2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS 'Weissach'
The Porsche 911 GT2 RS ‘Weissach’ represents the zenith of the 911 lineage, melding raw power with advanced technology to create a supercar that’s as track-capable as it is thrilling. Launched at the 2017 Goodwood Festival of Speed, this beast has carved a niche as one of the most potent and technologically sophisticated iterations of the 911.
At the heart of the GT2 RS is a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, delivering a staggering 700 PS (691 hp) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque. This setup makes the GT2 RS the most powerful production 911 ever produced. The engine’s performance is paired with a 7-speed PDK transmission, designed to handle the immense power and provide lightning-fast gear shifts. Porsche claims a 0-60 mph time of just 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 211 mph (340 km/h), placing the GT2 RS firmly in the supercar elite.
The Weissach package, named after Porsche’s Weissach Development Center, is an optional upgrade that enhances the GT2 RS’s performance by reducing its weight by 30 kg (66 lbs). This package incorporates advanced materials such as carbon fibre and titanium. Key components include a magnesium roof, carbon-fibre anti-roll bars, and titanium coupling rods. Additionally, the Weissach package features magnesium wheels produced by BBS, further contributing to weight reduction and improved handling.
The GT2 RS ‘Weissach’ is not just about raw power; its design is equally focused on performance. The car’s extensive use of lightweight materials, including a carbon-fibre front lid, rear wing, and polycarbonate windows, helps achieve a dry weight of just 1,470 kg (3,241 lbs). The aerodynamic enhancements, including a revised front splitter and rear diffuser, maximise downforce and stability at high speeds. The car’s drag coefficient of 0.35 ensures that it cuts through the air with minimal resistance.
The 911 GT2 RS ‘Weissach’ has set several records, underlining its extraordinary capabilities. Porsche test driver Lars Kern piloted the car to a lap time of 6:47.3 around the Nürburgring Nordschleife in late 2017, making it the fastest production car around the track at the time. This feat was later surpassed by a 6:40.33 lap in a GT2 RS MR prepared by Manthey Racing. Additionally, the GT2 RS has set records at various North American circuits, including a lap time of 1:24.88 at Road Atlanta and 1:22.36 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
Inside, the GT2 RS ‘Weissach’ combines racing-inspired elements with high-end finishes. The cabin features lightweight bucket seats, carbon-fibre trim, and a minimalist design that prioritises driving dynamics over luxury. The focus is on providing a driver-centric experience, with every control and feature geared towards enhancing performance.
The Porsche 911 GT2 RS ‘Weissach’ stands as a testament to Porsche’s engineering prowess and commitment to performance. With its blend of power, lightweight construction, and cutting-edge technology, it delivers an exhilarating driving experience that’s hard to match. As one of the most capable and exclusive 911s ever built, the GT2 RS ‘Weissach’ not only sets new standards in the supercar world but also solidifies Porsche’s legacy as a leader in high-performance engineering.