EXCLUSIVE: 2017 Porsche 911 GT2 RS development ramps up
At first glance you may think that this is none other than a facelifted Porsche 991 GT3 RS undergoing its initial testing at the Nürburgring. However, take a closer look at all the revised and camouflaged details and you’ll see something quite different. This is the next 2017 Porsche 911 GT2 RS.
Compared to the widowmaker test mule we spotted last month (which was spied wearing a standard 991.2 Turbo body shell), this particular car does bear more than a passing resemblance to the current 911 GT3 RS but there are a multitude of key revisions that show this is, instead, its turbocharged brother.
At the front, the leading edge of the front bumper is larger (no doubt increasing front downforce), while the fascia itself has been changed quite dramatically, especially around the central air intake, which now has a much blunter shape, reminiscent of the Porsche 997 GT2 RS.
The front arch exit vents have been retained while the GT3 RS’s induction scoops on the rear wings will no doubt have been put back to their original job, supplying air to the 2017 Porsche 911 GT2 RS’s intercoolers, à la the 911 Turbo.
However, it is at the rear where the greatest number of changes over the 991 GT3 RS can be seen. As is the de rigueur with turbocharged Neunelfers, the new 911 GT2 RS’s tailpipes have been moved to the outer edges of the rear bumper.
The widowmaker prototype also shows the exhaust being mounted higher than normal, allowing Porsche to experiment with a new rear diffuser. This should dramatically improve rear downforce and allow the Porsche 991 GT2 RS to transmit its rumoured 700hp onto the road once it is released in 2017.
With two turbochargers now mounted inside the GT3 RS body shell, Porsche looks like its is still working on solutions to cool the blowers; this particular prototype sports a number of make-shift holes drilled in the outer edges of the rear bumper.
On top of its expected monumental power, the next Porsche 911 GT2 RS looks like it will live up to its Rennsport badge too, with the GT3 RS’s carbon fibre bonnet and magnesium roof (both complete with scalloped centre) retained on this test mule.
Whether the car comes with a mandatory PDK gearbox, or the option of a manual shifter, these latest spy shots have us very excited indeed. We can’t wait for the official launch, rumoured to be scheduled for the first quarter of 2017.
What do you make of the next Porsche 911 GT2 RS? Is this the most hotly anticipated 991 Neunelfer yet? Join the debate in the comments below, or head to our Facebook and Twitter pages now.
Comments (1)