KEY POINTS:
Porsche has launched the full-noise version of its ultra-desirable GT3. And the 2008 GT3 RSR is officially most powerful 911-based race car produced so far.
The GT3 has an impressive on-track history, with wins last year at the Le Mans, Spa and Nuerburgring 24-hour endurance races in the
GT2 class.
Most noticeable on the 2008 version is a revised front end which, according to Porsche engineers provides a marked improvement in aerodynamics. Flicks, the curved additions to the front apron, redirect airflow through an altered ducting system with side exits drop drag while assisting downforce
The fat back-end and adjustable rear spoiler were taken from last year's model.
But underneath there's a host of changes, most notably to the suspension, which allows a wider range of set-ups to be dialed in.
At the front McPherson spring strut axle combines with Sachs four-way gas shocks, with double coil springs and camber-adjustable front axle arms plus adjustable sword-type anti-roll bars on both sides. At the rear a multi-arm axle with a rigidly mounted subframe again joins four-way Sachs dampers and double coil springs. A reinforced adjustable axle tie-bar and dual anti-roll bars for each side mean massive adjustment capabilities.
The 3.8-litre six-cylinder horizontally-opposed engine in the RSR is essentially the same beast as fitted to the out-going model, but a few improvements see output bumped to 342kW at 8,000 rpm with maximum torque of 430Nm pushed out at 7,250rpm. The rev-cut kicks in at a 9,400rpm redline.
A trick, all-new sequential six-speed gearbox, drawing on lessons learned in the production of the RS Spyder prototype sheds a lot of weight from the 2007 equivalent.
Drivetrain durability is significantly increased with a reduction in internal friction and an oil/water heat exchanger. Flat-angled drive shafts allow engineers far more leeway with suspension set-ups.
A balance bar system allows bias adjustment of the braking system, which uses billet six-pot aluminum calipers at the front, wrapped around 380mm inner-vented rotors, and four-pot calipers and 355mm discs at the rear.
You'd expect all of the goodies to ship in a top-of-the-line Porsche factory racer, and the RSR doesn't disappoint, with a data-logging Motec dash, adjustable traction control, a fast-fill 90-litre fuel tank, air jack, welded-in roll cage and a flame-resistant race seat for safety. The six-point harnesses have been adapted for use of the HANS device and there's even an on-board electric fire extinguisher for 'those days'.
If you're in the market for a hardcore, purpose-built race car, and have a wallet that needs a forkhoist to lift, the 2008 911 RSR can be yours for just 349,800 Euro (about $650,000). Plus tax, of course.
