Key Points: Paint Protection Film (PPF) Applied To Whole Car, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, Porsche Communication Management System.

In common with its predecessors, the Porsche 911 (997.1) GT3 RS is a homologation model for use in a range of racing series.

Introduced in Europe in October 2006, it is 20 kg lighter than the 997 GT3, weighing in at 1,370 kg. This weight-saving was achieved by the use of an adjustable carbon fibre wing, a steel engine cover, and a lightweight plastic windscreen. The body is 64mm wider at the rear than the standard GT3, concealing a wider track that not only improves directional stability but also increases the potential cornering grip. Inside, two carbon-composite racing bucket seats come as standard.

It is powered by Porsche’s 3.6-litre naturally aspirated ‘Mezger’ flat-six, which sends around 409bhp to the rear wheels via a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission. The weight savings give the 997 GT3 RS an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 300hp per tonne, resulting in a 0-60mph sprint time of just 4.2 seconds, 1/10th of a second faster than the GT3. It takes just 13.3 seconds to hit 124mph, and the maximum speed is 192mph.

Production of the 997.1 GT3 RS ended in 2009, with only 1,168 vehicles delivered worldwide.