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Porsche 991 GT3 RS: from prototypes to production

We have often referred to the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS as ‘the worst kept secret in the automotive world’. Why? Because we’ve known roughly what it would look like since 16 April 2014 when we spotted the first prototypes in the vicinity of the Nürburgring.

With their Turbo body shells, complete with air intake scoops on the rear arches, some rumoured that the new Rennsport would be turbocharged. Some even thought we may be looking at a potential 991 GT2 RS instead.

These first shots showed the Porsche 991 GT3 RS without those aggressive front arch louvres. Instead, a piece of tape, bent into a gentle parabola hinted that 997 GT3 RS 4.0-esque dive planes would be used to increase front downforce.

Photo by CarPix
Photo by CarPix

There was also plenty of camouflaging tape on the bonnet and roof, hinting that there would be styling changes to come on the full-blown production version. Would it be a roof scoop? Is it just a ruse?

The following day – 17 April 2014 – we got our first snaps of the car attacking the Nordschleife [above] and it became obvious that the new GT3 RS sat much lower than the standard GT3. We also got our first glimpses of the new carbon fibre decklid.

Looking pretty ready for production, we were expecting the 991 GT3 RS to be unveiled at the end of the year. However, by then the GT3 engine saga was in full swing, delaying the Rennsport’s release.

A few months later, a video surfaced [above] from another test at the ‘Ring putting to bed the turbocharged rumours. The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS would definitely feature a naturally aspirated flat six combined with a PDK gearbox.

After a hectic Spring and Summer of GT3 RS spottings, it wouldn’t be until 11 December 2014 that we would get our first glimpses of the car without any camouflaging.

Camping out in Northern Sweden, our Total 911 spies spotted the car winter testing [below], revealing more pertinent visual details, including those pressure-relieving arch vents and the bonnet/roof groove.

Photo by CarPix
Photo by CarPix

With so much of the car on show, it was obvious that a launch wasn’t long away and, with Geneva – home of the 991 GT3’s unveiling in 2013 – a launch at the first European motor show of 2015 seemed the most likely option.

Our suspicions were confirmed early in the new year but, despite knowing what the car would look like (thanks to further leaked models and photos) it didn’t make the prospect of the new Rennsport any less exciting, especially as we knew few technical details.

Now, with the car on show to the world, the secret is finally – and officially – out in the open [below]. The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS looks truly amazing in Lava Orange. All we know have to wait for is our first drive. Until then, we can only continue speculating and comparing to Rennsports of old.

911 GT3 RS

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