS 2.7 of 1972 and the 1991 Type 964 911 RS were also sports cars that stood out on account of their extreme degree of maneuverability and handling. That tradition is continued with the new 911 GT3 RS. In common with its predecessors, it provides an homologation model for use in a range of racing series.

The exceptionally powerful, normally aspirated engine boasts a displacement of 3.6-liters to generate 415 bhp at 7,600 rpm. Maximum revs are reached at 8,400 rpm. The power output per liter of engine capacity is 115.3 bhp. These figures are shared with the recently-announced 911 GT3, but bespoke drivetrain components in the RS ensures it puts in an even better performance. Thanks to a close-ratio six-speed transmission with a single-mass flywheel and 44 lbs lower vehicle weight, the engine revs up even more freely, thus enabling the 911 GT3 to sprint from zero to 62mph in 4.2 seconds. That’s one tenth of a second faster than the GT3. And it takes just 13.3 seconds to hit to 124 mph. Top speed is 187 mph.

One characteristic of the new RS is the body, which is 1.7 inch wider at the rear (a legacy from the Carrera 4 models with which it shares its shell) by comparison with the 911 GT3. The muscular-looking rear end conceals a wider track that not only improves directional stability but also increases the potential cornering grip of the two-seater coupe.

Despite its specialized body, the RS is 44 lbs lighter than the GT3, weighing in at just 3031 lbs. This weight-saving was achieved by the use, amongst other solutions, of an adjustable carbon fiber wing, the use of a plastic rear lid and a lightweight plastic rear window. As a consequence, the corresponding engine power to kerb weight ratio is over 300 bhp per tone.

With a view to the registration regulations for the important GT motor racing championships as future fields of application, the road version of the GT3 RS features technical attributes that will also appear in the racing version. These solutions will include the design of the entire wheel carrier and split wishbones on the rear axle, in addition to the carbon fiber components of the body.

The interior of the 911 GT3 RS lives up to the vehicle’s sporting aspirations: two lightweight bucket seats made of carbon fiber composite materials come as standard, together with a bolted-in roll cage and pre-wiring for a battery master switch. A six-point seatbelt for the driver and a fire extinguisher are also provided. Internal trims are black, with the roof lining, steering wheel and gear stick trimmed in high-quality Alcantara leather.

The available exterior paint finishes are Arctic Silver metallic or Black; as an option, the GT3 can also be obtained in Orange or Green. All vehicle insignia and the wheels themselves are styled in orange or black to contrast with the body paintwork.

The basic price for the 911 GT3 RS in Germany is 129,659 €. The GT3 RS will also be available for sale on the North American market from March 2007. The price in dollars will be announced at a later date.

 

The New Track-Only MC12 Corsa Based on the Championship-Winning Car

Maserati has taken the wraps of its $1.7 million supercar, a new track-only version of the World Championship-winning Maserati MC12 called the Corsa and which will only be sold to valued Maserati customers who will be restricted to using their new supercar on private track days.

“This is a unique opportunity to own a car that is the reigning GT World Champion,” says Edward Butler, General Manager for Maserati in Australia and New Zealand. “The world-beating racing car was developed from the Maserati MC12 road car and the Corsa is derived directly from the GT1 racing car exclusively for track use. It will not be homologated for road use.”

“The MC12 Corsa has been developed in response to the customer demand to own the MC12 racing car and fuelled by the growth in track days, where owners can drive their cars at high speeds in the safety of a race track without the obvious constraints of normal road use,” says Mr Butler. “Without doubt the MC12 Corsa is the ultimate track day car!”

The 756 bhp MC12 Corsa has been developed from the MC12 GT1 which won the 2005 FIA GT Manufacturers Cup. It will be used exclusively on track during private test sessions and exhibition activities organized by Maserati. It will not be homologated for road use or for any racing activity.

The Maserati MC12 Corsa, which is living testimony of Maserati’s ability to individually tailor make unique cars with the highest technological content, will be on sale at the price of a $1.7 million in September. Available in the official Maserati “Blue Victory” color, it may also be personalized upon request with several optional items.

Total production of the Maserati MC12 Corsa will not exceed 12 units worldwide.

German auto magazine Auto Bild reports that BMW will offer a Mercedes SL-fighter, with their new Z6. The Z6, which replaces the Z8, likely will also feature a hardtop-convertible, like the SL. It’s also rumored to be about 550 pounds lighter than the Benz, thanks to extensive use of ultra-light materials. Expect a price tag south of the $130K of the old Z8.

We knew Corvettes were fast, but not this fast. There have been 21 complaints of ‘Vette convertibles, with the removable hard top, that have actually launched their roofs while driving. So far there have been no injuries reported, and GM has issued a recall.Snippet: It affects 2005 and 2006 Corvette models that have painted, removable hard tops, which come on about 40 percent of the $45,000 sport coupes.The recall is embarrassing for GM, which prizes the Corvette as one of its best engineered and designed vehicles.

When we posted pictures of the 911 GT3 RS and GT2 we thought the 997 chapter was finally closed, but it looks like there’s one more variation headed for production. This spy shot shows what looks to be a production ready Targa, which is essentially a standard coupe with a really big sunroof. Actually, nearly the entire area above the driver’s head is glass and the whole piece slides back for a near convertible experience. It’s pretty slick, but Porsche sold so few of them the last time around we’re not guaranteed to get it in the States.