2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS First Look Review: King Of The Breed

Power and speed are useless on the track unless you can push it to the limit as you clip those apexes. The GT3 RS ensures maximum grip with its fixed rear wing and larger front lip spoiler versus its previous generation. Along with its underbody diffuser, the GT3 RS's combined aerodynamic elements generate double the downforce of the non-RS GT3 at 124 mph, Porsche claims. Further aiding its track-minded mission, the GT3 RS is constructed of lightweight polyurethane body panels at the front and rear, a magnesium roof, carbon-fiber NACA ducts, carbon-fiber reinforced bucket seats, lighter glass and door panels, and it rids itself of the rear seat in favor of a roll-cage crossbar. Want sound insulation? Get a Turbo.

From the factory, the GT3 RS's 20- and 21-inch wheels (front and rear) are wrapped in 265/35 and 325/30 ultra-high performance tires for a wildly staggered stance. Keeping that meaty rubber planted is Porsche Active Suspension Management, rear steering, and a fully variable electronic locking differential with torque vectoring. You'll need all the traction you can get as this GT3 RS uses cross-drilled 380mm brakes front and rear to bring the party to a hurried stop, but you can also option your way into 410mm front and 390mm rear carbon ceramic brakes that weigh around 50 percent less.

All the GT3's performance doesn't come cheap. An optional Weissach Package and lightweight, forged magnesium wheels reduce weight even further to 3,153 pounds when ordered together, but they'll make your pocketbook lighter, too, as their combined cost rings the till at $31,000-$18,000 for the package and $13,000 for the wheels on their own. Those options will be available following the initial launch. When the GT3 RS arrives at U.S. dealers this fall, expect to shell out at least $187,500 plus a $1,050 delivery fee before you even look at the options list.

Comparatively speaking, those with the wealth and want for a sports car like the GT3 RS don't have a vast swath of other options. TheMercedes-AMG GT Ris a bit more powerful and about $30,000 less than the GT3 RS, but not as quick to 60 mph. Meanwhile, theMcLaren 570Sis just as quick to 60 mph as the GT3 RS and has a greater top speed, but it costs a few grand more. And if you don't mind going the domestic route, Chevrolet will bring itsnew Corvette ZR1to dealers later this year, which is capable of a higher 212 mph top speed for about the same price. Even Ford will happily sell you a track ready, 526-hpMustang Shelby GT350for much less than the GT3. Every one of the GT3 RS's competitors has a V8, too.