Daily Slideshow: Welp the Rumors Were False... 2019 911 GT3 RS to be Fastest NA 911 Ever!

Purist's Choice

Every year, we're supposedly nearing the end of the naturally aspirated engine as we know it. Smaller displacement, forced induction powerplants are the future, automakers tell us. They're able to make the same (or more) power as their N/A brethren, yet they do so with improved efficiency. And while turbocharged/supercharged engines are cool in their own right, we purists prefer the linear, predictable power afforded by natural aspiration. And thankfully, that old tradition carries on with the new 911 GT3 RS. At least for one more year!

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By the Numbers

The 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, in fact, is the automaker's most powerful naturally-aspirated 911 ever built. And sure, the numbers are impressive - 520 hp, 346 lb-ft of torque, 9,000 rpm redline, 193 mph top speed, and a flat 3.0-second 0-60 time. Unfortunately for purists, the GT3 RS is only available with a 7-speed PDK transmission. No manual this time. But the rest of this amazing package more than makes up for that little detail.

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Small Changes, Big Results

Perhaps more importantly than the car's 20 hp boost over the "regular" GT3 is its highly modified chassis. Handling is enhanced thanks to re-calibrated rear axle steering, the addition of ball joints on every arm, and lightweight 20/21-inch staggered wheels with newly designed 265/35 front and 325/30 rear tires. Porsche believes that those changes, along with some weight savings, will shave a whopping 10 seconds off the old model's Nurburgring time.

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Light on Its Feet

The other piece of that speedy puzzle is, of course, aerodynamics and weight reduction. In addition to the normal GT3 stuff, the RS also adds a carbon fiber trunk lid and fenders, along with a magnesium roof. Some GT2 RS parts trickle down as well, including NACA ducts to aid brake cooling and a massive rear wing that produces twice as much downforce at 124 mph than its sibling. Opt for the Weissach package, and you'll get even more carbon bits and magnesium wheels to lighten things up even further.

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Putting Fears to Rest

So at least for now, we can put aside our fears that Porsche will take away one of the last pieces of purist joy from its most pure sports car. We've lost a lot of beloved things along the way, from manual transmissions to air-cooled engines. Ultimately, we wouldn't be surprised if we eventually lose naturally aspirated 911s altogether, too. But at least for one more model year, we can all still sleep well at night!

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